【Full Movie】姜颂Doppelganger💖A novel character woke up and killed the female lead?!
My lady, men and women should maintain proper boundaries. This does not comply with the rules of propriety. Indeed, it is against propriety. Drugging someone to seek intimacy. Offering oneself shamelessly. Sister, do you have no sense of shame? Enough, Yaozu! Your sister is only thinking about the future of our Jiang family. Isn’t she doing it for the sake of our household? She is vain and materialistic. She looks down on Zhang San, to whom she was previously betrothed. And she climbed her way up to marry into the Chancellor’s family. Although the Jiang family has fallen on hard times, we must not curry favor or seek glory by disgraceful means. Selling oneself for status is unacceptable. May I ask for your name, my lady? My master has always been upright and honorable. He is willing to take responsibility for your reputation. He will come to propose marriage in a few days. My name is Jiang Song. Jiang Song. This piece was specially embroidered overnight by the best embroiderer in these parts. The colors of this brocade are dazzling, like clouds glowing in the sky. Look at this cloud pattern and the stitching. It was all specifically instructed by Scholar Cui. Whoever becomes his bride must have the very best. Is it the most expensive? Naturally, it is. That’s all that matters. Yaozu, you should stop being so angry. Zhang San was wholeheartedly devoted to her, yet she climbed up to Scholar Cui. Is she even worthy? You men get to pick and choose your wives, so why can’t I choose a good husband? Why can’t I aim for a better family status? If Father knew this in the afterlife, after Father passed away, the Jiang family declined. If I hadn’t managed our household affairs, would you have been able to focus solely on your studies? I refuse to stay low and humble. I want to climb higher. Is that so wrong? It is my duty to bring honor to our family. I will do it with dignity. Not like you. If I could pass the imperial exams and gain a position, why would I use my body to marry into a higher family? Don’t men rely on others to climb up too? They rely on their fathers, and many rely on women too. Stop pointing fingers at me and take care of yourself. You— Yaozu, where are you going? Yaozu! Madam! Yaozu! My lady. Don’t listen to Alang. You still have many good days ahead. I’ll go bring Madam back. Fire! There’s a fire! Hurry! Fire! There’s a fire! Come, come! Jiao Jiao is still inside! My lady, my daughter is still inside! My lady! Jiao Jiao! Jiao Jiao! Please, help save my Jiao Jiao! I beg you, save my daughter! This is her retribution for drugging the Chancellor’s son. So ambitious, yet so fragile. Yaozu! Please, I beg you, save your sister. Mother— The fire is too big! No one can save her now! Jiao Jiao! Jiao Jiao! Jiao Jiao! Jiao Jiao! Jiao Jiao! Jiao Jiao! Jiao Jiao! Jiao Jiao! Jiao Jiao! Jiao Jiao! Father is here to take you. Father… It turns out, when you’re near death, you really can see loved ones who’ve passed away. Come with me. No one else will come to pick you up anymore. Jiao Jiao, be good. Father will take you to buy candied hawthorn. Just like when you were little. Miss Jiang. Scholar Cui. My elder sister had a short life. Danger. Something bad is going to happen to the Prime Minister’s son. Let’s leave quickly. Don’t get yourself dragged into trouble. Hey, don’t leave! What nonsense are you spewing? Miss Jiang! Miss Jiang! Jiao Jiao, be good. Jiao Jiao. Call me Jiao Jiao. Teach me to be delicate. Yet you take advantage of my fragility. In this world, being Jiao Jiao is a curse. I hate this nickname. Father, don’t you remember? Hurry, come with me. You’re not my father. You’re just an illusion. Despair. And death. Miss Jiang. Jiao Jiao. Jiao Jiao. Young Master Cui. My lady, my lady! Jiao Jiao. Jiao Jiao. Mother. Are you okay? Mother, I’m fine. You scared your mother to death! Mother, let’s go home. Jiao Jiao. Scholar Cui went to save you. He hasn’t come out yet. Young Master Cui. Cui You’an. Jiao Jiao has finally waited for you. Jiaojiao. Why… Why are there two older sisters? Who are you? They both fainted as soon as they came back. What on earth is the other one? I don’t dare to go in. Two Miss Jiangs… It’s too scary. Could they be a demon? Shut up. Investigate the cause of the fire. What happened tonight must not be known to more people. Especially the people from the Prime Minister’s residence. Understood. My lord. The Third Prince is still waiting for you. What do we do now? Sigh… Scholar Cui, take care! Mother. We must quickly figure out who the real older sister is. The wedding is in seven days. If rumors about demonic spirits spread… Forget the wedding being called off, even my future official career will be affected. Haven’t you always blamed your sister, saying this marriage was dishonorable? And now you want to protect your reputation, while also reaping the benefits? You need to learn to be smarter. Be kinder to your sister. Our Jiang family is relying on her marriage. Mother. Jiaojiao. Mother. Jiaojiao hurts. Mother, Jiaojiao hurts. Alright, alright, alright. Mother, so how is it? Have you figured it out? I asked some questions, things only your older sister would know. Both of them could answer them. Mother. Jiaojiao wants to drink the sweet soup you make. I’ll go cook some sweet soup for you. Hurry up, hurry up, hurry up! Hello, Jiang Song. Nice to meet you. Here’s a little gift for you. Isn’t this my mother’s hairpin? Yes, it’s your mother’s hairpin. She just gave it to me to cheer me up. And now I’m giving it to you. Here. Haven’t you always liked this? Who are you, really? Who am I? I’ll keep that a secret for now. I wouldn’t want to scare you. But you can call me Jiao Jiao. I know you don’t like that name anyway. From now on… You’re Jiang Song. And I’m Jiang Jiao Jiao. Never thought you’d survive that fire. Don’t worry. I’ll help you start over and live a new life. Was it you who started the fire? No, it wasn’t me! It wasn’t me! I wouldn’t stoop to such tactics like you. If it wasn’t you, then who was it? Just call it divine retribution, okay? Why would I deserve that? You’re vain and materialistic. Scheming to the core. Even exploiting Choi Yoo-an’s kindness. Isn’t that enough to invoke heaven’s wrath? Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you find a good destiny. From now on… You need to be a good person. Jiao Jiao. Zhang San. What are you doing here? You told me to come in through the back door at this time. Then take you away, remember? It was her! She wants to use this to get me kicked out of the Jiang family. Jiao Jiao, let’s elope! I gave up being the prime minister’s wife to run away with you. For what? To open a porridge shop with you? Jiao Jiao. Back then, it was my father who paid off your family’s debt. We already have a marriage agreement. That marriage was arranged by my uncle. What does that have to do with me? Besides, does repaying a debt require selling oneself? If you won’t leave with me, I’ll die right here today. Don’t. Don’t let your blood dirty my new dress. Scholar Cui personally delivered the wedding attire. It’s really too kind of him. Since it’s my day off, I brought it along. Jiao Jiao, come over quickly. I’ll put the wedding attire away properly. Please wait a moment. Thank you, madam. Cui. Cui You’an. You’re not Lady Jiang. I am Lady Jiang. But I’m not the scheming Jiang Song. I’m Jiang Jiao Jiao, sent by the heavens to bring you happiness. Heavens? Even if I told you, you wouldn’t understand. Anyway, you just need to know that it’s destiny for me to marry you. And you, will fall in love with me. But I have a marriage agreement with Lady Jiang. What’s the big deal about that? Look, we look exactly the same anyway. Just choose me. Are you really going to marry someone who schemed against you just for the sake of responsibility? Your grandmother told you to give this jade pendant to a truly admirable woman. Does Jiang Song deserve it? How do you even know about this? Because I was sent by the heavens! You, the daughter of a failed merchant, why do you think you’re too good for me? Why? Why are you laughing? If I don’t laugh, do you want me to cry? Or beg for mercy? Keep dreaming. Don’t let your hands tremble when bullying the weak. Pathetic. Shut up. You shut up! Jiao Jiao, let mother help you try this on. Come, this is my wedding dress. Yes, you look gorgeous. This is bright red. It fits perfectly. Doesn’t it look great, Jiu Jiu? It looks amazing! The embroidery is so exquisite. Mother, I’m about to get married. Mother… That Scholar Cui really put effort into this. My dear, you… How did you get injured? Once you’re married, Mother will feel at ease. Qi Qi… Go and tell her. It really looks beautiful. Why did you have Qi Qi ask me to come here? I’ve been kneeling here all day, praying to every god and spirit above. I just drew a divination lot. Guess if it’s auspicious or ominous? What are you praying for? First, I prayed for your disappearance. Second, I prayed that I could marry above my station. If Cui You’an weren’t a gentleman, how could you possibly succeed? You shouldn’t force it. You should repent. Yes. And that’s why I drew the worst fortune lot. Your intentions are impure. The gods and spirits will never side with you. You should have died in the fire. I lived in your place and turned your life around. But why should I let you live my life? Because if you had survived, you would have only ended up as a neglected housewife in a deep, isolated home. Without thoughts, without a soul, your life would merely consist of competing with other women and pleasing men. But I am different. In my original life, what I learned in a day is beyond what you could achieve in a lifetime. My thoughts can stand shoulder to shoulder with the most brilliant minds of this era. I can stand as equals with them. The difference between us is like the chasm between old and new worlds. This isn’t your fault. It’s an era that molded women like you. You carry too many flaws. Even the finest porcelain loses its value once cracked. But I am different. I am flawless. Why are you laughing? Thankfully… Thankfully what? Thankfully, I survived. Otherwise, my story would have been completely narrated by you, reduced to nothing more than the stain you once bore. But who am I? That’s for me to decide. If I choose to speak, no one can silence me. Not natural disasters. Nor manmade calamities. No one. You… You… you killed him… What a pity, my new dress still got stained. Lady, do you truly believe I live in this world out of kindness or virtue? Fools and dimwits. I drew the worst fortune. It must be the gods telling me, to stop yearning for the best blessings. But in my life, when have I ever had the best blessings? Repentance. Why should I repent? What wrong have I done? I will fight my way out of this mire, to become the one who climbs higher, like the trumpet vine reaching for the skies. Miss Jiang. Look, on this day every month, he comes here to pray for the well-being of all. A person this good, why should I let you have him? The things I seek and wish for, if the gods won’t grant them to me, I’ll take them myself. Miss Jiang, your intentions are not pure. The gods and Buddha won’t side with you. Young Master Cui, Miss Jiang, what are you doing here? I came to offer incense. Young Master Cui, I have something I wish to say to you. Please speak, Miss Jiang. They all say, I’m taking advantage of your noble heart to fulfill my dreams of wealth and fortune. They say that despite being low-born, I have ambitions as high as the heavens. That’s nonsense. Who doesn’t come into this world bare and leave alone? Those from so-called noble families, may appear glamorous, but fleeting glory and sudden downfall are common. Had I not benefited from my family background, what kind of a gentleman would I be? But I’ve made mistakes. Do you truly not mind? What mistake have you made? Back then, your uncle forced you to marry someone you didn’t wish to. It was out of sheer desperation that you acted. The ones in the wrong are them. You face too many hardships in this world. Just as the Buddha fed the hawk, though I am a mere mortal, I am willing to offer my humble help, to rescue you just once. All beings suffer. Why do you choose to save me in particular? Because, you are among those beings. Beneath the watchful eyes of the Buddha, one’s heart must be sincere, and one must not utter falsehoods. Of course. I’ll take you back. Alright. What isn’t yours, even if you seize it, you won’t be able to hold onto it. I have never encountered a woman like you before. Radiant, bold, and unrestrained, as if unafraid of anything. Stop worrying about what others think. In your previous life, did you live freely and carelessly? Of course! That’s wonderful. Since I was young, I’ve never even left this city. Here, it’s really hard to live like a proper person. It’s very difficult. Stop always blaming the environment. Sometimes you need to think about yourself. Are you kind enough? Do you always help others? So, because I’m not kind enough, I end up being bullied? How interesting. I’d love to see how you use kindness to change people. Still alive. You scared me to death! That was way too ruthless. Here’s a kind reminder: This is not a game. If you lose, you die. If you keep letting her get away with her misdeeds, she’ll harm even more people. Sister, eat. What’s wrong? Nothing. Top Scholar, even my gambling debt, you dare not repay? Once my sister marries into the Chancellor’s household, of course, I’ll have the money to pay you back. Oh, please. Do you really think the Chancellor’s household will let a poor brother-in-law like you make any profit? Listen, I’ve calculated it. Your sister and my son are a perfect match astrologically. Let her marry my son, and the debt will be written off. Otherwise, your shameful deeds will surely become public knowledge. Your son. Your son is already… dead, isn’t he? What are you thinking about, brother? Nothing. From her bold and reckless behavior these days, she doesn’t seem like the real elder sister. Why not hand her over? Sis? I saw performers outside. Sis, would you like to go watch? Of course, I want to! I’m bored to death here! Let’s go quickly! The moment I step out of this door, I’ll be taken for a ghost marriage, won’t I? My dearest brother, you… What ‘you’? Call me sister! Sister. Sis, you have to save me! Sister! Sister, open the door! Sister! Did you know? That woman seems to have mind-reading powers! She must be a demoness! And she said she would have Master Li chop me to death! You have to help me! Get lost! Wait! She even took money from your bank! To bribe people from the Chancellor’s residence! Aren’t you going to do something? Where is she? What a beautiful bride. Who are you? Time to fetch the groom! A ghost marriage? Jiang Yaozu sold me off! A woman’s marriage, is ultimately decided by her family’s head. Your brother has already agreed. I am a person, not livestock! You made a good sum of silver, be content! Truly a beauty like a flower. Pity my son. Madam. We’re both women. Please spare me, will you? Silence! Who do you think you are? Serving my son is your good fortune. Madam. The auspicious hour has arrived. Let me go! First bow to the heavens and earth. Let me go! You survived the fire. It must mean you were spared. To endure this tormented bride scenario for me. Second bow to the parents. This is your deserved retribution. Don’t blame me for it. Third bow, to each other as husband and wife. Jiujiu. My dear wife, what’s wrong? Prepare the carriage. I need to go out. At this hour of the night? Go. Yes. Why are you smiling? On the day of my grand wedding. Shouldn’t I smile? Should I call you father- and mother-in-law now? Good that you’ve come to terms with it. Being part of the same family with you is a blessing. Indeed, a blessing. Alright, let’s continue. We mustn’t miss the timing. To the bridal chamber. Let go! I can do it myself. Master. Shen Que’s arrival in the capital seeking the Tiger Tally. Claims it’s to defend against invaders at the borders. But in truth, he covets military power. The Third Prince and the Prime Minister are quite worried. It’s a ghost marriage. You don’t need to bother with this, my lord. My lord. Choi Woo-An. How dare you! How can you address Choi Woo-An directly? Such a strong smell of alcohol. Get away from me. My lady, your actions seem quite improper. Shut up. Rules, rules! You only care about rules! I’m a woman. Can’t you just cheer me up? Life is short. Why not do something fun? You’re drunk. Choi Woo-An. You look so good. You look like the moon in the sky. You’re beautiful, yes. But a bit cold. Mind your manners. Choi Woo-An, I want to tell you a secret. What is it? This is my first kiss. Nineteen, take her back. No, no! Come with me! No, no, no! Let’s go! I’m not going back! Choi Woo-An! Let’s go! Let me go! Choi Woo-An! Where are we now? Eager to meet your dead husband, aren’t you? Are we near North Street? Get on the bridge. Move aside! Who dares block the bridal sedan of Lord Lee’s household? Are they soldiers? Trying to call for help? Go ahead and shout all you want. These days, who cares about the life of a woman? Naturally, no one does. But, Be careful with fire. North Street, midnight, soldiers. Right now. Guards! It’s a rebellion! The heavens have perished! Li Tian shall rise! The time has come! All is well under heaven! Do you want to die? Reciting treasonous poems like that? Trying to get us all killed? Shut your mouth! Father! Mother! Haven’t you always missed your son? I’ll send you to meet him right now! Are lords and generals born special? Open the door quickly! Shut her up! Hurry! Quick! Come on! If I die, we all die! No one gets to live! Shut up, you wretch! Guards! It’s a rebellion! The treasonous poem you recited is a grave offense. Do you realize your crime? According to our laws, even harboring treasonous thoughts results in the whole family being executed immediately. Aren’t you afraid of death? Afraid, yes. But I’m even more afraid of my enemies staying alive! General! This woman is rambling nonsense! It has nothing to do with me! I am willing to kill her myself to prove my innocence. Li Wuchang! Don’t you remember me, Shen?! I’ve been searching for you for years! Three years ago, during the Battle of Xinma River, you fled and helped the Hu attack our army’s rear. Yumen Pass was on the verge of falling! You! You’ve mistaken me for someone else! An enemy’s face— I’ll remember it no matter how many years pass! The soldiers have killed someone. Master! Hurry, go! Master! Master! Master! Shen Que, your eyes resemble those of an old acquaintance of mine. General Wang, for the sake of our past acquaintance, please spare this humble girl. You really want to live? Yes, I really do. For the sake of survival, would you sacrifice everything? Why There’s nothing more important than my survival It is quite similar to her My life is at the mercy of the General I beg for the General’s compassion You’re out of luck. Someone who looks like you reminds me of an old foe. I have a grudge against them. Young Master Cui. There’s no arrow. General Shen. This is my betrothed. Just kidding. My apologies. General Shen has just returned to the capital. Ignorance can be forgiven. But please advise the General to be cautious in all matters. Yes. Shen Que is but a mere commoner, without roots or ties. Scholar Cui, you are a noble of royal lineage. Thank you for the reminder. I shall take my leave. I’m fine. It’s not my blood. Let me take you home. Alright. Young Master Cui doesn’t seem to get along with that general earlier. Have you heard of Zhang Chao? The frontier general Zhang Chao? I heard he’s achieved countless military successes. But he’s cruel and ruthless. He slaughters cities and kills prisoners. That’s his adoptive father. Compared to him, Shen Que… …is even worse. What’s wrong with Lady Jiang? Nothing. Cui You’an. Nineteen, let go of me! I told you I’m not going back! Cui You’an, it was just one kiss! Why are you dodging? That was an accident! What accident? It was me; I did it on purpose. So what? You… This is the first time I’ve seen Young Master Cui angry. I am not angry. I ran into her at Guanyin Bridge earlier. I found out she was drunk. So I told Nineteen to take her home. But who would’ve thought… Really? Well, what a coincidence! Stop pretending. You think you can replace me and marry Choi Woo-an? Dream on. You’re really lucky. I never thought you’d survive this time too. Are you crazy? This is your doing again, isn’t it? It wasn’t me. It was your brother. Want to ask how I know? Because I can foresee the future. That’s impossible. Why wouldn’t it be? Both your sisters have shown up. What else isn’t possible? I even know next spring’s imperial exam questions. You went gambling just to gather money to buy the exam questions, didn’t you? You even know that? I told him those things just to save myself. How would I know he’d let me go but sell you off for a ghost marriage? This isn’t my fault. Unlike you, I have principles. I have a bottom line. What are you doing? Yaozu. Yaozu! He wants to sell me off for a ghost marriage! That’s Yaozu’s mistake. But you’re his elder sister. He has always respected and loved you since childhood. If you guide him more, he’ll change his ways. Jiang Song. Fine. I’ll take care of this. Jiang Yaozu. What are you guys trying to do? Someone reported that he attempted to bribe an examiner. We are here under orders to arrest him. I didn’t! I’m innocent! My son is just a scholar. How could he possibly do such a thing? Enough talking. Take him away. Yes, yes. No! What are you doing? Move! No! My son! Mother, don’t move! Mother! Yaozu! Help me! Run! Madam! Yaozu! Madam! It was you who reported to the authorities. Jiaojiao, quickly go and tell them! Yaozu is innocent! Hurry! Mother! I am also falsely accused! Yaozu, don’t be afraid. Madam! Mother will use everything we own to get you out of this! Yaozu, my son! Injustice! Madam! Madam, I’m innocent! My son! Mother! Don’t touch me! Yaozu! Yaozu! Everyone knows how great immortals are. But only descendants are unforgettable. Your Majesty’s descendants are all exceptional, pillars of the nation. What do you know? Shen Que. At your service. Your godfather sent you to request troops from me? You An. Here I am. Your father has petitioned many times, asking to designate the third prince, born of the empress, as crown prince. Your fathers are both loyal to the country and the people. Yet I still have an unresolved matter, and I cannot focus on anything else for now. I am willing to share Your Majesty’s burdens. Good, excellent. In the third year of Yongyou’s reign, the deposed Crown Prince Xuande was demoted to commoner status. Not long after, he passed away from illness. His only son, Chengze, fell into the common people’s world, and his whereabouts are unknown. Your Majesty wishes the two of us to find the imperial grandson, to fulfill Your Majesty’s love for your kin. I accept the decree. He claimed to have been wronged by treacherous people. He vowed to fast to uphold his integrity. Are you hungry? I won’t accept charity food. Very well. Three. Two. One. Wait! I’m hungry. How dare you mess with me! Do you believe I’ll kill you? I was the one who always went hungry before. No matter how hard it was, I never let you suffer. Now it’s your turn to experience it. Is it my fault that the family is struggling? Do you think I don’t have my own burdens to bear? You hide at home all day, unaware of the storms outside. Which sister doesn’t help her brother? You’re too selfish. General Shen! General Shen! Stop right there. Why are you running? We meet again. I still prefer how you looked last night in your wedding dress. This humble woman greets the General. Is that your brother? Men, take him away. Yes, sir! Sister, let’s go! You have to save me, Sister! Hurry up, Sister! Sister! Save me, Sister! General, what is the meaning of this? I’m rather curious, Miss Jiang. In your heart, what is the most important? Your family, yourself, or Cui You’an? This humble woman does not understand what the General means. Scholar Cui took an arrow for you last night. A man willing to die for a woman, even I am moved. If the woman remains indifferent, what kind of heartless person must she be? Don’t you think so? Yes. Young Master Cui’s affection for me is something I will surely cherish. Good. Very good. Ah Mo. General. Let him experience every single torture device. You will personally oversee the punishment. Make sure he doesn’t die too quickly. Understood. Let me ask you one last time. Who will you choose? I don’t understand what the general means. Please enlighten me. Fine. I will be direct. His Majesty has ordered me and Cui You’an to find the missing imperial grandson. If he gives me any leads I will spare your brother’s life. Speak. I am unwilling. The general may do as he pleases. I transmigrated into the novel ‘Pamper’. At the beginning of the story, the scheming, low-status Jiang Song climbs her way to the high and mighty Cui You’an. But she accidentally dies in a fire before the wedding. Modern girl Jiang Jiaojiao, which is me, traveled into the fire, was mistaken for the ancient woman, and rescued. Married the destined male lead first, then fell in love, turning her life around. Perfect! Except… the original woman hasn’t died yet. Could this change the story? The next part of the plot should be: Cui You’an gives Jiang Jiaojiao an invitation. The banquet at the Prime Minister’s residence. Where’s my invitation? Young Master Cui What are you doing here? I heard about your younger brother being imprisoned. Need any help? No need. It’s time he suffered a bit. By the way, tomorrow is my father’s birthday banquet. Your aunt will be attending. She mentioned wanting to see you. Me? Dear wife, that’s the Empress! Here’s the invitation. Thank you, Young Master Cui. My wife will surely attend. My dear wife, we’d better dress properly to visit the Prime Minister’s residence. A butterfly flies past the Guanyin Bridge, Little butterfly, fly on. Here. She’s been mad for so many years. How pitiful. Lucky you’ve been helping her all this time. Eat slowly, there’s more. You little rascal. Here. Off you go. She’s so easy to deal with. This Jiang Song, no wonder she was the original cannon fodder I replaced. I was born to be the main character. I’ve got this. Yaozu, You’re the only heir of the Jiang family. Mother, how can I face our ancestors? It’s all over… it’s all over. She harmed you to this extent. She wants to dig out her mother-in-law’s heart. This isn’t a game. If you lose, you’ll lose your life. She’s so cruel even to her own brother. She absolutely cannot be kept alive. Hesitation in making decisions only leads to chaos. I can’t afford to be soft-hearted anymore. Exactly. This outfit really suits you. Doesn’t it? I love this mercury color the most. Prime Minister. Official Li and Young Master Wang have both arrived. Congratulations! Please, come inside. Congratulations! Here, congratulations! Lord Li, congratulations to you. This way, please. After you. Please, please. His Majesty’s health is worsening. At such a critical moment, he’s seeking the descendants of the deposed Crown Prince. Could he be considering establishing a new heir? Your Majesty, there’s no need to worry. The Third Prince succeeding the throne is destined by heaven. Cui You’an. A merchant’s daughter, a shameful seductress. How dare she dress as an aristocratic lady? How vulgar. At best, she can only rely on her looks to serve others. According to the novel storyline, seizing the opportunity tonight, I can make Cui You’an fall for me. Why is it you? Where’s Lady Jiang? She couldn’t come due to some matters. So I’m here in her place. No one can replace her. And no one can replace me either. You’an. Is that the woman you’ve mentioned? Come, let Auntie take a good look. Auntie, she… Cui You’an. Do you want the Empress to find out about the strange occurrence of there being two Jiang Jiaojiaos? You’an has loved going to the temple since he was a child. I was always afraid he’d become a monk. But now that I’ve seen you, I feel relieved. By the way, what birthday gift did Lady Jiang bring? Show us and broaden our horizons. Could it be that she didn’t bring anything? Oh, don’t embarrass Lady Jiang. The Prime Minister has surely seen all kinds of rare treasures. That may be true, but one should still show proper manners, right? It’s the thought that counts. Your Majesty, the Empress. I have prepared a gift for you. I’m afraid my gift will leave everyone dazzled. Alright, let’s have it presented. Let go of me! Lady Jiang, you won’t be attending the banquet today. Get away! Get away! Don’t scream. Behave yourself! Get away! Let go of me! Behave yourself! Let me go! Mother! I told you not to scream. Mother, save me! You old fool, don’t meddle! Or I’ll kill you. Get lost! Mother! My dear mother! If I die, will you cry for me? Will you regret abandoning me out of fear? Will you realize, that I, too, am a child who needs her mother’s protection? Let go Mother Mother Come back to me Let go Still trying to run? I’ll make sure you can’t run Run Let her go Let her go You scoundrel! You scoundrel! Let her go Get lost Filthy beggar One after another One after another Wake up Don’t sleep, I’ll take you to a doctor Don’t sleep Don’t sleep Let’s go No need I’m so tired My whole life I’ve been sold too many times As a daughter A concubine And a mother This time I can finally be myself My name is Ah Die A little butterfly Flying past the Guanyin Bridge And crossing The Gate of Reincarnation Ah Die Wake up Ah Die Ah Die Wake up Stop right there Isn’t that the crazy woman? Finally dead Please, dear official, have mercy I want to give her a proper burial What a joke, a nameless, lowly commoner. Not even qualified to enter the ancestral hall. And you want a proper burial? Such vagrant corpses, should all be thrown into the mass grave to feed the dogs. Have mercy, Your Honor, take her away. Please, Your Honor, have mercy. Go, no! No, Your Honor! Please, Your Honor! I beg you, let go! Let me bury her properly! If you don’t let go, I’ll cut off your hand! General Shen! You lot! Instead of upholding justice, you’re here stirring up trouble. You deserve punishment. General, we are being wronged here! According to our laws, the bodies of nameless individuals are to be thrown into the mass grave. Yet this woman insists on burying her. Such blatant disregard for the law! Indeed! Please, General, show mercy beyond the law, and allow me to bury my benefactor. And why should I show mercy? General, you’ve been pursuing justice for years. You even killed Sergeant Li. Surely you are someone who settles every score. What if… What if… I can avenge you? Silence! What revenge are you talking about? General, you mentioned before, That I resembled someone you once knew. If I can help you find her, would you allow me to bury her? Please? Fine. Shen Que. Long time no see. She harmed her own family. She’s not my daughter. My Jiao Jiao was well-behaved. She’s not Jiao Jiao. Mother, do you think I’m human or a ghost? You brought me into this world, but I don’t like it here. Before I leave, I just wanted to see you. Good girl, don’t scare your mother. Are you repenting, or trying to deliver me? Why did you treat me this way? Have you forgotten? You caused Yaozu to lose an arm. He’s completely ruined! When he nearly took my life, you told me to forgive him. When the Jiang family forced me to marry, you told me to accept it. When another Jiang Jiaojiao appeared, you let her stay. Because with two daughters, you could help Yaozu gain twice the leverage. Mother, do you really not recognize your own daughter? Piece by piece, do you truly think I don’t see through it all? You’ve suffered, but if it weren’t for you, if it weren’t for you, would I have endured so much pain in this Jiang family? Fortunately, I had Yaozu to bring me pride. He could have had a limitless future. He could’ve earned me honor. But you ruined everything. Was it my fault to be born your daughter? It’s not your fault, but you are my daughter. I’m suffering here, and you must suffer with me. A mother and daughter’s fate is intertwined. One day, you’ll become me, and then you’ll understand me. You’re wrong. I won’t follow your destiny. You will decay and rot in this Jiang family cage. But, Mother, look at me. I’m alive. I’m not a ghost. I’m different from you. I will escape. Stop dreaming. I can’t leave, and neither can you. I’m still here. What makes you think you can leave? You’re my flesh and blood. You want to sever our bond? It’s not that easy. Our bond has already been severed by your own hand. Jiao Jiao, I beg you, please don’t leave. Have pity on your mother. You are all I have left, darling. I once imagined that my death would make you regret. But I know now it’s not worth it. Because my life is the most precious thing I have. But not anymore. Because I know you won’t regret it. You’re mad. You… How could this happen? How could this happen? You can’t kill me. If I die, you won’t survive either. You’re insane. My face… You once said, no matter how beautiful a porcelain vase is, it’s worthless if it’s cracked. You’re broken now. You have no value anymore. You’re crazy. What good will this do you? Your face is ruined too. Jiao Jiao… We are different. I am human, not a porcelain figure. I don’t need to be perfect. How did you get hurt like this just by going home? I did it to myself. Kill him. Wolf Fang. Wolf Fang, Wolf Fang. Wolf Fang. Wolf Fang. It’s him. This guy, he just wants to die. He doesn’t even dodge when being hit. Pointless. Find someone else. I know you don’t care about living, and you don’t want to be their fighting dog. But for you, I’ve staked a very, very big gamble. He’s ignoring you. Just find someone else quickly. My father is dead. My uncle sold me as a slave to Master Zhuang. I don’t want to be a slave. He’s ignoring you. Does that mean you’ve lost? Ten. Master Zhuang made a bet with me. He said if I win, I can go home. Eight. I’m not gambling with your life, nor am I treating you like a fighting dog. The gamble I placed is my own life. Please, I beg you, please help me. If you die, I won’t survive either. Five. But look, the weather is really nice today. Maybe don’t die just yet. Three. Let’s live together, okay? Two. One. Time’s up. You lost. Wolf Fang. Enjoy your feast! Tear her apart! I beg you, please help me. Tear her apart! Tear her apart! Tear her apart! Saved! Give it back to me! Defeat him, and I’ll give it back to you. Tear him apart! Get up! What kind of fight is that? General! She… she fell! She’ll climb back up on her own. No movement… Could she be dead? Dead. If she’s not, she’ll climb back up herself. So tired… How about you just leave me here and bury me. Bury you here? Where’s your friend lying? Adie, you have a home now. I’ll give you one day to seek justice. Tonight at midnight, we’ll settle this. I owe you my life. Tonight at midnight, I’ll repay it. I thought I’d have a better future by following her, but she got disfigured. It was all for nothing. Wait. What’s wrong? You… You hit me! I’m the mistress. And you’re my servant. I hit you because I can. Kneel down! But didn’t you say, everyone is equal? I can sell you off. Why should I treat you as equal? Mistress, please don’t sell me. I was wrong. I truly know I was wrong, Mistress. When dealing with you ancient people, I should use ancient ways. I should’ve done this earlier. Prime Minister. What brings you here? Shoo, shoo, shoo! I know the whereabouts of the Emperor’s grandson. I want to propose a deal with you, Prime Minister. Nonsense! How could you possibly know? It’s a long story but purely by chance. This is a grave matter. I wouldn’t dare deceive you, Prime Minister. What do you want? I want you to help me get rid of someone. Someone insignificant to you. Who? An impostor dreaming of taking my place. Take the suspect away. But he attacked you. And he killed the refugee, Ah Die. To the magistrate’s office. It’s him. Mom, mom, Huzi is scared. I report to the magistrate. This Ma Ru Hu has had mental issues since he was a child. He occasionally falls into bouts of madness. When he relapses, even he can’t control himself. Yesterday, when he attacked this lady, it wasn’t intentional. He was in the grip of his madness. Here, I have a diagnosis from Doctor Wang from South Gate, confirming Ma Ru Hu’s condition. Present it for me to see. Indeed. According to our dynasty’s laws, those who commit crimes during episodes of madness are not subject to imprisonment or execution. I order Ma Ru Hu’s family to take him home and confine him. He must not be let out. I, a common woman, cannot accept this. He’s faking madness! Last night, he was clearly fully conscious. You, woman. Sharing intimacy with him is already disgraceful. Do you wish to make it public, especially when the deceased is just a lunatic woman? Court dismissed. I hear Ma Ru Hu has been released without guilt. Released without guilt? It seems someone powerful is backing Ma Ru Hu. Where is Jiang Song now? I was too careless. I let her escape. She won’t run away. There she is. Why is he here? It’s him! Help yourself, eat whatever you like. Dear customer, come and have a look! Hurry up, come and take a look! Feel free to browse, take your time! You beast! I was so excited last night that I couldn’t sleep. Who knew killing could be so much fun? That lunatic’s death was totally worth it! Well done! Come on, hit me! Go ahead, hit me! Serves you right! Let me make sure you enjoy this before you die. Let me go! Let me go! Let me go! Let me go! Let go of me! It’s done. Go clean up the body. Yes. Nothing special after all. What? How is this possible? Sorry. I forgot to tell you. I smeared poison all over my body. To be precise, it’s a rural poison specifically used to kill beasts. It’s just perfect for you, isn’t it? Oh, that’s right. Did you enjoy it? You can’t kill me! Bìshen is watching you! That’s right. The gods guide us all. How could I kill someone under their watchful eyes? Give me another chance. I won’t do it again. I… This way, you won’t see it anymore. Where are you going? Going to find your mom to change your diaper! Help! Shh! It’s not even midnight yet, do you have a death wish? Jiang Song. Why would I want to die? Life is so good. You have no idea how hard I’ve worked all these years, how hard I’ve tried to stay alive. In this world, life isn’t worth much, but I still treasure mine. They always say, ‘Just wait for your next life.’ They say you sell flowers in this life, and you’ll be beautiful in the next. The next life, the next life… Will it really ever come? It’s midnight. It’s time to end this. This life, I’m returning it to you. If you don’t act now, I might start to regret it. The grievance we want to settle, is it only hatred? This boy has been an orphan since he was little. He grew up eating food donated by many households. He’s strong but dim-witted. Kicked from one family to another, he eventually ended up with me. A waste. Go with your new master, be a good dog, and beg her to sell you to a better place next time. You rascal. I’ve already paid you the money. Leave. Thank you. You’re free too now. Why are you running? The doctor already said, if you don’t rest properly, you’ll die. The doctor said he’s never seen anyone as beaten up as you. There’s not a single unscathed part of your body. You must have gone a long time without eating or drinking, right? I’ll make whatever you want to eat. I’ll get you whatever medicine you need. You’re not allowed to leave. And then? What do you mean ‘and then’? When your pity is completely exhausted, and your sense of superiority is fully satisfied, then what? What are you talking about? What do you mean? You’ll sell me to the next master, won’t you? I won’t sell you. I’m not your master. And you’re not my slave. We’re friends. You’re not allowed to leave. Step aside. I can’t let you go. Every time you run, I’ll chase after you. You can run a hundred or a thousand times, and I’ll chase after you a hundred or a thousand times. I won’t give up on you. Don’t worry. Shen Que. Shen Que. Candied hawthorns! I found you. Candied hawthorns! Don’t miss out, take a look! Come again! Fresh fruits, fresh fruits! Take a look! What are you looking for? Now that I’ve found you, you have to come back with me. No cheating! You promised me. When did I promise you? I don’t care. Let go! Where are you going? No, you have to come back with me. I’m not going back. Where are you going? I admit your hide-and-seek skills have improved, but, I can always find you. Here, have some. So sweet! Is it good? I found you, Jiang Song. The five-year-long game of hide-and-seek has finally ended. Since I was a child, I’ve heard a nursery rhyme About a runaway bride A little butterfly Flying over the Guanyin Bridge Then crossing the Gate of Reincarnation A celestial maiden guiding across the Sea of Oblivion Are you the runaway bride? Wait Lady Jiang Lady Jiang Why is the back of your head bleeding so much? Ah Mo Since when do we have begonia flowers? You’ve always had begonias in your courtyard They bloom every year around this time What about those cyclamens, purple vines And the goldfish? Have they always been there too? Yes They’ve always been here How come I never noticed? These years, General, you’ve lived like a man without a soul Others indulge in fine wine, wealth, and beauty But you’ve been solely focused on fighting battles Paying attention to nothing else Not even your own home You wouldn’t spare it a single glance But Why notice it tonight? I… Foolish Because someone new has entered our home What do you mean? By the way, General What should we do with that woman? Do with? You taught me Show no mercy to traitors Pay them back in their own coin How about we… I also taught you To keep a firm grip on your sword And only decide after figuring things out Shen Que You’re awake You… took care of me all night. No, I just got here. Then we should settle the score properly. Where should we start? Let’s start from me trying to kill you. I stabbed you once. A blood debt should be repaid in blood. I just want an answer. Answer to what? Back then… did you really want me dead? Years ago, when the rebels caused chaos, and the capital fell, your younger brother fell into the hands of the rebels. Cricket… Where’s Cricket? Watch out! Run! Mother! Stop! Shen Que. Jiang Song. Let her go. Little lady, is this your little lover? Do you want me to chop off your lover’s head first and then have some fun with you, or let him watch us have fun together, and then send you both on your way? If you touch her, I’ll kill you. Oh, you’re quite tough, huh? Stay alive. Stay alive. What did you say? I can’t hear you. I said… What kind of lover is he? He’s just a slave. I’ve admired heroes since I was a child. I beg the general to spare my life. If the general does not trust me, how about… I personally kill him, as a gesture of loyalty? Alright. I’ll grant you that wish. Someone, bring her a knife. Jiang Song. Why? Nothing is more important to me than staying alive. Absolutely nothing. When I woke up, I was already in my foster father’s camp. Tell me, Did you really want me dead back then? What else could it have been? No. The rebels were out to kill me. I was doomed. But if you’d struck me, avoiding critical areas, I might still have had a chance to survive, right? You’re overthinking it. I only cared about surviving myself. Back when I was a slave, I had long lost the will to live. But the moment you said you’d found me, I admit your hide-and-seek skills have improved, but, I could always find you. You pulled me back into the world of the living. Years after we parted, I was full of hatred, living like a walking corpse every day. Until last night, when I saw the sea of blooming crabapple trees. It was then I realized my world had returned. Because… I found you. From that moment, I asked myself, The person who brought me back to life, why couldn’t I trust her one more time? Give me an answer. Miss Jiang, your mother has come to take you home. Let me ask you this: How did you end up like this? Framing your own brother, staying out all night, disfiguring and killing people— is there anything you’re not capable of? Where did my obedient daughter go? Your obedient daughter, isn’t she still at your house? And now you blame me for keeping her here. If it weren’t for my careful scheming, how could the Jiang family have risen again? We were about to redeem our family’s name and restore glory. You were about to marry into the Prime Minister’s Mansion. But you destroyed everything. You are the one who ruined it all! And now you dare to talk back to me? Madam Jiang, please mind your manners. Madam Jiang, how could you strike the young mistress? Do you even know how badly she’s injured? Enough, enough. I can no longer control you. The wedding is in five days. You need not show your face again. You want her to marry in my place? You now have unclear ties to another man, and you’ve abandoned the Jiang family. This marriage has nothing to do with you anymore. Keep dreaming! The one marrying Cui You’an in five days can only be me! The one who has gone through the betrothal rituals with him is me. Why should I let someone else take him away? The more she wants him, the less I will let her have him! I must marry Cui You’an. I must! Where is the imperial grandson? Can you tell me now? There’s no need. Cui You’an. This lady, you are not my bride. Father, even if the imperial grandson cannot be found, I am unwilling to sacrifice anyone and turn my marriage into a transaction. Cui You’an, I will not marry you. I will tell you where the imperial grandson is right now, consider it my wedding gift to you. I’ve made up my mind. A forced union brings no happiness. As long as you’re happy, I will be content. After the imperial grandson was left wandering among commoners, he took on the alias Zhao Si, and opened a sesame pancake store here. Shopkeeper Zhao, we have a customer! Shopkeeper Zhao, Shopkeeper Zhao, Shopkeeper Zhao, we have a customer! Shopkeeper Zhao, Wait a moment. Something feels off. Excuse me. My lord, let me take a look. Nobody’s here, everything has been cleared out. Choi Yoo-an, you have to trust me! I saw him just a couple of days ago, selling sesame pancakes right here. I’m not lying to you! Please believe me! I’m truly not lying to you! The chancellor’s son is here. Let’s see who dares to try anything! Watch out! Jiang Jiaojiao! Jiang Jiaojiao! Choi Yoo-an! Please believe me! I really didn’t lie to you! Stop talking. Let me take you to the doctor. You have to believe me. I believe you. I do! Choi Yoo-an, I want to tell you a secret. Alright, I’m listening. Don’t fall asleep! From the very first moment I saw you, I’ve liked you. I really, really like you. Could you try to like me, even just a little? Please, just try to like me, alright? Scholar Choi, there’s no need to worry. The arrow didn’t hit any vital spots. My lord, I think she’s just playing games with us. She doesn’t know the whereabouts of the imperial grandson at all. Let’s just skin her alive, and throw her body to the dogs! My lord, I led a group to investigate, and what Jiang Jiaojiao said is true. However, it seems someone took the imperial grandson away two days ago. We almost wrongly accused her. Actually, what I want to say is, you married Jiang Song out of loyalty and righteousness. But after all, she deceived you. While Jiang Jiaojiao risked her life to save you. Why does my lord not cherish the people by your side? Hello, may I ask where the shopkeeper is? He moved away. Moved away? How could he have moved away? This doesn’t seem right. It clearly states here that Cui You’an found the imperial grandson the next day at this location. The timeline doesn’t match up yet. How could he have moved away? Could it be that Jiang Song didn’t die and caused a butterfly effect in the plot? Now I have no idea where the imperial grandson is and how to report this to the chancellor. I’ll take a gamble. When the time comes, I’ll bring Cui You’an into the pancake shop, and you can take action. So, about that self-sacrifice plan you mentioned, how exactly should we cooperate? You attack him, and I’ll take the blade for him. But be careful, don’t go overboard. Take it easy, okay? Relax, I’ve slaughtered pigs before. I know how to control my strength. Handling the blade? A piece of cake. You’d better be. Turns out male leads in novels always fall for this kind of trick. You idiot. We agreed to use knives. Who told him to use arrows? It hurts so much! Who? Don’t be afraid. It’s me. What are you doing here? My wedding is only a few days away. Of course, I’m coming home to prepare as a bride. That might not end up being your wedding. You must think that your act of self-sacrifice will move Choi You-an, huh? What self-sacrifice? I’m genuinely worried about Choi You-an getting hurt. You lied about knowing the whereabouts of the imperial grandson. Hired thugs to put on this whole act with you. Isn’t that self-sacrifice? What is it, then? How do you know? You don’t know? The one who shot the arrow, was actually arranged by me. You even want to kill me? Of course. Have you forgotten? You can’t kill me. That’s right. I can’t kill you with my own hands, but what if I use someone else’s? I’d like to give it a try. Seems like it’s possible. Too bad, I just missed. By the way, do you know why the imperial grandson suddenly moved? It was you! “Pampered and Sheltered” Something’s been off about her. Turns out, she has this extraordinary book that predicts the future. The imperial grandson. So, what you’re saying is, the prime minister will always know I’m here? Yes. There’s a certain lady who will surely inform the Prime Minister’s residence of your whereabouts. Think about it. Other than the Third Prince, only you can become the Crown Prince. They definitely won’t let you go. So all this time, you’ve been using this book to compete with me? Foreseeing the future? Since you’ve already read it, you should know, everything written in it is about me, it has nothing to do with you. Even if you take it, it’s useless for you. Take it? How could you think of me like that? Jiaojiao, I’ve told you many times, there’s never been any ‘great fortune’ in my life. The only thing a person can rely on is their own mind. This book, it must be your ‘great fortune’, right? Don’t! Foreseeing the future, now, we’re even. Seven strings of agate bracelets. Ten gold ingots. Three strings of enamel bracelets. Eight strings of crystal agates. Twenty pairs of gemstone gold hairpins. Why are you just standing there? Are you eyeing the prime minister’s house? Or rather, my wife’s dowry? Your wife’s dowry? After stealing so many things, you’ve forgotten who the real shameless one is, haven’t you? You! Excuse me, Lady Jiang. Scholar Cui, Scholar Cui! You must be here to see my wife, right? Could I trouble you to bring Lady Jiang down? Lady Jiang. This ointment works well for healing wounds. You should give it a try. Thank you, Young Master Cui. Young Master Cui once mentioned that the lotus pond fish cakes I make resemble the craft of someone you once knew. So I made some. Do you not like them? No, I like them very much. Have you washed your hands? No. By the way, on my way here, I happened to buy a hairpin for you. It suits you well. How about you help me put it on? Alright. I once asked you at the temple gates, and I’d like to ask again. Will you marry me? Do you really not mind? Lady Jiang, I… Your small act of kindness has become my ladder to success. I should be pleased with that. But the goodwill of a gentleman shouldn’t be taken advantage of. Do you truly not mind how we began? Madam. Young master. Young master, may I hide here for a moment? Zhang San! Zhang San! The effects of the drug haven’t kicked in yet. Why are you in such a hurry? Didn’t you just let her escape? I was just worried Jiao Jiao would refuse. Do you want to catch her quickly? Go after her! Madam, are you alright? I’m fine. Thank you, young master. Who was chasing you, madam? It was… It was my uncle. He drugged me and tried to force me… To sell me to someone else. How outrageous! Forcing a woman under the emperor’s rule! Do they not care about the law? Young master, I presume you come from a noble family. It’s no wonder you’re unaware… That what they call the law, Protects the powerful, But not the common people. Are you feeling unwell? I’ll fetch you a handkerchief. Thank you so much. Zhang San will never give up easily. He must have a powerful background. Zhang San wouldn’t dare offend him. Rather than being ruined by Zhang San, It’s better to… Madam. Men and women should keep a proper distance. It’s against propriety. It is indeed against propriety. I apologize. If I ever offend you again, Madam, please don’t show leniency. My lord! Leave! Hurry up and go! Even if you don’t care about status, young master… Then, am I the one you want to walk to the end with? I… I do not like Jiang Jiaojiao. But grudge is grudge. And kindness is kindness. I hope you find someone you truly love. Do you like her? To my shame… Since childhood, I have been dull and ignorant. I still don’t know what it feels like to like someone. Liking someone… means they once illuminated your world. For the rest of your life, the stars are them. The moon is them. And the sun is them. But the sun, moon, and stars are all out of reach. Yes. That’s why they belong high up in the sky. The one who pulls me back to the human world. Why can’t I trust her just once more? Give me the answer. And not be… entangled by the vines in the mud. Young Master Cui, in two days, I hope you’ll think it through clearly. Who is the person you wish to spend your life with? Alright? Miss Jiang, if you choose me, meet me tomorrow at the hour of Xu, at Yingyue Bay. Cui You’an. Cui You’an. You’ve clearly come to my house, so why won’t you come see me? Why isn’t the miss properly resting and recovering? You still care about me, don’t you? I… Cui You’an, look at me. Look at me. Miss Jiang, even though you do things by the book, you tolerate my recklessness. When I get hurt, you worry about me. I clearly make you lose your composure. You obviously like me! So, you don’t like her, right? Can a loveless marriage ever be happy? Apologies, but I have pressing matters to attend to. I’ll visit my wife another day. No, you can’t leave! Love is about freedom. Marriage should be a personal choice. Can you be a little braver? Be bold for love just this once! My lady, what’s wrong? I’ll wait for you until tomorrow evening. If you don’t show up, I won’t take a single sip of my medicine. My lady! Why are you coughing up blood, my lady? My lady! My lady! My lady! If the capital hadn’t fallen that year… Perhaps… The person you’re marrying now would’ve been General Shen. And it wouldn’t have come to this. There are no ‘ifs’. Qiqi. Life may seem full of endless choices. But as you go on, you’ll realize… There’s only ever one path to take. So don’t look back. Shen Que and I… Have already taken two completely different paths. If the path was wrong… Why can’t you turn back? Who gave you permission to come in? Get out. This is my private room. I’m about to get married. Breaking in here—have you no shame? None. Qiqi! Help me get rid of him! I… Alright. If you won’t leave, then I will. Let go! Let go, Shen Que! What exactly do you want? Why are you so insistent on marrying him? Do you really need to ask? Wealth and prosperity. You’re not that kind of person. You wouldn’t betray yourself. General Shen. What kind of person do you think I am? Do you know how much I’m worth? Let me tell you. Head west to the marketplace. Go ahead. Your father has passed away. Your younger brother is still a child. I am your uncle. If I sell you, who could say no? Look. A woman. Can only sell for five or six taels of silver. A woman can only sell for five or six taels of silver. Lady Jiang. If you follow Zhang San, it would bring a hundred taels of silver! As long as the price is right, why can’t it be sold? When it comes to a woman’s marriage, it’s up to the head of the family to decide. You’ve earned plenty of silver; be content. Do you know, as a woman, being able to choose who to be sold to, is already a great fortune? In this life of mine, I’ve been sold so many times. As a daughter, as a concubine, as a mother. But this time, I can finally be myself. When it comes down to it, aren’t you also risking your life for your foster father? Shedding your blood, chasing after titles and glory. I risk my life for peace in the world, for stability through the seasons. So that wherever you are, you won’t live in fear. Whether you believe it or not, I’ve crawled out of mountains of corpses and seas of blood over the years. It’s not for the emperor’s rewards. But rather, I want… I want to hear you say it. I want to hear you say it. General Shen, you’re overestimating me. No, you’re underestimating yourself. Back then, it was because of you that I… Back then, it was just because I was too foolish. I couldn’t even take care of myself. And yet I tried to care for others. General Shen, you should pursue your lofty ambitions. Like the sun and the moon, shining brightly, admired by all the people. As for me, I can only cling to a wretched existence in the dirt. No. What’s passed is like a death of yesterday. From now on, let’s leave it at this. Don’t look back. Don’t meet again. Don’t stain your noble path to greatness. And please, don’t disrupt my dream of wealth. If you insist on marrying him, so be it. Once I find the imperial grandson, and secure the Tiger Tally, I will return to the borderlands. A life of nine deaths and one survival. At the very least, he can stay by your side for a long time. Jiang Song, congratulations on your marriage. This is what I’ve saved over the years. I thought… Forget it. It doesn’t matter now. I hope from now on, you can protect yourself well, and those you care about. If I survive, I’ll come see you again. Shen Que, don’t give me that ‘final farewell’ talk. Just live on. I know you want military power, to protect the stability of the nation. If I can help you, I’ll tell you the whereabouts of the imperial grandson. How do you know? That’s none of your concern. I only hope the tragic fall of the capital back then won’t happen again. I believe you can make it happen. That dog swallowed a copper coin she dropped. She watched the dog for an entire day because of it. Just for a single copper coin? That’s so pathetic. She’s famous around here for loving money. Come on, let’s go. It’s a bit hot today. Why don’t you head home and wait there? Find a cool spot to rest. I’ll keep an eye on it. What’s wrong? Why are you so happy? Of course. With money, I won’t go hungry. And I won’t be bullied as much. Money can protect me and also the people I care about. Where’s my hairpin? It’s so ugly. On the Deer Path in the southern part of the city, there’s a thatched hut with a small bridge at its entrance. I have already informed the imperial grandson that you will protect him. Jiaojiao has said, once General Shen arrives, he may enter the room. Who’s there? I am Shen Que, paying respects to Your Highness. Do you eat lychees? I do. Then, do you eat cilantro? Yes, I do. Come in then. So you’re saying that old geezer is really looking for me? I’m doomed. Third Prince will probably kill me. And just when my shop was about to become a century-old establishment! A century-old establishment? If I recall correctly, you just turned eighteen this year. So what? The cilantro and lychee biscuits I invented are destined to be passed down for generations. You wouldn’t refuse to eat them, would you? After all, you just said you eat both cilantro and lychees. Someone’s here. Could it be Lady Jiang? She’s the only one who knows about this place. Be careful! Amo, escort His Highness away first. Yes, sir! Your Highness! If you choose me, meet me tomorrow at Xu Hour at Yingyue Bay. I will wait for you until Xu Hour tomorrow. If you don’t come, I won’t take even a sip of the medicine. Master, have you decided? Where are you planning to go? Who sent you? Speak! Shen Que. Today will be your end! You’ve fallen into my trap. What do you mean? Take a look for yourself. Are you saying I’ve been tricked? Whose trap did I fall into? Haven’t you figured it out yet? Who led you to find the Crown Prince? I told you the Crown Prince’s whereabouts. Lady Jiang, perhaps? She’s the only one who knows. Impossible. As long as the price is right, what can’t be sold? What happened yesterday feels like it died with yesterday. From now on, let’s just end things here. Don’t look back, and don’t meet again. Lady Jiang, this is a jade pendant given to me by my grandmother. She told me to give it to someone I want to spend my life with. I should’ve given it to you a long time ago. I’m sorry. The hour of Xu hasn’t passed yet. It’s not too late. Last time, Lady Jiang said that loving someone is like the sun, moon, and stars— so far out of reach. But I think right now the stars are within arm’s reach. If the stars were to fall to the earth, I would gladly catch them. Young Master Cui, didn’t I ask you to go back first? I want to stay a little longer. Shen Que, what happened? You’re upset, aren’t you, that you couldn’t get rid of me for your fiancé? What are you talking about? So, yesterday’s words— did they pierce the heart? Every word came from my heart. What exactly happened? Why the pretense? Why not just admit it? How meticulously you schemed and spared no effort! No, I didn’t! But I won’t let you have your way. You can’t get rid of me. I’ll make you live in constant fear day and night. From birth to death, you will never know peace for all eternity. Tomorrow, you won’t be able to marry Choi Youan. It’s either you or me, no compromise. My lady, the hour of Xu has long passed. It seems Scholar Choi won’t be coming. Impossible! That doesn’t make sense! My character design hasn’t collapsed. Why wouldn’t Choi Youan choose me? At the Prime Minister’s banquet, I captured his heart. I even took an arrow for him and fell for him. The storyline hasn’t deviated at all. You’re rambling nonsense again. At the start of the novel, Choi Youan was supposed to despise Jiang Song. Why does he ignore me now? Could it be because I’m disfigured? Disfigured? Choi… What are you doing? Who are you people? Where are you taking me? Lady Jin, the bridal sedan chair will pass through the city’s Yan Mountain. Make proper preparations. Congratulations to Miss Jiang on achieving your wish. Thank you, Lady Jin. Please, Miss Jiang, drink this bitter medicinal tea for keen vision. Once you enter the Prime Minister’s residence, observe carefully, and guard your words. Escort Miss Jiang to the sedan chair. Hurry! Notify the lord—someone is disrupting the wedding! Yes! Miss Jiang, the general… Go tell the general there are two brides in the sedan chair. Yes! Lady Jin, who is this person? Why is she wearing a wedding gown identical to mine? And why is she in my bridal sedan chair? Thanks to you, I now have a more beautiful face. But unfortunately, it still resembles you by thirty percent. Jiang Jiaojiao, Jiang Song. Who can ride the bridal sedan chair in the Prime Minister’s mansion, is for the Prime Minister to decide. Prime Minister, what do you mean by this? Jiang Jiaojiao, Zhao Chengze has already been taken back to the palace by Shen Que. I was framed! Besides, even if the royal grandson has returned to the palace, it’s destined that the Third Prince will ascend the throne. Trust me. I can foresee the future and understand the past. Do you think I, an old man, would still believe you? You and His Majesty, thirty years ago, made a pact on Mount Tai to emulate Emperor Taizong and Duke Wei as a wise ruler and virtuous prime minister. Don’t you remember? No wonder he wants to protect you. Who? Jiang Jiaojiao. The one who will step into the bridal sedan tomorrow, will be you. Really? But why me? You’ve encountered a noble person. A noble person? Thank you, Prime Minister Cui. Who are you? You are truly in a sorry state. The heroine of this world has fallen so low. How do you know? Who exactly are you? That doesn’t matter. What matters is, what do you want? I can help you. You can help me? Yes. What do you want? I want… I want to become more beautiful. I lost all because of this scar. It’s all because I’m not beautiful enough. Every time I look in the mirror, it’s as if I’m seeing her. I hate this face. I want to be more beautiful. I want to be even more beautiful than her. Can you help me? Of course. I can even give you a completely different look. Have you made up your mind? The leading actress must be the most beautiful, right? What a lunatic. It’s all because of you! If you had listened to me and left with Zhang San back then, you wouldn’t have died here. Die? It’s you. Jiang… Shen Que. What are you doing? What am I doing? You don’t even know the bride was swapped. Who are you? Choi Woo-an. Look at this face of mine, it’s much prettier, isn’t it? Jiang Jiaojiao. Where is Jiang Song? Aren’t you curious about what happened to my face? Face swapping is very painful. What did you do to her? You make it sound like I’m the villain here. I didn’t even lay a finger on her. She’s the real villain, okay? Where is she? Mama Jin said she’d take care of it. I don’t know. There seems to be some noise coming from that box over there. Given our relationship, how could I dare drink something you gave me? Run! Run! Why is Lady Jiang running away? I… It’s nothing. Just come back with me. She will leave with me. Are you courting death? I, Shen Que, fear no death. Let go! Let go! Let go! Let go! I lost my composure. I’m sorry, Lady Jiang. Young Master Cui. I’d like to speak with you first. Alright. Young Master Cui, have you ever seen a bird called the Black Phantom? Every household keeps a Black Phantom bird. It feeds on yellow croakers daily. When I was a child, my father pointed at a Black Phantom and told me, it catches fish every day, yet it’s never full. Because the fishermen always take away the fish it catches. During that great fire, when I was near death, I finally understood, I am that Black Phantom. I understand the hardships you’ve endured. I would never let your mother and brother bully you again. No. You don’t understand. I am the Black Phantom, but I do not wallow in self-pity. If you set it free, it can soar through the skies. The Black Phantom is not to blame. Why should it be pitied or lamented? You, a learned man, tell me, which is more noble? The fishermen who steal the fish, or the Black Phantom that catches the fish? Naturally, it’s the Black Phantom. If that’s the case, I have struggled so hard to break free of my ropes, and regain my wings. Why are you dragging me back into the cage, young master? I am different from them. I will protect you. Your so-called protection is the most terrifying leash. Miss Jiang, you must have misunderstood. It is just the two of us here. Why not be honest with each other? What do you mean, Miss Jiang? That day at the restaurant, I didn’t drug Master Cui. The aphrodisiac was your doing. But he was innocent and shouldn’t have been implicated. So you’ve figured it out. As a mere plaything, you are quite interesting, but perhaps a bit too clever. Since you discovered it long ago, why are you only bringing it up now? At first, my memory was unclear, and I thought I had really drugged him. But later, the memories became clearer. However, you are cunning and powerful, so I had to pretend not to know, to play along with you and wait for a chance to escape. Escape? To seek refuge with Shen Que? He probably hates you by now. He must think you betrayed him to climb up to me. And failed to eliminate me for your fiancé. He’s disappointed in you, isn’t he? You’re the one behind all this. I intended to capture both him and Zhao Chengze in one sweep. But I underestimated him. Still, I advise you to let go of your delusions about him. It has nothing to do with him. I warned you outside the temple long ago. Buddha is a witness; do not utter falsehoods. Before the wedding, I gave you another chance to choose. Why are you so stubborn? Only I can decide when this game stops. What right do you have? What qualifies you to stop it? But why did you choose me specifically? You really don’t remember? Darling, it’s such a cold day. Yes, let’s hurry home. Help me! Darling, he… He seems to be seriously injured. Have you found him? No, not yet. Help me distract them, and this will be yours. Search again. Let’s go! Darling… Should we help? It’s fine for stray cats and dogs… But can we really help a stranger we know nothing about? Be careful not to get into trouble. Let’s go. Stray cats and dogs… Do you know who I am? This is worth more than a hundred of you. I don’t know who you are. And I don’t want to know who you are. I don’t think your life is worth more than mine. My life is priceless. Hey! Darling, that wound medicine isn’t cheap. So did you marry me just to get revenge? Revenge? You’re overestimating yourself. I just wanted to tame… A disobedient pet, that’s all. Let’s see how much money it takes… For you to sell yourself. You’ve surprised me. Even the position of the Prime Minister’s wife couldn’t buy you. I can give you anything you want. Are you not satisfied with Jiang Yaozu’s fate? Jiang Yaozu was you too? Young Master Cui! Who allowed you to touch her? I didn’t. Please, spare me! Wasn’t it this hand that signed the contract? No, I didn’t! I swear! My lord. My lord. Arrangements for the bride. The Prime Minister has already made up his mind. No room for negotiation. You know the Prime Minister’s temper. If you keep being so stubborn, I’m afraid… Fine. The auspicious hour is near. My lord, please return to the mansion. The Prime Minister is still waiting. Look, I won! Why are you smiling? Yes, you won. Good thing you came. I was worried you wouldn’t show up. Thank you. Thank me? I’ve taken everything from you, and yet you thank me? Really? Jiao Jiao. Was it truly me who took it all away? What do you mean? Have you ever thought about how your younger brother is ungrateful, your mother is biased, and your fiancé is a wolf in sheep’s clothing? Why would I fight with you over all of this? It was only to make you feel as if they were worth fighting for. The Jiang family was my first cage. Cui You’an was the second. You have no idea how many times I prayed for someone to take my place. So the moment you emerged from that fire, what I felt wasn’t fear, but rather… ecstasy. Later, when I prayed before Buddha, first, I prayed for your disappearance. Second, I prayed for a high marriage prospect. I drew an ominous lot. Which meant you wouldn’t disappear, and I wouldn’t marry Cui You’an. What ominous lot? Clearly, you are the first blessing to ever grace my life. You didn’t let me down. You shone brightly at the banquet. You received the Queen’s favor. And now the Prime Minister has also chosen you. Even Choi Woo-an cannot overlook you now. That’s impossible. It can’t be. Choi Woo-an is known to be kind and righteous. Yet you’re claiming he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. You’re clearly jealous of me. You’re lying! You’re just jealous of me. My lord, you… what are you doing? My father values her so much, and yet he can turn his back on her overnight. I must see if she truly possesses any divine abilities. It seems that unless I’m dead, he won’t stop coming after me. What are you planning to do? Now I have only one path left to take. Jiao Jiao, let me help you one last time. After today, you’ll become me. Thank you. Become me. Jiang Song. Lady Jiang. Lady Jiang. Jiang Song. Jiang Song. Go down and search. Understood. Master. Shall I go to the bottom of the cliff to search for Lady Jiang? Master. After falling from that height, could she have survived? I’m afraid… her chances are slim. Then why bother searching? Jiang Song! Jiang Song! Jiang Song! Jiang Song! Jiang Song! Jiang Song! General, I’ll search over there. Birdsong, cicadas, the breeze, and the moon. You are free now, Jiang Song. Luckily, it’s just a superficial wound. My lord, the steward has taken Miss Jiang back to prepare for the wedding. Today I only managed to get one steamed bun. I was so hungry, I ate half of it. I’m sorry, Mother. Why are you crying? Please, spare me, sir! I didn’t mean to disturb you. I asked you, why are you crying? My mother passed away. I’ll never see her again. Death is death. So what? Answer me. She’s gone. I can no longer see her smile at me. Miss Jiang. Young Master Cui. I can no longer hear her call my name, nor see her every day, nor treat her well. Young Master Cui. Young Master Cui. My lord. Jiang Song. Jiang Song. Jiang Song. Jiang Song. Jiang Song. Jiang Song. I’ve found you! Jiang Song. Let go! I won’t. I said let go! I won’t. Jiang Song. General Shen. The Jiang Song you’re looking for has just passed away. It was wrong of me to misunderstand you. I thought you were going to marry Choi Yoan, so I… I lost my temper. Will you come back home with me? I no longer have a home. If you’re willing to. I’m not willing. Then what about me? You have a brilliant future ahead of you. Why insist on me? Jiang Song. I won’t look back. I won’t stop. You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting. My escape. Started a very, very long time ago. Push harder, madam. Madam. Push harder, harder! Push! Give birth to a son, and bring pride to the family! He’s almost out! Here he comes, madam! It’s a boy! Let’s go, let’s go! I’ll go inform your mother-in-law of the good news first. Pan Di. Your older sister… Sister! Sister! As everyone celebrated the newborn, Sister… the mother died alone in silence. No one cared. As if her sole purpose in life was merely to be a vessel for descendants. On her were marked bold, blood-red characters: A family overflowing with descendants. Congratulations, Master! Congratulations, congratulations! Pan Di’s mother, congratulations! How enviable! Isn’t it? Pan Di will become her brother-in-law’s second wife. Such a perfect match of families! As a close blood relative, Pan Di will marry him to care for the child. Now everyone can rest assured. That’s right. Exactly. Look at these betrothal gifts, Pan Di! She is indeed blessed by her sister’s fortune. That’s true. It sure is. If you ask me, it must be her destiny. Pan Di’s mother, don’t you think so? Run! Run! Run! I must leave the city! I need to escape the city! Stop! Let me out! Let me out! Get lost! Come back with me. Mother, I don’t want to end up like Zhao Di and Pan Di. Come back with me. No, I won’t! I won’t! Jiao Jiao. This is the fate of women. Zhao Di and Pan Di were like this. And so was your mother. You. You will end up the same. Do you hear me? Come on. I don’t believe what you’re saying, Mother. I must escape. You’re willing to risk your life for this? Five years ago, I might’ve gone with you. But now, I need to find myself. I’ve been searching for you all these years. At first, it was for revenge. But then I panicked. I was scared—scared I would never find you again. Now that I’ve finally found you, I realize you’re no longer waiting for me. I’m sorry. So where are you planning to go? The nursery rhyme about the little butterfly says, Once, there was a bride who escaped the city. Some say she became an immortal. Some say she became a ghost. I want to seek the answer myself. And after escaping the city? Are you confident about the future? Of course. As long as I can have control over my own life, I’ll be confident. This is my daydream. I can only steadfastly believe that outside the city lies boundless freedom. Otherwise, there would be no hope at all. Shen Que, I’m different from you. The moon I’ve spent my entire life chasing is but a fleeting glimmer of your blade. You’ve roamed the north and south, seen rivers stretch to the horizon, and lonely smoke rising in the vast desert sands. But my moon has always been confined within a tiny four-cornered courtyard sky. A man can serve in the court through education, Or guard the frontiers on the battlefield. But I don’t wish to be a man either. Because as a woman, We should have our own path. The world shut off our path, So I decided to carve out my own. But, alas, You still captured me. It seems I always lack just a bit of luck. Jiang Song. You should leave. The road ahead is long. Since you’ve chosen to walk alone, I won’t see you off. This time, it won’t be just a little short. Go and catch your moon. Thank you. To be honest, I’ve never figured it out. Did I want to find you, Or was I simply seeking closure? You were right. In the future, I will have everything. Why should I be so fixated on you? People change. But the Shen Que from five years ago, Would definitely not want me to force you to stay. Take care. Take care. My lord, over there. My lord, We only recovered this bridal gown. Where’s the person? Where’s the person? The river is rapid. We may need to head downstream to recover the body. Are you saying, That she is dead? Spare me, my lord! Wanting to die, Isn’t that easy. There’s a letter inside the bridal gown. To Choi Woo An, personally. I was once forcibly wed, And even taken for a ghost marriage. Do you know what makes you better than them? You’re more hypocritical. You tossed out an invitation to the high gates. Am I supposed to worship it as a lifesaver? Should I feel honored to be chosen by you? Even when you’re shrouded in dark clouds… Everyone becomes your accomplice. But look. There are things in this world you can’t win against. Death is the chasm you can never cross. Today, I die. And today, I am reborn. If you’re reading this letter, This hunt has already reached its conclusion. It’s not that you controlled me, But rather, I controlled you. Choi Woo-an. You lost. You’d give up your life just to win? Did I lose? Ridiculous. My lord, rest assured. We will do our best to recover it. Forget it. I lost my composure. It’s just a body, after all. The groom is still absent after all this time. Can the ceremony even continue? Yeah, exactly. Half the guests have already left. The bride’s been standing there for so long. It’s such a disgrace. No, impossible. There’s no way I could be mistaken. Now that Kang Song is dead, I’ve successfully married into this family. Although the process was a bit different, It’s still aligned with the plot from the novel. Choi Woo-an is bound to love me. We’ll be happy. The general direction won’t change. I will find my happiness. Help the bride to a rest first. I’m back. Here he comes. Prime Minister. My lord has arrived. Look, my leading man is back. Let the wedding continue. First, bow to the heavens and earth. Second, bow to the parents. Prime Minister. Couple, bow to each other. Miss Jiang. You still came to marry me. What’s happening? What’s wrong? Quick, help him away. My lord! My lord! What is going on? My lord, you… A day of joy ruined like this. Useless. Utterly useless. A complete failure. Ridiculous. Absurd. Worthless. A little butterfly… flies past the Guanyin Bridge. and then across… the Gate of Reincarnation. Run! Run! But mother… I am not like you. I will escape. A’Die. Is that you? I’ll take you with me. Let’s break free from this cage. What is this? A’Die. A’Die. What on earth is this? Has You’an arrived? You’re his wet nurse. He’ll definitely come. Chan Niang, stop waiting for him. He still only sees you as a servant. He loves the lotus pond fish cakes I make the most. When I’m gone, remember to… Chan Niang! Chan Niang! Chan Niang! Chan Niang! Chan Niang, Father? Are you upset? Chan Niang… I don’t know. Chan Niang… But… Chan Niang raised me since I was little. Now that she’s gone, I should be crying. But I can’t shed a single tear. They gossip behind my back, calling me a cold-blooded monster. Is it true, Father? Only the powerless are overly emotional. It’s just the death of a servant. You can always find a replacement. Don’t act like a weakling. I understand, Father. I didn’t expect someone so powerful, capable of almost controlling everything, to be so fragile. Chan Niang… Chan Niang… Oh, that’s right! She was his wet nurse. The male lead’s childhood trauma was not being able to see Chan Niang in her final moments. What did Chan Niang die of again? I don’t remember. But… Ultimately, your pain is something I created. Who are you? I… I’m Jiang Jiao Jiao. No, wait! Who are you? I… I… He looks… so pitiful. Is what Jiang Song said true? The heroine is me. I will surely win him over. I am Jiang Song. Young Master Cui. I thought you had left. I’ve come back again. Are you no longer angry with me? You simply don’t know how to love. You did nothing wrong. Let me warm your heart. Let me make it up to you. And teach you how to love. Young Madam. Young Madam, you must be hungry. Please, have some food first. I’ll take care of the Young Master. Try this. Does it suit your taste? Not bad. But it still can’t compare to your cooking. My cooking? Yes, the Young Master mentioned it. Your lotus pond fish cakes. They resemble Madam Chan’s cooking style. Could Cui You’an be transferring his feelings for Madam Chan to Jiang Song? Then if I can also make these fish cakes, will he treat me differently too? Zhenren, this time’s elixir, can it completely cure my persistent illness? Your Majesty, this is the immortal elixir bestowed by Bi Shen. It can cure all ailments. And the prophecy you mentioned earlier, Zhenren, does it also stem from Bi Shen’s divine will? It won’t be wrong. Your Majesty, General Shen requests an audience. I greet Your Majesty. Shen Que. Back then, Yao Xiaozhi accused the late crown prince of secretly raising three thousand night operatives, with the intention of rebellion. Is that true? Searched everywhere in the East Palace but couldn’t find it. The legendary… Cloud Command Talisman that can summon night roamers. The Seer foretold… The Cloud Command Talisman would resurface in the world because of a woman. If it falls into the hands of rebels… the consequences will be disastrous. Where is that woman? I don’t know. But the Seer calculated that within the next two days… the woman would face imprisonment. Then I shall start investigating from the women who break the law in these two days to find the Cloud Talisman. General Shen, why not let the Cloud Command Talisman disappear forever with that woman? The women who committed offenses today are all here. Of course, more women may be imprisoned tomorrow. Lord Deming, could I ask for a little more time? I will undoubtedly find the woman in question. Better to wrongly kill thousands… than to let a single one escape. Your adoptive father has always operated this way. Why does the general suddenly show mercy? As long as that woman lives… the Emperor will never be at peace. But these women… most have not committed truly heinous crimes. Have there not been enough unjust souls beneath your blade, General? Why fear adding a few more? Fish cakes! Fish cakes! Fresh fish cakes! Fish cakes for sale! Miss, would you like some fish cakes? Cured meat! Come have a taste! Home-dried cured meat! I wonder what Lady Chan’s taste preferences are like. Jiang! Why have you come back? I went to the city gate… but found that I couldn’t escape at all. You know why, don’t you? I do. Why? I can tell you, but you have to do me a favor first. What is it? Teach me how to make lotus pond fish cakes. I heard yours taste very similar to the ones made by Choi Yoo-an’s nanny. Once I learn to make these fish cakes, Maybe Choi Woo-an will transfer his feelings for you to me instead That’s what you want too, isn’t it? Excuse me You should tell me now Well, I need to wait for Choi Woo-an to try it first If the taste is right, then I’ll tell you I knew you’d try to weasel out That’s why I haven’t taught you the final step yet You Wait for you to tell me Then I’ll give you the complete secret recipe Deal But you’ll have to wait until I get back first By the way When I first came to this world The silver taels you lent me I’ll repay you double What you did was stealing. Actually, I do owe you an apology. Take this silver as compensation for you. At least you still have some conscience. Don’t look back. Cui Youan is right behind you. Jiang Song. Go over there and wait for me. I’ll hold him off. My dear husband, what are you doing here? I know you visit Tianqing Temple on this day every month, so I deliberately waited here for you. Zhichou mentioned that you love Lotus Pond Fish Cakes the most, so I made some for you. Young Master Cui once said that the Lotus Pond Fish Cakes I make taste very similar to those made by someone dear to you in the past. So I decided to make some especially for you. How did you learn it? I tried hundreds of recipes Studied for a long time Maybe still not good enough I’m sorry I’m so stupid Does it hurt? From now on you don’t need to imitate her anymore She’s already gone from this world Do you still love her then? Then would you love me? What exactly must I do for you to love me? Tell me I can learn anything As long as you obey You’ll always remain the young mistress of the Prime Minister’s residence Sister, I want some too. Okay There’s enough for everyone I want some too, I want some too Don’t grab, don’t grab, I want some too There’s enough I want some too Here, thank your sister Here you go, thank your sister What’s wrong with you? You want to know the truth about this world Of course Alright, I’ll tell you Why? Madam Cui So she’s the one who stole your purse, right? Yes The purse is on her The Prime Minister’s seal is inside too Why? Indeed the Prime Minister’s property With both witnesses and material evidence What else do you have to say? I didn’t want it to come to this But you can’t escape this city Then you’ll just have to disappear This way Only then can Cui You’an see me Why can’t I escape this city? What exactly lies beyond the city walls? Even if you burn my books you can’t defeat me Because Go Finish what you were saying Why Let go of me Finish your sentence Go on, finish what you were saying, Jiang Jiaojiao Jiang Jiaojiao Because I am the author of this novel The entire plot is in my mind After the Third Prince ascends the throne, he becomes utterly incompetent Cui You’an is pushed onto the throne And I will become the empress All the convicted women these past two days are gathered here Quite an accomplishment, General Shen How could it be Lady Jiang? What Does the general know this woman? If the general wishes to protect her This servant can report to His Majesty No need I don’t know her Is that so? In that case, this servant will deal with her as I see fit She’s quite pretty Never served anyone before, have you? What a pity Eunuch This might be inappropriate What A convicted woman And I can’t even touch her? Or is the general implying That eunuchs aren’t worthy of touching women? You… what are you doing? Let go of me Let go, you! Release me Let go Release your grip General, he’s deliberately provoking you Let me go Release me General Shen If you protect this woman You’re opposing His Majesty Think carefully You misunderstand, Eunuch It’s just that this woman Happens to be to my liking Might you be willing to part with her? Does the General also wish to taste the beauty’s charms? Indeed The General is full of youthful vigor This humble servant wouldn’t dare deprive you Attendants! Make arrangements for the General Yes Jiang Jiaojiao, it’s all over Jiang Song won’t appear again He and I have a whole lifetime We can take it slow Husband I understand you can’t forget her so quickly But now I’m your wife Could you give me a chance And give yourself one too Perhaps your heart could make room for me Godfather Why do General Shen that favor? What do you know? Shen Que is no ordinary man His Majesty ordered him to capture the criminal woman Clearly testing his loyalty By taking this woman We gain leverage over him Henceforth he’ll have to show us respect Only you could think of this, Godfather Weren’t you leaving? Why are you back? I found I couldn’t leave Why? I don’t know either So I returned to seek answers And ended up in this situation? Never mind None of my business Do you know what crimes those women committed? Is it okay to kill innocents just for the tiger tally? Why? This isn’t like you What kind of person did you think I was? The blade in my hand has severed countless heads to get where I am today I’m not some pampered young master who cares about morality and propriety What? Seeing my true colors Disappointed? To obtain the tiger tally those few lives meant nothing to me Including you no exception But aren’t you saving me now? You’re overthinking it What are you doing? You’re serious? What else? What are you doing? Are you serious? What else? Jiang Song, you… I don’t believe you. Get out of my way! No. Unless you tell the truth. Let go of me! No! You… Sister Jiang, Sister Jiang! Thank you for the fish cake, it was delicious! What fish cake? Sorry. I mistook you for someone else. Wait a minute. Who gave you the fish cake? It was an elder sister who, at first glance, looks a bit like Madam. Where is she? Sorry, I arrived late. What are you doing? She is my wife. I’m taking her home. Since when did she become your wife? Shen Que, you can’t protect her. Let go. Alright. I won’t do anything to you. Just trying to fool that old eunuch. Can we really fool him? What else can we do? I need to protect my reputation too. Do you really want all those women executed? I need to get the Tiger Tally. But you won’t kill innocents, will you? You trust me that much? Yes. There are so many vile creatures in this world. Dressed in shiny facades, doing filthy deeds. But you’re not like them. You were once an honest and upright young man under the clear skies. If even you lose your true self, what else could I possibly trust? Alright. I’ll never let you have no one to trust. Hand over the Tiger Tally to me. I’ll also protect their lives. Shen Que. I need to go to the Prime Minister’s residence. Didn’t you finally manage to break away from Cui You’an? Didn’t you ask me why I can’t leave? I want to know too. That’s why I need to go to the Prime Minister’s residence for answers. I can handle it for you. You have your duty. There are countless people who need you. Besides, one can only rely on themselves. But going to the Prime Minister’s residence is like a lamb entering a tiger’s den. Do you trust me? Alright. When you find the answer or need help, just press here. He didn’t harm you, did he? Stop pretending. Hungry? I had someone prepare this for you. Try it. Cui You’an. Let’s make a deal. Speak. I’ll go with you obediently, but you… must hand Jiang Jiaojiao over to me. Why do you want her? I hate her. I want to take revenge on her. I’ve already killed her. That’s impossible. Jiang Jiaojiao wouldn’t die so easily. Then that’s great, saves the trouble. The look of hating someone, doesn’t look like that. Whatever you’re planning to do with her, I will agree to it. But don’t try to trick me. Miss Jiang, you’re finally back. Get out. Rest well. We have a long road ahead. My lord, are you alright? Send out the notice. The day after tomorrow, I will wed Miss Jiang as my first wife in a formal ceremony. My lord, you can’t do this! You just married the young madam a few days ago. How can you take another first wife? There is no such rule. Then I will break that rule. Cui You’an! This is a fish cake I made for you with my own hands. Look. Do you think that by learning to make this, I will look at you differently? No. I just think you’ve suffered too much in the past. I want to treat you well. Do you think I will fall for this? I don’t know. But I want to treat you well, because you’re a good person. Because you deserve it. I’m a good person? Yes, you definitely are. I’ve figured it out. After Chan left, you shattered into so many pieces. I want to piece you back together one by one. And restore you into the best Cui You’an in this world. And what can you do for me? Anything. As long as it can make it up to you. Alright. I’ll wait and see. Seems like nothing more than turning this into a typical ‘husband-chasing crematorium’ plot. The more I give now, the more he’ll regret it later. Jiang Jiaojiao, how can I finally meet you? What are you doing? Let go! What are you doing? Let me go! Let go! Let go of me! Hands off! Stop! A girl with no status, if you want to enter the Prime Minister’s residence, you must first learn the rules. Go, strip her clothes off for me. Yes. Let me go! Let me go! Stay back! Whoever comes near me, I’ll kill them! Come on, bluffing now? Damn you, you little brat! That hurts so much! How dare you still look at me? I… Stop! My lord! Let go! Don’t touch me! Disgusting! My lord! I just wanted her to learn some proper manners. To serve you. My lord! Hand. You’re just like him! Don’t be afraid. Beast! Let’s go. I’ll take you to meet someone. Congratulations. You’ve finally found me. I just need one answer. Why can’t I leave the city? Want to know? Beg me. Forgot the pain once it healed, huh? What are you doing? The truth is more than you can handle. Speak. You insisted on asking this yourself. Jiang Song. Every person in this world, has all kinds of possible endings in the future. Except. For you. Why? Because you’re not supposed to have a future in the first place. What do you mean? Your eyes, nose, mouth— they’re all my creations. I’m the one who made you. On the day you were born, the first snow fell. At thirteen, your father was exiled and died far from home. At eighteen, you met Shen Que in the black market. Every pivotal moment in your life, is nothing more than a few lines in my novel. And you, are just an ancient heroine who didn’t even make it through one chapter. Are you saying, this world, is simply a novel you wrote? I died in an accident, and then I transmigrated into the novel I wrote. You died. Yes, an accident. I already warned you, you were supposed to perish in that great fire. It was I who lived in your place, and rewrote your life. So you’re saying that after you died in your world, you came to steal my life? How can you talk like that? Without me, where would your life come from? You can’t escape the city, because I never wrote a storyline for you outside the city. To you, the world outside has never existed. Are you saying, my past is fake, and the future I yearn for, doesn’t exist either? Yes. You are someone without a past, a present, or a future. But I clearly, I was so close to succeeding! Just a little more! You’re lying to me! I’m not lying to you. Anyone can escape the city, except you. That’s because, even before you were born, I had already written your storyline. Even if you kill me, you still won’t be able to escape. But I’m a living person. The blood I bled, the tears I shed— how could they be fake? There has to be a way. There must be a solution. There has to be a way, right? No matter how great the cost, I’m willing to pay it. Even if there’s just a sliver of hope. There’s no hope anymore, Jiang Song. There won’t be any. I don’t believe it. You poisoned me?! Just accept your fate, Jiang Song. As per your instructions, I blinded her. As long as it pleases you, I can help you keep her. Well done. She’s been like this for hours, barely blinking her eyes. She hasn’t eaten either. Forget it. Let’s go. Every major turning point in your life, it’s just a few lines in my novel. You are someone without a past, a present, or a future. My wife is now the young madam of the Prime Minister’s residence. According to tradition, we should give you, the later entrant, a wedding gown. Look how beautiful this wedding gown is. Oh, I forgot. You’re going blind soon. My lady, come here. Let go of me! Let me show you. Let go of me! All of this is just a game to me. I’ll take back everything I have given you, piece by piece. That’s the fun of this game. Master, Jiang Song is outside. She says she wants your help. She’s finally here. Shall I let her in now? What’s the rush? Let her wait. Young Master Cui, Does what you said still count? If I obey, if I beg you, you’ll agree to anything I ask? That depends on whether you’re truly obedient. I only ask for one thing. Go ahead. Kill Jiang Jiaojiao. Very good. That’s the look of someone who truly hates. General. Bad news, a scout has reported. Cui You’an is getting married again. Yes, this time to Lady Jiang. Could it be that Lady Jiang really wants to marry into the Prime Minister’s manor? Why would she do this to me? Let me go! The master said, it’s just an act for Jiang Song to see. The knot is tied loosely. When you can’t hold on anymore, drop the white cloth. I’ll let go, and you’ll pretend to be dead. Nineteen. It hurts, Nineteen. Without my command, don’t stop. It hurts. Nineteen, it hurts. All I need is you, and I can finally avenge myself. How does it feel? Not bad. But it’s still not enough to quench my hatred. I want to kill her with my own hands. It hurts. Alright. No. No, no! Jiang Song, I beg you! Don’t kill me! I’ll do it myself. Alright. Jiang Song. I’m begging you, don’t kill me! No! No! Jiang Song! I’m begging you, don’t kill me. Jiang Song, I beg you, spare me, don’t kill me! No! No! Jiang Song! You’re courting death! Let her go! Cry, hate me all you want. After all, I am your creator. What are you laughing at? My Creator. You must have a way to get me out of the city, right? Even though I’ve caused you so much pain. You neither cry nor complain. Yet you want me to figure out a way to get you out of the city. Tears are useless and harmful. Hatred clouds judgment. There are no eternal enemies. Only companions with the right time and place. Our situations aren’t much different. There’s no need for us to fight each other. Why not set aside our grudge? And make a deal with me. You have nothing. What can you possibly offer me? Have you ever thought about it? What you need is not Choi Yoo-an’s protection. But the means to defend yourself. All I need is to have Choi Yoo-an. He has everything, but it belongs to him. He gives, so you receive. Why not try to take control of everything In your own hands? Enough! Stop trying to deceive me. You just want to trick me into leaving. So you can take my place. In stories, when the supporting character wakes up, They always try their best, To change the ending and become the protagonist, huh? Where does your confidence come from? That the story you’ve planned Would be better than the life I’ll create for myself? You! What a narrow perspective. Humans are such creatures. They only learn to avoid pitfalls, After they’ve fallen hard. Put down the arrow. Come over here. I’ll let you seek revenge. And help you regain your sight. Isn’t that good enough? Relying on humiliating other women, For the favor he tosses my way, Even a dog wouldn’t want that. She and I are not your pets. We are not beneath you. We don’t need your rewards or punishments. She fears and obsesses over your authority. What a fool. But the one who takes advantage of that… is truly the most despicable. What did you say? My Lord. Get up. I’ll take you away. Are you okay? Over there. Wait! Jiang Jiaojiao! Haven’t you come to your senses yet? No. He wouldn’t really want to kill me. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have let Shijiu inform me. It’s all just an act. You asked me what I can give you. First of all… I’ll show you a path. A way to escape this cage. The path is right in front of you. Will you take it or not? Do you think escaping out there… means you won’t be in a cage anymore? Let me tell you. The cage women face outside… is their appearance. Being unattractive is a crime. Being beautiful is also a crime. An ugly freak and a seductive vixen… both in our class. What a coincidence. It’s about abilities. Being ordinary is a crime. Being extraordinary is also a crime. So what if I installed surveillance cameras in my bedroom? I’m your guardian. You’re so young. I have to look after you. At such a young age, you’re already acting defiant. You have your own opinions now, huh? Look at what you’ve drawn. It’s about age. Being young is a crime. Being old is also a crime. You always say I’m biased. It’s just one egg. How old are you? What’s wrong with letting your little brother eat first? What have you been learning in school? The older you get, the more selfish you become, the less sensible you are. Our cage. Is the countless judging eyes upon us. It seems like we have many choices. But in reality, We have no choice at all. Then stop waiting for others to make choices for you. Pave your own way. How? Send up the signal flare. Shen Que will come to save us. Jiang Jiaojiao. Jiang Jiaojiao. Jiang Jiaojiao. Jiaojiao. It hurts. Jiang Jiaojiao. The antidote is in his hands. Run! Since you’re not behaving, I can only send you to the underworld. It’s just a pity, I haven’t had enough fun yet. Watch out! Jiang Song! Shen Que! Jiang Song! Shen Que, are you alright? Jiang Song, Jiang Song. My lord! Scholar Cui, hold on! She is a fugitive criminal. Scheduled for execution tomorrow. General Shen and I are here by imperial decree to oversee the execution. Eunuch De, my son. Your Excellency. I understand. The criminal escaped during her imprisonment. Scholar Cui, out of pity, kindly took her in. Who would have thought, She is a death row convict! Yes, that’s right. Yes. Thank you for your effort, General Shen. Young Master Cui. Miss Jiang. I didn’t see you at your residence today. I didn’t expect to run into you here. Do you need something? About the commotion at the restaurant a few days ago, I deeply apologize. I don’t quite remember it clearly, but it must’ve been a momentary lapse of reason on my part. Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Estate came with a marriage proposal. I feel extremely ashamed. Isn’t this what you wanted, Miss Jiang? What I mean is, doesn’t this marriage proposal resolve your predicament? Yes, but it’s just that I feel terribly sorry for you. Marriage between a man and a woman is simply human nature. To me, it makes no difference. Young Master Cui, are you feeling down today? Perhaps it’s because it’s around the time of Qingming Festival. Indeed. “In the drizzly Qingming season, travelers on the road feel forlorn.” Every floating lantern on the river is like a letter sent to those who have passed on. We’re lighting lanterns for my father. Would you like to light one too, Young Master Cui? To express your sorrow and remembrance. No, thank you. Then I shall take my leave. Miss Jiang, if someone close to you passes away, but your heart feels no sorrow, do you think, Miss Jiang, that such a person is cold and unfeeling? Not necessarily. Grief takes many forms. It can be a gut-wrenching storm, or a lingering, damp melancholy like the rainy season. But there’s also another kind— one that goes unnoticed for years, only to emerge suddenly, breaking through the surface. That’s when you realize it had been growing wildly in the shadows all along. Should such a person be forgiven? Are they worth forgiving? That’s a question only you can answer. Thank you. This is my ‘Lotus Pond Fish Cake’. If you don’t find it unworthy, please give it a taste. I’ll take my leave now. Miss Jiang, you’re here to release river lanterns too? Yes, I am. This flavor… A single lamp can light countless others, bringing brightness to all darkness, and the light would never cease. Even though life seems so fragile, why does it feel like compassion of a Bodhisattva? Why can’t I bring myself to do it? Why? General Shen! The criminal woman has been taken away by Scholar Cui. We know you were pressured by the power of the Cui family. It was unavoidable. So, I won’t report this to the Emperor. Thank you for your understanding, Eunuch. That’s politics for you. You rely on me, and I rely on you. I only ask, General, that you look out for me in the future. Eunuch Deming, it’s time. Carry out the execution. I was harassed by a man, but my husband’s family accused me of infidelity. I’m innocent! After I was widowed, I served my in-laws for 15 years. The county officer wanted to give me a plaque for chastity. I asked him to replace it with food. He accused me of disrespect. Tell me, was I wrong? I killed my husband. He beat me, so I struck back. I am guilty, but I refuse to admit it. I dressed as a man and took the imperial exam. I was discovered. Dying for ambition is no regret. Eunuch Deming, General Shen, the post-mortem inspection is complete. Eunuch, the execution has been carried out. You can report back now. Leave the rest to me. Amo, wait a moment. I always have a merciful heart. Let these women rest in peace. Eunuch, you’re indeed thoughtful. Seal the coffins and bury the bodies. Alright. Now everything is finally settled. We can report back and complete our mission. General Shen. Come back to the palace with me to meet His Majesty and receive your rewards. Where is this place? Let us out! Help! Jiang Song! Let us out, Jiang Song! Let us out! Where is this place? Let us out! General Shen said, The medicine we drank was only to feign death. Once the old eunuch was fooled, he would take us to safety. But why are we here? You actually believe Shen Que? He’s trying to get us killed! No, he won’t. I trust Shen Que. He will definitely come to save us. We need to find a way to escape quickly. What should we do now? Let’s kick it together. Careful! Escort the eunuch out first! General Shen, save me! Go! General! Go! I can hardly breathe! Jiang Song! Shen Que, General Shen! Hurry! Save them first! Got it. Go, come on. Come on! Slow down. Go! Go! Wait! Extinguish the torches quickly! Go! Kill! Run! Shen Que Cui You’an Don’t come any closer Don’t come any closer Jiang Song Shen Que really won’t let you die Come back with me I don’t want to Fine Then they all have to die General Shen, watch out Watch out, General Shen Why can’t you just leave me alone Because you’re mine Do you love me No You’re just a heartless, unfeeling monster Enough That doesn’t matter Do you even understand what love is The living can die The dead can live That’s what love is Do you understand Why should I care about that cowardly kind of love Shen Que loves you But he’s about to die for you Come back with me I’ll spare them I’m not yours I belong to myself Fame Wealth Power Nothing can control me, Jiang Song Not even you, Cui You’an Take one more step And I’ll jump Don’t try to fool me I won’t fall for it So this is what pain feels like Jiang Song Jiang Song Are you okay I’m fine I killed him I killed him Alright. It’s over. I killed him. No. Don’t. Jiang Song! I’m here. Shen Que! I’m here. Shen Que! Is it all over? It’s all over now. It’s my fault I couldn’t protect you. Don’t say that. You saved us all. You did great. Shen Que! You didn’t kill innocents. You didn’t let me down. Thank you. What if I’m not as good as you think I am? How is she? Lady Jiang’s vision was initially just blurry, but after this ordeal… her body is weakened, and the poison has worsened. If it can’t be cured… she might lose her eyesight permanently. General! If Lady Jiang becomes blind, then wouldn’t she have to stay with you? Amo! The General likes Lady Jiang so much. Don’t you want the General to be happy? But what about Lady Jiang? Would she be willing? Would she be happy? You… Stop talking! I thought I was finally loved. That I was finally needed. That I was finally being noticed. But in the end, I was ignored again. Made a fool of. Abandoned. A ghost! Jiang Jiaojiao, you’re awake. You saved me again. I told you, you’re the heroine. Of course, you can’t die. What else do you want? Even greater beauty? Or a more noble status? What I want is… Cui You’an’s life. He’s the male lead. No one can kill him. Unless… He himself desires death. I thought she could save me. But unexpectedly… She came to kill me instead. You’re not dead. That’s right. It seems my fate is not sealed yet. The antidote. The antidote is here. But to take it… What’s the condition? Take a hundred strikes. Without retaliating. What’s the point of doing this? I want to see what Jiang Song claimed to be… that remarkable love. If you’re afraid, you can turn back. As for the antidote… Alright. Truly a deep and wholehearted love. Shen Que. Lady Jiang. You’re awake. Miao Hua. Where is Shen Que? He… Don’t tell her I’ve gone to fetch the antidote. He went to catch a thief. Miao Hua. Tell me the truth. Where did he go? I… Speak. The general went to get the antidote for you. A Mo Lady Jiang Can you stay for the General? Over these years He’s been so lonely on his own Shen Que Even if you manage to get the antidote She will still leave What’s the point? The antidote Fine I’ll grant your wish A hundred lashes It’s here Come and take a look. That’s Shen Que, Zhang Chao’s adopted son. Not long ago, they massacred an entire city. Such a sin… Keep your voice down. Stay away from people like them. He’s coming over. Let’s go, let’s go! Jiang Song. Shen Que. Why are you out here? I asked Miao Hua to take care of you. Where is she? Where have you been? I was catching a thief. Didn’t she tell you? She told me. So, were you waiting for me here? So concerned about me? Absolutely not. If you want to wait, don’t wait outside. It’s so cold and windy out here. I told you, I… I wasn’t waiting for you. Fine, you weren’t waiting for me. It’s good that you’re back. I found the antidote. Quickly, take it. Where did you get this? A miracle doctor gave it to me. A miracle doctor? What’s wrong with you? Shen Que… Don’t you know that… After I take the antidote, I’ll go to a very, very far place… A place where you don’t exist. Even knowing that, Do you still want me to take it? Yes. Why? Because… I want you to go wherever you want to go. I want you to live for yourself. Back then, when you saved me, It wasn’t because I was extraordinary. It’s because you are inherently good. The journey I’ve been on has been tough, But I’ve had far more choices than you. And now, you’ve found your own path. I can’t hold you back any longer. Jiang Song, don’t waver for anyone. Not even for me. Alright. I’m not as good as you say. I’m very selfish. Many times, I only think about myself. Fish eats little bugs to grow. Trees absorb water to grow taller. But no one says, the trees or fish are selfish. They are simply following their natural instincts. And so are you, Jiang Song. Did you just compare me to a fish? I’m a tree! Because you’re one of nature’s creations too. I’ve seen many fish, and many trees, but I’ve only met one Jiang Song. It seems my eyes don’t hurt anymore. Can you still not see? What a liar. Shen Que, Does it hurt? No, it doesn’t. I fell on my own. I fall all the time. Don’t cry. Look, what’s this? Jiang Song, you’ll catch your moon someday. You’re back! I never thought we’d all make it alive. We owe it to General Shen for saving us. I used to think General Shen was a terrible person. And thank you, Miss Jiang, for taking us in. It’s no problem. My mother and brother went back to the countryside. This house would be empty anyway. Miss, why don’t you just move in with General Shen? This place is such a mess. How can we bother others like this all the time? My dear, look! I found your piggy bank! What’s wrong? Listen, what’s that sound? There’s no sound at all. Exactly. Now that so many people have come to stay in the house, feeding everyone has become a big issue. Touching here, touching there, touching up, touching down, money flows in endlessly! Alright, my dear. Even if you squeeze this piggy bank dry, that money won’t just appear out of thin air. You’re right. Still, filling our stomachs is the top priority. Don’t you agree? Let’s go. Alright. Who’s there? Cucumbers, cabbages, three and a half pounds, open sesame with a cheerful smile! You’re back! Qian Qian! Your family has always encouraged you to study. They must really love you. Why don’t you go back home? Since I was young, I’ve aspired to contribute to the country just like a man. I want to wait until the day when women can also hold official positions in the court. But for now, I cannot drag my family down. Will that day ever come? I’ll strive to make it happen. Prince Zhao Yong, the third prince, is the most likely to become the new emperor. If I could meet him, I would definitely express my heartfelt aspirations to him. By then, no matter the outcome, at least I will have tried. I’m back! We earned ten coins today. That’s so much. This is amazing! I’m exhausted. My dear wife, I heard something strange on the way today. What is it? The Empress has just bestowed the title of Changning Princess on someone. Changning Princess? What’s strange is that this princess is said to be able to bless the Emperor with good health. A divine maiden descended to the world? A fire goddess descended to the world? With every step, fire lotus blooms? Is this Nezha? Wife, your ideas are always the best. Embroidery and painting really do fetch good money. But it’s still far from enough. We have so many people to provide for. My dear wife, why do you always avoid General Shen whenever he comes by? Madam Jiang, could you stay for the General? He’s been alone all these years. It’s been so lonely for him. Are you not going to greet him? No, I’m not. Why are you avoiding me? Did I do something wrong? I’m sorry, Brother Pi. It’s been a while since anything came in, only going out. I’ve made you go hungry. My wife, money actually appeared out of nowhere. A miracle happened! Silly you. There’s no such thing as a miracle. I had a dream. I dreamt of a night when I was eighteen. My uncle was forcing me to marry again. But I didn’t want to marry. However, my mother said I was too selfish, too willful. Was it really my fault? I just wanted to marry someone I love. If only someone could take me away from here. Me. What about you? I have nothing. Exactly. You have nothing. The man who marries me must be a bold and mighty general, a great hero. Only someone like that is worthy of me. It was that very moment, the moment that I regretted for so many years. If back then I had stopped him, told him, that it doesn’t matter if he has nothing, if I hadn’t been so stubborn, if I had let go of my childish pride, if I had just said those words… Would everything have turned out differently? Shen Que. This time, in my dream, I finally said those words: I’m willing to go with you. I dreamt of us watching a thousand and one sunrises together, counting a hundred thousand stars, raising two kids, one like you and one like me. Like any ordinary couple, we lived through all the ups and downs, until one day, we just grew old together. Shen Que. I dreamt of our long life together. Shen Que. I miss you so much. My lady, where are you going? I’m going to see Shen Que. Now. Yes, now. Shen Que. The first thought I had when I woke up was, thankfully, we’re still in time. This time, it’s my turn to come see you. Shen Que. Jiang Song. Shen Que Shen Que Lady Jiang Calm down Shen Que Shen Que, I’m willing Shen Que, I came to tell you I’m willing to stay for you Lady Jiang, please calm down Shen Que Shen Que Please calm down Let go, you need to calm down Shen Que What happened, A-Mo? Third Highness, my lord There’s no one inside Shen Que must have hidden them Cousin The Empress Dowager has ordered The guilty women must die The oracle’s prophecy One guilty woman will bring back the Cloud Surge Token That thing could help clear the Crown Prince’s name If that really happens Not to mention the Crown Prince’s remaining faction would support Zhao Chengze When the Crown Prince was convicted That was my and the Empress Dowager’s doing The general instructed If anything happened to him To take you away from the Jiang family Be careful Return to the Jiang family when the situation cools down That’s the most dangerous yet safest place Understood Who’s there? Jiang Jiaojiao No, I’m the storyteller How could you… Don’t you want to hear the story first? What story? I saved The story of five fish No more delays Cui You’an will be here soon Come with me quickly Do you really trust Shen Que that much? If he reveals your whereabouts He won’t Never Mere love Even you have fallen for it Let’s make a bet We’ll bet whether Shen Que will betray you Where are they? Are you afraid that those convicted women might survive, and the Yun Yong Order might reappear, thus bringing up the case of the late Crown Prince? Nonsense! At the Chancellor’s residence, the Empress and the Third Prince share their glory. If one is harmed, both suffer. You should be afraid too. If you refuse to speak, then wait to die as your blood drains away drop by drop. Shen Que, His Majesty summons you. A great general, risking his life over a few convicted women— is that worth it? Because they are weak, does my life, as the one wielding the blade, have more worth? They must die. If the Yun Yong Order doesn’t completely vanish, the kingdom will remain unstable. For the greater good, sacrifices are inevitable. Your Majesty, are you afraid that clearing the late Crown Prince’s name, might lead court officials to back the Imperial Grandson? And thus, the Third Prince wouldn’t smoothly ascend the throne? How dare you! You are clever, but you’re too young. You don’t yet understand, in this life, whether peasant or noble, it all ends with just two words: Resignation. What happens to others has nothing to do with me. All I know is, this world is full of fiends and monsters, hiding beneath glamorous facades, while committing despicable acts. But you wouldn’t do that. You were once the forthright youth of a bright and just world. If even you become unrecognizable, then what can I still believe in? I don’t want to, and I cannot, become that kind of person. I have seen too much. Those who think they can change the world, in the end, either bow their heads or become a single drop of blood on my blade. They fade away in the murky tides they detest. What were their names again? I’ve long forgotten. Your Majesty, their names, are your people. Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Guards! Take Shen Que away! Your Majesty! The people, the people, the people, the people! Your Majesty… Scholar Cui, my missus would like to meet you. Who is your missus? The Princess of Changning. I am swamped with work and have no time to spare. The Princess has five fishes, five fishes that can eat nightmares. Perhaps they’re exactly what you’ve been seeking. Five fishes? Where is your Princess? She is in your room. My room? The Princess is like a goddess of fire. She has chosen your place to stay. You should be honored. His Majesty has already approved it. Princess Changning. Scholar Cui, please wait. Let me first tell you a story. I’m all ears. A fisherman once came across a fish by chance. The fish was ordinary at first. But after it swallowed a luminous pearl, it began to glow at night. From then on, the man had the same nightmare every night. The dream was terrifying. Over time, he came to hate the dream more than he loved the fish. And then? Later, he found a way to stop having nightmares. He found relief. What way? What was it? Stay tuned for the next chapter. Interesting. But is the fisherman me, or His Majesty? Maybe it’s both. But Scholar Cui, how did you know there was a luminous pearl in the fish’s belly? It doesn’t really matter if it’s there or not. What matters is that the nightmare started because of it, so it can only end because of it. Right? True. I was fortunate to obtain five fish. Rumor has it that one of them contains a luminous pearl in its belly. I don’t want to repeat the fisherman’s mistakes, so I thought of gifting them to Scholar Cui. The Princess is wise. I just don’t want the fish, nor the luminous pearl. Then what do you want? Stop right there! What do you want? I’ll tell you later. For now, take a look at these five fish. See if the one you’re looking for is among them. Where is it? The fish are right in front of you. Open and take a look. You’re daring to toy with me? Where is the offender? You didn’t give me what I wanted, so why should I give you what you want? What do you want? Lotus Pond Fishcakes. What? Take these fish in front of you and turn them into lotus pond fishcakes for me. Then flatter me. Entertain me. Kneel before me. And then I’ll tell you where the offender is. Who exactly are you? Jiang Jiao Jiao? But she’s supposed to be dead! I am the storyteller after all! The room is simple and humble. If the Princess likes it, then let her stay. But such jokes can’t be made lightly. Even if I can’t destroy your body, I can still break your spirit. Jiang Song is the best tool to use. How could I let you find it so easily? The Emperor declared you the Princess, to bless me with peace and prosperity. In the past few days, I have indeed felt much more at ease. Today, I’ll tell Your Majesty the story of Mulian saving his mother. Mulian’s mother, a disciple of Buddha, fell into the realm of hungry ghosts and suffered. So during the Ullambana Festival, he sought the power of monks from all directions to feed her. But not every son or daughter is as filial as Mulian. Help me! What are you trying to say? The late Crown Prince’s filial piety matched Mulian’s. Whereas the third prince, an unfilial person, how could he rule the country, Your Majesty? Cousin, what’s the matter? Shen Que has confessed the whereabouts of the criminal women. The Emperor has granted him permission to capture them and redeem himself. Shen Que finally spoke. His blood was drained for three whole days and nights. He probably couldn’t take it anymore. He was terrified of dying. Well, let’s just wait and see. But the problem now is, this time, the Emperor wants them captured alive. Could it be that he’s trying to recover the Cloud Surge Seal and overturn the case for the late Crown Prince? If that happens, that boy Zhao Chengze could end up as the Crown Prince! Where did Shen Que say the criminal women are? My lord, we couldn’t find them! Movement over there, go check it out After them, quick! Academician Cui We’ve found your letter Cui You’an, long time no see I knew it was you, Jiang Jiaojiao The story continues. One day The fish keeper stopped having nightmares and found liberation Because she killed the fish She The fish keeper was a woman The fish keeper wasn’t His Majesty It wasn’t me It was Jiang Jiaojiao Such a simple story And you’re only figuring it out now By the way, the fish you’re looking for is in the room If you go alone, you might still save her in time Jiang Jiaojiao Chan Niang Spare me, my lady I won’t tell anyone You’an will never know Please spare my life, my lady My lady, my lady Chan Niang, you must die No one can know about You’an’s… Cui You’an Jiang Jiaojiao You said The nightmares only came because of the fish So they can only end with the fish Lady Jiang Only by killing her can I truly escape from the nightmares you gave me No! Please don’t Beg me I beg you. What do you want? I can give you anything Too late Now it’s your turn to have nightmares No Miss Jiang Miss Jiang Miss Jiang Miss Jiang Young Master Cui I will never let anything happen to you I’ll take you to see a doctor right now Why won’t you just let me go? Because only you can save me You are above everyone else How could I possibly save you? No That’s not it I am not above anyone I am… I cannot let anyone know about You’an You’an is… I am not… What are you? Is You’an the child of some lowly bloodline? I was born from Maid Chan I am of lowly origin My foster mother killed my birth mother This is not your fault Really? Lies So this is the secret buried in your heart You classify people into noble and lowly ranks But in truth, you yourself are the most insignificant How ridiculous Cui You’an, listen to me If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be the protagonist It was because I chose you that you became the protagonist In reality, you are nothing at all Will doing this really push Cui You’an to seek death? I can only gamble on this Even if he doesn’t die this time I still have ways to bring him down from his high position How are you going to do that? The third prince is as foolish as a pig He is nothing but a stepping stone At the end of the story Cui You’an will become the emperor But What if the Third Prince were gone What would happen then Do you really think you can touch the Third Prince I have my ways But why didn’t even you know that Cicada Lady was Cui You’an’s birth mother I truly have no memory of this matter At first I didn’t pay attention to Cicada Lady But when I was at the Prime Minister’s residence I saw him constantly painting ‘Mulian Rescues His Mother’ And the servants were always evasive about Cicada Lady’s cause of death I suspected there was more to the story So I kidnapped Matron Jin She said Cui You’an was born to the Prime Minister and Cicada Lady but was raised by the First Lady since childhood As Cui You’an and Cicada Lady grew closer and their bond strengthened coupled with rumors about his true parentage the First Lady had Cicada Lady killed And Cui You’an happened to witness this exact moment What’s the matter? Father. Do you know how Lady Chan died? Wasn’t it because a thief broke into the house and harmed her? That’s an old story. Why bring her up again? No. That’s not it. What I say is the truth. She deserved to die. If she hadn’t died, everyone would know you’re born from a lowly background. Get out! She deserved to die. If she hadn’t died, everyone would know you’re born from a lowly background. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. What about my money? I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Is ‘sorry’ going to fix it? I won’t dare do it again. I’m sorry. A bastard born of a lowly woman. I’ll beat you to death! What are you doing? Should someone from a humble background deserve to die? Of course, they should. What? You don’t accept it? How dare you hit me? How dare you?! Stop it! Let’s go. Zhen Ren. You carried a death wish in your heart. Just now, you were so close to dying. You are a child of destiny, the protagonist of this world. How can you abandon yourself like this? A child of destiny? Of course. The Third Prince is merely a stepping stone on your path to the throne. Another one of your prophecies? This is your destiny. Why let it bring you down? Secrets have been exposed. Then bury them even deeper. Ascend to the throne. Your origin? It’s up to you to define it. You’re nothing. You’re nothing. I make the rules. Hurry up. This is the government office. Let’s see where you can run. Who said we were running? I, Yao Qianqian, accuse the Emperor himself! I, Yao Qianqian, accuse the Emperor himself! I, Yao Qianqian, along with Ruixue, Dongmei, and Xiuxiu, accuse the Emperor himself! I, Yao Qianqian, along with Ruixue, Dongmei, and Xiuxiu, accuse the Emperor himself! I, Yao Qianqian, along with Ruixue, Dongmei, and Xiuxiu, accuse the Emperor himself! I, Yao Qianqian, along with Ruixue, Dongmei, and Xiuxiu, accuse the Emperor himself! You insolent woman! Striking the drum of justice is to file a case against the Emperor. And you dare use it to defame His Majesty? Just because of a prophecy about the ‘Yun Yong Order’? His Majesty wants to have us executed. That’s right! Today, we’re striking the Emperor’s drum! We’re accusing the Emperor! If the ruler commits a crime, he is equal to the common people under the law! If justice is twisted under the sky of this court, what fairness is left in this world? Exactly! Unrepentant until death. Guards! Punish them! No need. No need for punishment. The Third Prince has arrived! Execute them immediately! Qianqian! Qianqian! Qianqian! Qianqian! Qianqian! Qianqian! Quick, close the door! Close it! Let’s see who dares! Qianqian! Shen Que, what are you planning? Your Highness, Third Prince. His Majesty personally instructed me to ensure the culprits are brought back alive. When was this imperial decree issued? The decree I received was to eliminate without mercy. You. His Majesty has passed away. Imperial edict is here. Zhao Yong, accept the decree. By the mandate of heaven, the Emperor decrees: Third Prince Zhao Yong is appointed as heir and successor, to ascend the throne and take the imperial position. This shall be announced to the entire realm, so that all may hear. By imperial order. Your son accepts the decree. It’s poisoned. I’m sorry. That you had to live in such a terrible world. Cui You’an, without Zhao Yong, let’s see how you’ll ascend to that position. Quick! Quickly, seize her! Thank you. For trusting me once more. You want me to betray you? Yes. Only then will His Majesty spare you. But… Shen Que, staying alive is what matters most. Here’s a concealed weapon that suits you. A concealed weapon? Press here. The weapon will explode. But it must be used when the enemy is caught off guard. I have something to give you, too. What is it? Next time. Alright. The moon looks so beautiful tonight. Indeed. What are you thinking about? Back then, sitting atop piles of corpses, the moon hung high, like a bronze mirror. For a moment, it felt like I was a ghost from the underworld, helplessly gazing at the earthly moon. Hazy and unclear. So faraway, millions of miles apart. Shen Que. From now on, I’ll watch the moon with you. Execution at noon tomorrow. Eat well before your journey. You really came. You killed the Third Prince. Only the emperor’s grandson can inherit the throne. He pardoned the criminal woman. And arrested that governor. Are you satisfied now? Come with me. Let’s go. But I’ve killed someone. You’re the heroine of this world. What does killing a prince even matter? Even if you killed everyone in the world, it wouldn’t matter. But I just can’t kill Cui You’an. Wife. What are you embroidering? It must be for General Shen. I think he already has a similar bell. Yes, yes. Nothing can escape your notice. Alright. I can give it to him tonight. Does it look nice? I want to return Qian Qian’s ashes to her family. For a family to raise someone as wonderful as Qian Qian, Her parents must be great people. Indeed. Her father is the Censor-in-Chief. Her family is renowned far and wide for their benevolence and righteousness. What a pity. I didn’t expect you to really get away. I told you, I had my ways. Jiang Jiao Jiao. Thank you. I created such a messed-up world, So I have to clean up this mess myself. You’ve really changed a lot. When I was close to death, I saw someone. You are… It’s me! Jiang Jiao Jiao, I’m the ten-year-old you! Why is it you? I’m sorry. Seeing your grown-up self, are you disappointed? I think you’re really cool. You dare to stand up to bad guys, while I don’t even dare to climb over the school wall. But no one cares about me. No one loves me. I like you. You like me? I’ve always, forever, liked you 100%. In the entire universe, I like you the most. Even more than Doraemon? Even more than Doraemon. Suddenly, I remembered what 10-year-old me dreamed of the most back then. Was it becoming a princess waiting for a prince’s kiss to wake her? Doesn’t seem like it. Then what was it? It was to become a biologist! That’s right. I remember now. Live on, get back up from here. Go to the Himalayas and see antelope climbing cliffs. Go to the tropical rainforest to find the tree-eye beast. Go to the Arctic Ocean to capture a whale’s splash. Go anywhere you want. Don’t be afraid to be alone. I’ll always be here. I’ll always be here, okay? We’re the world’s best team, aren’t we? I have to go back to my world now. Will you come with me? No. I promised Shen Que I’d stay. What’s wrong? Nothing. Using my memories, I roughly wrote out the ending of the novel. It’s incomplete, but maybe it’ll help you. Don’t read it now. Why not? Knowing the future isn’t always a good thing. This is a book that half predicts the future with partial truths You shouldn’t completely dismiss what’s written in it But don’t blindly believe it either Not knowing how things will end is actually a good thing Once you know for certain Your heart will die If you still hold hope for the future Reading this will only make you more resentful And more desperate After going through so much What could possibly make me feel desperate now? Put the book away If nothing happens as predicted Just forget about it But if one day you reach your breaking point Take it out and read it again Just keep it in mind Thank you I’m leaving now Take care I’m off I know you’re staying for Shen Que But I must warn you Human nature is the most unpredictable thing I don’t mean to shake your resolve But I’ll be waiting for you I’ll be at the Cycle Gate Waiting for you until two hours from now Come on. Eat more. Look at you, you’re so skinny. Are you feeling down? Look at the state you’re in now. You’ve got nothing left. So what? Do you want me to help you? What can you possibly do to help me? Jiang Jiaojiao thought, she was the creator of this world. She was wrong. She once made a wish to Bi Shen, and the god crafted a perfect life for her based on her novel. But she failed to cherish it. So, she became trapped in her nightmare. Falling, falling, splat. Her insides shattered completely. Over and over again. Enough. Why panic? This is a great opportunity for you. You, a minor character in a novel, who couldn’t even survive a single chapter, now this is your chance. What chance? Haven’t you always wanted to leave? The protagonist is the key to connecting two worlds. All you have to do is become Jiang Jiaojiao, become the protagonist, and finish this story. Then you’ll be able to open the gates and gain your freedom. From mere words on a page to a real, living person. What if I refuse? No. Follow me. Does it look good? Yes, it does. Here, you wear it. Xiuxiu. Xiuxiu, get up. She tried to escape, she resisted, but in the end, with no options left, she was forced to return home. And then she went mad. Not just her. Do you think how Adie lost her mind? In this world, if you don’t obey, you can only end up as a madwoman. Now you have three choices. First, become like them. Second, listen to me. Turn into Jiang Jiaojiao. Third, go beg Shen Que. But we only see the new lover’s smile, never the old lover’s tears. Will he still help you? Why should I choose any of your options? I choose none of them. Do you think you can escape? I won’t run away. Thank you for bringing me to see them. It made me realize that running away shouldn’t be a woman’s fate. Weakness only cedes power. What I should do is take root on this land, no matter how barren or harsh it is. I will carve out a place of my own. What a pity, this world is about to end soon. What do you mean? This is an imagined world, a giant ship about to sink. Even if you don’t become Jiang Jiaojiao, it will still end when the story concludes. Why not seize the opportunity to win a ticket to a new ship, starting a real life? How much time is left? Ten days. The young one is mine. The older one— you two can take care of him together. Then I thank you, Master Qin. Come on, take a sip. Drink it without hesitation. Come on. If you die, I won’t hold you accountable. Drink it! I said drink! Let me do it. I thought you ran away. Turns out you went to buy wine to honor Master Qin. That’s right. Let me honor you. Damn you! Are you looking for trouble? What are you trying to do? Yeah. Let my friend go. Or I’ll burn this place to the ground. Young master Qin. Let them go quickly. Yeah, let them go. Release them! Shut up. I don’t believe you’d dare to do it. I’ll count to three. Three. Two. Stop! Release them. Hurry and leave. Once you step out, I’ll immediately send someone to catch you again. Next time, I won’t let you escape. Does anyone want to hear, the story of how young master Qin, harassed a maid at the princess’s birthday banquet, and got punished with fifty lashes by the princess? Nonsense! Lies! So it seems, the rumor about young master Qin being bedridden some time ago, was true. I vaguely heard about it too. And, young master Qin recently bought a songstress, but when he tried to get intimate with her, he found out… Shut up! he couldn’t perform. How do you even know all this? If anything happens to me or my friends, the entire capital will know all the disgraceful deeds you’ve ever done, Young Master Qin. Got it? And one more thing, I want you to release Dong Mei. We will repay your losses, little by little. I really can’t do anything about that. How could it be impossible? According to the rules, the mountain lord must dismiss the charges before she’s released. Yesterday, I gave that mountain to my brother-in-law Shen Que. If you want to save her, you’ll have to go find him. It’s going to be okay. It seems that Xiu Xiu’s family still shows no sign of repentance. This looks nice, Xiu Xiu. Don’t move. It’s crooked. Xiu Xiu, no matter what happens, as long as we’re together, things will get better. It’s just that poor Dong Mei is suffering. Yesterday, I gave that mountain to my brother-in-law Shen Que. If you want to save her, you’ll have to go find him. Starting from Yao Manor six months ago, there have been as many as seven estates harboring Night Walkers. This time, we finally caught a live one. He confessed to knowing two small-time Night Walker leaders, the brothers Shen Tu Long and Shen Tu Hu. Yao Xiaozhi claims the Night Walkers are loyal to the Empress Dowager. Do you find anything suspicious, General? Could the Empress Dowager’s faction alone really cultivate this many Night Walkers? General, are you suspecting the Prime Minister’s office? His Majesty has just ascended the throne, and the political situation is unstable. Without solid evidence and absolute certainty, we cannot act recklessly. Understood, sir. General, there’s one more thing. Two days ago, Qin Sizhe gave you— Enough. There’s no need to report his matters to me. Shen. General Shen. What did you just call me? General Shen. Why are you looking for me? I want to ask you to release Dongmei. She broke the law. Why should I let her go? I know according to the law, we owe the Mountain Lord a thousand taels of silver. But Dongmei is in poor health. I’m afraid she won’t make it. Can you release her for now? I’ll pay the money back gradually. What does this have to do with me? I beg you, for the sake of our past acquaintance. What past acquaintance do you speak of between us? Then at least you and Dongmei know each other, don’t you? The law shows no mercy. Jiang Song. Don’t think that by coming to me and pretending to be pitiful, I’ll break the rules for you. But you’re the only one I can turn to. You can go to the authorities. Go to the Mountain Lord. Why do you insist on coming to me? Aren’t you the Mountain— Aren’t you— Relying on the fact that I used to like you, When you chose to leave, We became strangers. You must’ve heard by now. I’m about to get married. Or are you here to be my concubine? Forget it. I’m not like you. I can’t learn to be fickle. Shen Que! Do you know this person? It doesn’t matter. She’s that Jiang Song, isn’t she? I’ve seen plenty of women like you. Eyes red, tears brimming, Manipulating a man’s compassion. Claiming to be independent, But relying on men for everything. Lady Qin. Watch your language Don’t call me ‘madam’ I’m a warrior I’m not like you delicate ladies I charge into battle reveling in combat Unlike you who starve yourselves for tiny waists with your affected manners and artificial coyness Lady Qin Not every woman in this world is as fortunate as you The lives they lead aren’t always by choice Why be so judgmental? Whether bold and unrestrained or gentle and refined even sentimental or jealous Who dictates how women should be? I see no hierarchy among them All this talk but haven’t you relied on men? I have Not only have I but if necessary I’ll do it again Exactly my point Haven’t you too? Don’t you depend on comrades in battle? That’s completely different I see no distinction People should help each other regardless of gender The world gives us few paths Only fools refuse to walk them Sharp-tongued wench I’m leaving Got carried away arguing Where will I find a thousand taels? Come here Speak your mind The apocalypse approaches yet you’d save some minor character? So what? As long as life continues I’ll cherish every moment I have a way to rescue Dongmei effortlessly Want to try? What’s the plan? In your hands Don’t you have that novel Jiang Jiaojiao left you? Tomorrow at 3 PM Qin Sizhe will kidnap Jiang Jiaojiao at Guanyin Bridge And deliver her to Shentu Long in the black market Listen to me Same rules as always Anyone who wants to fight me If you lose Pay me this big chunk of gold If you win The gold is yours This hostage Also goes to you The Shentu brothers use kidnapped victims as bait To lure challengers Winning every single fight Who knows how much money they’ve won Young Master Chu, are you interested? I’m not one to meddle in others’ affairs Today’s hostage is quite a treasure Look Such a beautiful young maiden What? No one wants to rescue her? I’ll do it Good, good, good Who exactly is this Chu Muzhi? Another suitor of the female lead The heir to the world’s top banking house See Wouldn’t it be great to be Jiang Jiaojiao? What should I do? Just wait at Guanyin Bridge Everything will naturally unfold as written in the story Do you have any other choice? A thousand taels You’ve never seen this much money in your entire life, have you? Since Shen Que and Cui You’an are no longer reliable Now that you finally have a new backer Shouldn’t you seize the opportunity? Didn’t you just say there’s no shame in relying on men? What are you hesitating for? Will that Qin Sizhe really show up? Isn’t that the bitch? General, that’s Shen Tulong. Listen to me. The usual rules. Anyone who wants to fight me, if you lose, you owe me a chunk of gold this big. If you win, the gold is yours. And the hostage, they’re yours too. Sounds good! This brother Shen uses his captured hostages as bait, challenging others to fights. He’s won every single time. Who knows how much he’s earned? Young Master Chu, are you interested? I’m not one to meddle in others’ affairs. But today’s hostage is quite a treasure. A true prize. Look closely! This is none other than the son of the Duke of the State. What’s the matter? No one’s going to rescue him? Whoever saves the Duke’s son, their future will be limitless! But who can possibly beat Shen Tulong? Exactly! How boring. I’m leaving. I’ll do it. Who is it?! It’s her. What are you doing? I’m going to make some money. You’ll just get yourself killed! What’s that got to do with you? General Shen, do you still have feelings for me? Remember, you’re not the kind of person who changes their mind. Your own words. You… Just wait and see. She’s throwing her life away. This young lady has quite a lovely figure. Though her sense of style could use some work. She’s stepping into the ring, and all you care about is her looks. If you’re so stylish, then you get up there! I’m here to save you. Jiang Song. Miss, I think you’ve come to the wrong place After all, I’m not your sweetheart Enough with the nonsense Are you afraid to fight me? You’re asking for death Fine Shentu Long has trained in body protection techniques Practically indestructible But Chu Muzhi immediately spotted Shentu Long’s vital point was at the Shenshu acupoint He struck the pressure point and defeated him in one move Shentu Long collapsed, spitting blood Shenshu acupoint Three Two One General No hurry Get up already! Very well Jiang Song Not bad Good Go on, attack! Stop just dodging! Hit him! Beautiful move! Nice! Impressive! How could this be? Wasn’t the Shenshu acupoint his vital spot? Looks like the pretty lady came prepared But you’ve made one crucial mistake Thought you were so tough Hit him! Get up Up, get up! Rise! Punch him already! This is a book that half-predicts the future You shouldn’t completely dismiss what’s written in it But don’t blindly believe it either You’re not Shentu Long You’re Shentu Hu Get up already! Jiang Song. That’s enough. Stop hitting her! I won’t. If you’re trying to force me to let Dongmei go… I’m not forcing you. The path is made by walking it. Without walking, how can there be a path? Are you confident you’ll survive? Fine. Then I’ll wait and see. Running away shouldn’t be a woman’s destiny. Weakness only surrenders power. What I should do is take root in this soil. No matter how barren or hostile it is, I must carve out my own space. Hit him! Hurry up! Hit him! Come on, hit him! Alright. Alright. Alright. Yes, hit him! Stab him to death! Alright! Alright! Jiang Song. That’s a fake dagger. She’s fine. Good. Impressive. Your Jiang lady is quite interesting. Well done. Nicely fought. Yes, well fought! Alright. Hand it over! Alright. Well done. I declare Jiang lady the winner. Alright. Well done. Alright. Shen Que. Alright. Give chase! Alright. Jiang lady has won! Well done So beautiful, absolutely stunning My dear wife Thanks to your gold-winning streak Not only did we clear all our debts But also rebuilt our mansion We even had a doctor visit Ruixue this morning and got her medicine And had new clothes made for everyone We’re finally living the good life The luxurious feast from Chunjiang Restaurant has arrived Come eat, my dear Let’s go have our meal Wonderful Finally we can eat our fill This is happy news, Sister Ruixue Don’t cry No tears now If only Dongmei were here Don’t worry The remaining money is enough to redeem Dongmei Eat up Go ahead and eat Not eating, not drinking, not speaking either You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that General Who would have thought It was actually Madam Jiang who helped capture Shentu Hu Pity Shentu Long managed to escape By the way, General Qin Sizhe recently Gave you that mountain of his So technically you’re the mountain lord now What? Why didn’t you tell me sooner? I tried to inform you that day But you said Qin Sizhe’s matters Didn’t need your attention You… General Shen Madam Jiang requests an audience I’ve come to redeem Dongmei Here’s one thousand taels No need for your money Why not? Consider it paid with Shentu Hu’s bounty reward Though if you insist on paying That’s acceptable too Thank you You can take her back now Then I’ll escort Lady Jiang to the prison cell I’ll walk you there Let’s go Dongmei Dongmei, we’re going home Dongmei What happened? General, Dongmei is dead Did anyone come here last night? Reporting General, I don’t know Summon all the jailers who were on duty last night Yes sir Shen Que This was clutched in Dongmei’s hand when she died Is this the one you always wear? You suspect me? Answer me I… Why should I answer you? Because a life is at stake, Shen Que In your eyes… Am I just a bloodthirsty monster? Then why even ask? What kind of person is he, really? I don’t know. What should I believe? This is the true face of Shen Que. Do you think your words are credible? Why don’t you open the book in your hands and take a look at Shen Que’s past and future? There’s no need. What’s going on? This is the world inside the book. Now there’s no female protagonist, and you’ve burned the book. That means you’ve destroyed this world. Where is this place? You’re in the final chapter of the story. A not-so-distant future. Your Majesty. I’ve gouged out his eyes. Shen Que. Why? Didn’t you say we’d never meet again? Why are you here? Shen Que. Why did you do this? I just killed a few people. How many did you kill? I don’t remember anymore. After all, they said, the water in the moat has turned completely red. No, stop! Even if you kill me, I will still be the Empress Dowager. And this kingdom will still belong to the Zhao family. General, how many more people do you need to kill to be satisfied? General? This is where I can no longer walk this path with you. General Shen, please spare my family. They are innocent. Kill him! End this abomination. In your heart, haven’t I always been a bloodthirsty monster? No, you’re not. Shen Que. Welcome to my world. Jiang. Song. Your insincere feelings and pretense, they no longer work on me. But why, why can’t there just be one time that you come for me? I am a villain, I have a shameful past. So I am not worthy. You see, if Shen Que doesn’t die, he will continue killing innocents like this. Kill him. Kill him! I won’t. Judging someone based on an uncertain future, is it fair to sentence them to death? Is that justice? This is not justice. This is hypocrisy. Fine. Then let me show you once again, the sins he once committed. Papa told me to stay here and wait, he said a hero would come to take me away. Is it you? Shen Que, are there Hu people inside? No. It’s you. Hide well. What a satisfying slaughter today! General Zhang has given the order. Victory banquet tonight, with unlimited drinks! Alright, alright! Shen Que! Come on, let’s drink! Let’s go, let’s go! Come on! Let’s go, let’s go! We guard the border, countless Hu people have died at our hands. Who knows how many children have lost their way of life. Do you think they deserved to die because they were guilty? No, it’s because we wanted to live. Shen Que, wake up! Once you’ve entered this battlefield of carnage do you still think you can remain virtuous? Brothers, let’s go Time for drinks Alright, alright, alright Good Good It’s me I’m the one who got him killed They See that? He caused so many deaths Even children Doesn’t he deserve to die? Run Run Run where? Run back to where the story began To Shen Que’s most vulnerable moment in the past Kill him Run After Lady Jiang left The general searched for her like a madman He was so distraught, barely recognizable Lady Jiang was angry the general killed the Yao family If the general had his reasons why didn’t he explain to her? The imperial decree is highly confidential How could the general disclose it casually? Besides, if Lady Jiang knew it would only bring danger upon her You’re back This time will it take another five years before you’ll see me? Quick Do it now While he’s still unconscious Kill him quickly Check everywhere, see if there are any survivors Stay vigilant Shen Que Shen Que Hold on You came to kill him, not to save him He’s waking up Kill him now, hurry! You’re about to die This is your last chance You nearly blinded that kid How are we supposed to sell him for a good price now? Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing He’ll be fine in a couple days Shen Que Please don’t hit me Don’t hit me, I’m scared Don’t be afraid, it’s okay Shen Que, I won’t hurt you Who are you? I came here for you Your guardian fairy Fairy? Can you grant me a wish then? What do you wish for? I can’t see anything It’s so dark, I’m terrified Can you make me less afraid? Shen Que I made this butterfly bell Whenever you feel scared Just listen to its sound and you won’t be as afraid What’s wrong? This is the first gift I’ve ever received It feels like a dream Shen Que In the future, you’ll receive many, many gifts Your future will be filled with many wonderful things My future… What will my future be like? Your kindness and integrity will earn you respect from many people You’ll have a happy family No more separation despair or loneliness Fairy sister You seem to be hurt How could that be? Fairies don’t get hurt But You sound like you’re in pain Your time is almost up, why haven’t you acted yet? Shen Que, take care I’ll keep this bell forever What did you say? No matter when or where I’ll always carry this bell with me Give it back Shen Que, remember this No matter what happens in the future Even if everyone Even if everyone abandons you betrays you Never forget who you are Promise me? The moon is beautiful When you feel lonely in the future just look at the moon Okay Who’s talking? Where did this brat come from? Looking for death? My eyes! Boss! Boss! My eyes! Fairy sister! Boss! Fairy sister! Fairy sister! Fairy sister! Fairy sister! Fairy sister! Fairy sister! Fairy sister! Shen Que didn’t kill Dongmei What? Thanks to you sending me back to his past I finally discovered The bell Shen Que always carries with him was a gift from me Dongmei’s killer tried to frame Shen Que by making a fake bell I never paid much attention to his bell before At first glance, I thought it was his too But if this bell was something I personally stitched thread by thread wouldn’t I know better? Who’s the killer? I’ll find out myself You saw it He’s a wicked man with blood on his hands Why not kill him? All I see is a pitiful soul You needn’t mind him He’s not real How is he not real? Are you saying everything I just witnessed was fake? His experiences, his entire being His suffering was all too real He’s not some shadow to highlight the protagonist’s glory He’s a living, breathing human being with flesh and blood Shen Que How’s the interrogation of Shentu Hu going? Tough nut to crack – he won’t talk You’re no good at this Shen Que My father’s already looking for someone To pick an auspicious date for our wedding I’ll try to stall for time Sorry for dragging you into this charade to appease him What kind of comrade would I be if I didn’t help? You’re a real one Qiqi has been exposed. The Nightwalker is in position. She’s no longer of any use. But she knows everything. Don’t worry. You are destined for greatness. No one can stop you. Do you really think I believe in destiny? Of course, you must believe. Looks like Shen Que’s men have arrived. They’ve acted quite swiftly. Where are they? Nowhere. We’ve been interrogating Qiqi for a long time. She hasn’t said a single word. Today, she suddenly asked to see you. Be cautious. Now that you’re here, my lady, there are some things I can finally say. General Shen, you should also listen. Actually, Zhen Ren… Qiqi… Qiqi… Qiqi… Qiqi… Qiqi… Qiqi… My lady… I’m sorry… Get a doctor! Quickly, get a doctor! It’s not necessary. When I killed Dongmei, I had no intention of living on. My lady… Don’t say more. My lady, my lady… At least I got to see you one last time… Qiqi… Qiqi… I was wrong. My lady, if there’s a next life, we… we will… Qiqi… Qiqi… Qiqi, wake up! You must wake up! Are you lying to me again? Didn’t you have something to tell me? Say it Qiqi Qiqi Qiqi, wake up Wake up Wake up Qiqi I forgive you I forgive you I forgive you Wake up, don’t leave me behind Qiqi Qiqi Qiqi I forgive you My wife Qiqi has failed you Knowing my time was short, I left this letter The Night Walkers were formed by the Prime Minister’s office The former Crown Prince was framed while investigating the Night Walkers The Crown Prince case caused the Cloud Surge Token to go missing Now, the Prime Minister plans to act during the Lantern Festival We must find the Cloud Surge Token before they do Grateful to Prime Minister Cui for providing shelter The Lantern Festival is in three days Didn’t the Diviner say they could help me find the Cloud Surge Token? Don’t worry, the Cloud Surge Token will appear soon The Prison God is on your side Sister, don’t cry Thank you You’re welcome That brother gave it to me This is for Cicada Lady You said River lanterns float to our departed loved ones You should release one too You remember what you said I remember everything There’s something I must make clear to you What? The Diviner wants to control me Let me be Jiang Jiaojiao I can’t help but feel close to you Because Jiang Jiaojiao once admired you Not me If I behave improperly again Please don’t mistake it That’s not my true intention I’ll try my best to avoid you too Why What Why must your affection for me be fake Because it was a mistake I am Jiang Song The one I love is My life was already absurd You love Shen Que Love all living beings Love this world Why can’t you love me too You know what Only when you’re by my side Do I not feel like an empty shell I can’t save you Enough, my dear Even if you polish this piggy bank to a shine This money Won’t magically appear Three days later Will this world really disappear Oh Pixiu I’m insignificant Unable to contend With that god I brought everyone back to the Jiang family Thinking we’d found safe harbor But heaven and earth are about to perish Nowhere to escape Do I really have to flee this world alone But the me who escapes Won’t be me anymore Dawn is approaching No time to hesitate Then let’s leave no regrets How’s the surveillance on the Prime Minister’s residence Our spies report The Prime Minister stays in a side room all day Keep close watch Not even a bird should enter the residence Understood The person captured from the Zhenren’s residence Still refuses to reveal the Zhenren’s whereabouts Tell me, where is the Zhenren? Dismissed Yes Where is the Zhenren? Enough nonsense Three Two One General, you can’t kill him Shen Que Shen Que These are flowers I specially arranged for you For you Did Miao Hua let you in? This is no place for you What exactly do you want? Can’t you see? See what? I’m proposing to you Shen Que Do you find it amusing to tease me? I’m not teasing you Enough Jiang Song Enough I can’t save you She will come to you tonight Make her yours Then let’s start over Why am I here? I want to go home Why can’t I remember the way home? Lady Jiang Lady Jiang I’ll take you out These are Jiang Jiaojiao’s memories Not mine Cui You’an What are you doing? Shen Que Come with me Why did you bring me here? I need some time alone Shen Que I want to talk to you Sure, what about? If someone wants to manipulate me What should I do? Who would dare manipulate you? If the world ends in three days Would you face the end with me? What are you talking about? Shen Que I’m sorry I should have told you sooner I like you Jiang Song, stop joking around I’m not joking I like you You’re the only one I’ve ever liked What are you afraid of? If you knew what I’ve done before You wouldn’t say you like me But I do know You really know? I know Shen Que You’ve been through so much After the Lantern Festival I don’t know what will happen What if I… No matter what happens Since I’ve made my choice I won’t regret it I’m not worthy What has she done? The rift is actually getting bigger Jiang Song, don’t blame me for being ruthless Doctor Li How is the general’s condition? Let me administer some acupuncture first Proceed How forgetful of me I forgot my needles Could you please fetch them from the clinic for me? Certainly As a physician sworn to save lives How could you commit murder? I only kill those who deserve death How dare you be so insolent! Zhang Chao, do you remember? When Camel Bell Village harbored Hu spies You massacred the entire village To make an example of them My daughter was among them My daughter was among them Along with her eight-year-old son And so many innocent villagers What does it matter if I remember? This general has killed countless people A few more make no difference Evil will be repaid with evil Even if I can’t kill you with my own hands today Your body won’t last much longer At least you’ll die before this general does Shen Que Kill him Do it! Foster father With his medical skills We should conscript him instead Do you also think I deserve to die? No My life was given by you, foster father Not just your life Would you have achieved anything without me? Now this man wants to kill me What should you do? Zhang Chao, may you die a horrible death! May you die a horrible death! If we don’t eliminate the foreigners, our dynasty will perish Zhang Chao, show no mercy Don’t kill me Wait Let him go Father How is the Prime Minister doing? His Majesty has placed him under house arrest under the pretext of recuperation With heavy surveillance I’m in the capital Li Dacheng is training troops at the Eastern Camp They won’t be able to cause any trouble To ensure absolute safety We must find the Cloud Surge Token as soon as possible To convict them Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival Keep a close eye on them Understood Father After the Lantern Festival I wish to get married Enough I was originally afraid she would be a burden to you Since you’ve made up your mind There’s nothing more for me to hide Back then Actually, it was she who asked me to save you What? Right after she stabbed you My reinforcements arrived and drove off those rebels She carried you on her back Following my troops for a full day and night Begging me to save you Saying you had some martial skills Kneeling to plead with me to take you in Knowing she had wronged you deeply She asked me never to mention her to you Why have you come? What’s wrong? Nothing I just wanted to see you From now on I won’t let you go again Don’t think about the future Having now is enough Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival I hope nothing happens Stay home these few days With Miaohua and others looking after you I’ll feel more at ease But I’m still somewhat worried Don’t worry They haven’t found the Cloud Surge Token yet Can’t touch the Night Walkers I can handle it What’s wrong? Nothing With this by my side It’s like having you here with me Let’s go Shen Que I’ll wait for you Wait for me They’ve been playing chess these past two days Seems nothing unusual No one coming or going They didn’t say anything either Nothing What’s this smell? I think I’ve smelled this before It’s that illusion incense again What is this? Madam Jiang Miao Hua What’s happening outside? Many people came from nowhere Heading straight for the palace Are they Night Walkers? Madam Jiang, the general ordered To keep you safe at all costs I’ll go check Miao Hua Finally we reach the grand finale Jiang Jiaojiao I’m not Jiang Jiaojiao You soon will be Even Qiqi doesn’t know The Night Walkers were split in two Half obey the Cloud Surge Token The other half follow the Wind Rise Token That Wind Rise Token Is in the Prime Minister’s hands You mean Only half the Night Walkers are causing trouble now? Exactly Once we find the Cloud Surge Token Cui You’an will be secure It’s all up to you now What does that have to do with me? Jiang Song can’t find the Cloud Surge Token But Jiang Jiaojiao knows its whereabouts Haven’t you remembered anything yet? I can’t remember anything You’re being too stubborn Actually, you do know me How could I possibly know you? You’ve known me for a very, very long time A little butterfly Flew over Guanyin Bridge Are you that runaway bride? After I fled the city back then I still had nowhere to go It was the Bixie Deity who saved me By wearing this mask I was given a new life So you erased your true self just to survive No wonder you’re so insistent on making me become Jiang Jiaojiao Isn’t being Jiang Jiaojiao good enough? Look So many people have died A whole city thrown into chaos An entire dynasty fallen All just to fight over you All for your love story Thrilling enough indeed All those deaths Were they all because of me? No This can’t be real This is a nightmare No This is all just a nightmare Look This is the female lead’s world No killing No suffering No ugliness Only flowers With men who love you shielding you from storms Holding you in their palms All you need to be is Jiaojiao You can choose to be crushed by the harsh truth or choose not to look beneath the petals Why make life difficult for yourself? Jiang Song Jiang Jiaojiao Very well So you are Jiang Jiaojiao Think carefully Where is the Cloud Surge Token? Rest assured, Your Highness This humble servant will ensure the young prince’s safety Chengze You were born into the imperial family May you live in peace from now on This bamboo flute must never fall into others’ hands Perhaps when the clouds disperse it may be of help to you I think I remember now Where is it? The Cloud Surge Token is with Zhao Chengze Good girl How dare you kidnap the Emperor! Your Majesty The palace is full of prying eyes We had to bring you here Your Majesty must draft an abdication edict Passing the throne to the Seventh Prince, the Empress Dowager’s youngest son The Seventh Prince Is only nine years old What a perfect puppet to control Your Majesty! Save me! Your Majesty! I don’t want to die! Your Majesty! Your Majesty We’ll execute one commoner every incense stick’s time How dare you! Hurry up Your Majesty I beg you, Your Majesty I’m still in the capital! They actually dare to rebel! Follow me to the Eastern Barracks Bring Li Dacheng’s troops to protect the Emperor Zhang Chao There he is Zhang Chao! Don’t let him escape! You’re rebelling today Even we unarmed commoners will fight you to the death Who says I’m rebelling? I saw it with my own eyes The rebels carried Zhang Chao’s banners Under your orders, Shen Que Has killed so many people Isn’t this all for today? Yes! That’s right! We all saw it We saw the killings Still trying to deny it? This is outrageous! Get out of my way! I don’t have time for your nonsense Fellow citizens, as subjects Of the Zhao dynasty Today we sacrifice ourselves for justice Move aside! Go ahead! Kill us! So many commoners have died by your hand A few more won’t matter Exactly! That’s right! I’m not the only one, go ahead and kill us all Kill us all Do it Go on, kill us Kill us all, I dare you Come on, do it, kill us all Just kill us already Do it! Yeah! Kill us! Kill us! Move aside This… General Zhang Chao What’s going on? It seems General Zhang wasn’t really the rebel after all But he was cruel by nature He killed so many people Evil will eventually be repaid It’s time he paid with his life Exactly, after all the evil he’s done One good deed can’t make up for it You’re right, but you said he… Father Father I never imagined That I, Zhang Chao, wouldn’t die on the battlefield But on this very land I swore to protect Father Que’er All these years If not for you I would have wrongfully killed even more people Thank you, my son I was wrong I shouldn’t have been so soft-hearted Que’er Remember this Let the world judge right and wrong But you must stay true to yourself I’m no saint I belong in hell But you You’re different You’re different Father Zhang Chao Father Father Father Your Majesty, save us Your Majesty Don’t kill me Save this humble citizen General, you mustn’t Get out General, you never kill civilians You’ll regret this Shen Que, remember this No matter what happens in the future Even if everyone abandons you betrays you Never forget who you are Promise me Fairy sister It’s her You’re free too now So from beginning to end, it was always Jiang Song Doctor Li If you want to serve the country Go to the East Camp and find Li Dacheng Enter the palace to rescue His Majesty Alright, alright Your Majesty, save me Your Majesty, save me Stop the killing I’ll write it I’ll write it What is this This is the Cloud Surge Token taken from the Empress Dowager during the late Crown Prince’s investigation of the Night Walkers This is the Cloud Surge Token Excellent Once the Cloud Surge Token is activated the other half of the Night Walkers will arrive immediately You’an, bring it here quickly Jiang Jiaojiao I’m not Jiang Jiaojiao I am Jiang Song You You Your Majesty Your Majesty, you must not compromise Shen Que will come to rescue us Wait Your Majesty The incense stick is almost burnt out again I’ll write it Your Majesty, don’t do this It’s finished Spare them Prime Minister Shen Que is severely injured We can wrap this up now Good Even without the Cloud Surge Order The world will still be mine You’an Let’s go Go Congratulations This story is finally coming to an end What do you mean? This world is actually a story You’re the male lead The chosen one Male protagonist Exactly And Jiang Jiaojiao is the female lead Your trophy No one can take your life except yourself That’s why every time she tried to kill you you survived Isn’t it miraculous? Shen Que The abdication edict has been issued Why persist in your hopeless resistance? You have everything When the God Bi created you you were favored and granted everything What more could you lack? So you’re saying my whole life has been nothing but a farce? You should see it as your own legend But why does it have to be me? Does it matter? Why? Actually, there’s no particular reason I feel empty inside Growing emptier by the day Nothing can fill this void What wrong have I done? To deserve such fate from heaven You’ve done nothing wrong, my lord It’s all the cruel tricks of destiny No There must be a reason There must be a reason Turns out there really isn’t any reason What about Chan Niang? Why did she have to die? Chan Niang Which Chan Niang? My birth mother That woman It’s nothing special Probably just to add some color To your childhood memories So she died because of me? Do you even care? Right I don’t care I have everything I need Interesting Truly fascinating Let me think What am I still missing? You’ve already gotten what you wanted Spare them If you must kill someone, kill me Do you hear that? Even your master is bowing his head Won’t you admit defeat? I damn well refuse! Shen Que Jiang Song How could I let you miss The spectacular moment of his death? Look how pitiful he is Why don’t you go send him off? Don’t cry Your butterfly embroidery is crooked Fairy sister Don’t look back Forget about me You’an Take your time As expected, you can’t kill me Truly miraculous You I’ve given my heart to two people Chan Niang died for me But you Want me dead Pushed me to the brink Is this your true heart? No This is my true heart Look I’m no longer empty here I’ve learned to love I’m no longer a monster I’m not a monster Kill General Li Dacheng arrives late to protect His Majesty After I die Release a river lantern for me Will you? Don’t move Behave yourself It’s alright now It’s okay, it’s okay It can still be fixed, it can still be fixed God I am your most devoted believer I’m willing to sacrifice my life To punish the disobedient for you Jiang Song Who are you? Who are you? Who are you? I am Jiang Jiang Song Jiang Song I am Jiang Jiaojiao Jiang Song I told you to call me by my nickname Call me Jiaojiao Mother This is my new poem Let me see It’s really well written Our precious could write poems at just three years old Then tell me Shouldn’t mother give father a second and third child? Here, ice cream as your reward It’s really well written Jiaojiao Father Let’s go I’m Jiang Jiaojiao My husband adores me Had two babies in three years Sister, have some Thank you little brother My family dotes on me too Wherever I go, I’m the center of attention The only drawback is Over the years I occasionally hear A heartbeat coming from somewhere unknown Familiar yet strange, near yet far What’s wrong Jiaojiao? It’s nothing It’s fine, I’ll just ignore it I’m truly happy to spend this life with you So annoying! Today I must find out where that heartbeat is coming from Where is this place? It feels familiar This one’s delicious too You’ve come. We’ve been waiting for you Who are you? Who we are isn’t important What matters is who you are You will catch your moon Who’s speaking? Okay This is simply amazing Good, good, good Amazing, truly amazing What a heroine Great, so impressive Good Wow, that’s incredible So awesome, great That’s remarkable Excellent, brilliant, wonderful Great, spectacular, amazing Good, good, good Do you remember now? Who are you? Who am I? I’m Jiang Jiaojiao No, who are you? I am I am Who am I? I am I am Jiang Song Jiang Song My name is Jiang Song Jiang Song I am Jiang Song Wow, that’s so impressive Great, amazing, remarkable Incredible A little butterfly I’m back We made money today Flying over Guanyin Bridge Ten coins My dear, look I need to return to my world Will you come with me? Your butterfly embroidery is crooked Fairy sister My dear Jiang Song What’s going on? Was everything just now Just a dream? You’re behind this Jiaojiao Father You’re not my father And I’m not Jiang Jiaojiao Your father died ten years ago Then who are you? I’m the god who created this world And just an ordinary father Let me tell you a story I once had a happy family With both a son and daughter My daughter Jiaojiao used to be very obedient But later, she fell in with the wrong crowd The smallest things in life Would make her lose control and break down Yet she wouldn’t talk about it And started blaming me and her mother For loving her brother more than her Jiaojiao Sis, where are you going? In the end This child was too fragile I loved her, I wanted to protect her So I created this virtual world Based on Jiaojiao’s preferences Uploaded her consciousness Made Jiaojiao the heroine of her own novel To live happily ever after To ensure all events Followed the novel’s plot I made the runaway bride the Guardian To oversee this world for me But I never expected you Would force Jiaojiao to flee the city At first I tried to lure you with the promise of the real world To make you a vessel for Jiaojiao’s consciousness But your self-awareness was too strong Why are you so persistent? You The Guardian Jiang Jiaojiao All told me I’m fake That this world is fake You treated me like a comic character Watching me struggle in vain But How do you know That you and Jiang Jiaojiao aren’t someone else’s comic characters? Who can say for sure that my world is fake and yours is real? You? But does your perspective represent the absolute truth? There’s no absolute reality. I, living in the present moment, am real. With a single thought born, I exist. Nonsense! This is the safe haven I built for Jiaojiao. You’re just a usurper. You’re merely indulging in self-gratification. Have you ever asked Jiang Jiaojiao what she truly wants? What do you know? As parents, we plan for their long-term future. Jiaojiao is still young. She doesn’t know what she really wants. I’m protecting her. Your so-called protection is control, oppression, and domestication. Now I understand why Jiang Jiaojiao became like this. She’s truly pitiful. Shut up! Who do you think you are? How dare you question me! I’ve run out of patience. I’d rather destroy this virtual world than let an imposter like you exist. Call the doctor! The patient seems to be fading fast. Time for exercise. Old man Is it finally coming to an end? Get ready Okay Jiang Song Hold on to me Survive Live for yourself Hold on to me Jiang Jiaojiao Jiang Jiaojiao Don’t give up She’s awake Quick Thank goodness Notify all departments for immediate consultation Okay Let me tell you my story Mom always says she doesn’t play favorites But she doesn’t realize Sometimes children see more clearly than adults She makes creative dishes for my brother Yet labels me as picky for not eating carrots But Mom, I’m not being picky I just don’t eat carrots, that’s all As for Dad, all he wants is my obedience He demands my unconditional submission and reverence I think it looks good too I’ve been following it every day I also think he’s really handsome Same Let’s talk over there No one can see me Suffocation doesn’t require physical violence Just one look A few rumors are enough I’m like a non-player character My only purpose Is to be an extra in someone else’s story My life, when you think about it Hasn’t experienced major hardships But does that make my pain insignificant? Because I’m ordinary, withdrawn, sensitive Does that mean my voice isn’t worth hearing? Is it because I’m not good enough? But this is who I am, this is me I long for a different life I yearn to be the leading lady for once I crave to be seen So I poured my emotions into the novels I wrote Hoping my male lead could bring me happiness After jumping off the cliff I thought I’d entered the world I dreamed of Never expected It was just a gilded cage built for me by others In the world of fiction I could walk with my head held high But in reality I didn’t dare How can you be so brave? Because I love myself I understand myself I know what I want What I like I fear nothing That’s why I’m brave That’s wonderful Since childhood I’ve only sought others’ approval Attention and affection Never considering what I truly wanted Why define yourself through others’ eyes? Can their gazes construct the real you? You are your own audience And more importantly, your own protagonist You’re right They should have exited my script long ago Thank you, Jiang Song Come with me to the real world What’s so special about the so-called real world? No world is perfect As long as I believe Everywhere is real You’re right Belief makes it real Let’s go The road ahead remains stormy But this time, the person I’ll become will catch me Goodbye Take care Excuse me Qianqian Madam You know me May I ask what’s the current era name? It’s the fifth year of Chengping era Five years have passed The world hasn’t ended Adie That’s wonderful I also want to travel alone But I just finished the imperial examination So I can’t leave the capital for now Staying in the capital isn’t bad either Madam Excuse me Do you know General Shen Que? Who doesn’t know General Shen? Excuse me May I ask if he’s doing well? He’s well Are you an old acquaintance of General Shen? One day, you’ll step out of your own world There will be storms and hardships outside Narrow paths hard to travel Unkind gazes But remember this Nothing is worth lowering your head for Nothing Don’t be afraid, don’t rush Walk when you want, stop when you wish Because the most beautiful scenery is actually Your eyes Shen Que Jiang Song Jiang Song Jiang Song She disappeared This time, I couldn’t find her no matter how hard I tried Only when holding this book Could I sense the faintest connection with her I keep it close to my chest day and night As long as I live I hope somewhere in this world She can hear my heartbeat And find her way back
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