= Love Like The Galaxy=
=Episode 21=
He Zhaojun!
He Zhaojun, wait!
I've given it a thought.
I still can't let you have Yao.
You'll bully him again in the future.
When I was betrothed to Lou Yao,
I only cared if I love him.
But from now on,
it doesn't matter
whether I love Lou Yao anymore.
Before my father died,
he slapped me hard twice
and left me two pieces of advice.
The first one was,
that there would be no one
from the He Family to protect me from now on.
His second advice was,
that the He Family and my younger brother
will fall on my shoulders.
I must live on until my younger brother grows up.
Cheng Shaoshang,
I'm no longer who I was in the past.
I won't behave recklessly either.
With my current circumstances,
I can no longer offend anyone
nor can I afford to do so.
I must take care of my younger brother.
I know you're grieving over your father and brothers.
My heart truly breaks for you.
But Yao has no romantic feelings for you.
He shouldn't sacrifice his happiness.
Do you think I like Yao?
Am I not sacrificing my happiness too?
Do you think I'll be happy?
If I could exchange it with my family's life,
I wouldn't want it even there are thousands of Lou Yao!
Lady Ancheng, no need to intimidate Lady Cheng.
The Lou and the Cheng Family
had already decided to break off the betrothal.
I've never seen you protecting another woman like this before.
Cheng Shaoshang.
Since you have General Ling,
why do you still want to snatch Lou Yao away!
You're breaking into cold sweats.
You must not stay outside.
Get on my carriage and I'll send you home.
Do as I say.
Lady Ancheng,
not everyone in the world owes the He Family.
Your father and brothers were commended for their loyalty and courage.
The world now takes pity on you and your younger brother.
But there are many days ahead of us.
It's for you to decide
if you want to make enemies everywhere
or be kind to others.
Lady Ancheng, do whatever you think is best.
Is Feng Yi County
as tragic as she said?
Did the He Family fight
to the last person?
What happened in Feng Yi County
is different from that in Hua County.
It was because General He put his five sons
and all his trusted followers' lives on the line.
He and his trusted subordinates first defended Feng Yi County tenaciously.
The next day,
he gathered the troops
to block Xiao's rebel forces.
General He refused to surrender
and fought until he was the last one alive.
He managed to defend Feng Yi County until the end.
There were almost no women and children of the He Family that survived.
Feng Yi County was safe
because General He risked his life to fight.
There were no rebels scattered in Feng Yi County.
There were no children who lost their homes.
There were no innocent women who were violated.
There were no hundreds of graves
outside just like the Hua County.
And you
no longer have to visit the graves of the dead.
I'm not trying to persuade you
to accept the Lou clan's decision to break off the betrothal.
I truly think
you're not wrong
no matter what decisions you made
at this moment.
I'm just not satisfied
why am I always the unlucky one.
Why... Why is it always me?
(Marquis Quling's Residence)
Thank you for sending me home.
Get some rest when you settled.
Didn't you leave with He Zhaojun just now?
Why did you end up with General Ling?
He Zhaojun took me to the Ministry of Justice
to witness Prince Xiao's execution.
What?
She took you to witness Prince Xiao's execution?
I'll go and see her now.
Yao.
Let's leave certain things
to discuss some other days.
I'll go back inside first.
Shaoshang.
All right, then.
Today,
you should get some rest early.
I'll come and see you tomorrow.
I think it's better for you not to come for these few days.
I want
to be alone.
Shaoshang,
there are new snack shops opened at the Western Market.
When you're feeling better,
I'll bring you there to try them out.
What do you think?
Young Lady,
it's already midnight. It's time for you to sleep.
(They all kept telling me about morality)
(and understanding.)
(But who's going to be considerate of me?)
(Cheng Shaoshang,)
(I'm no longer who I was in the past.)
(I won't behave recklessly either.)
Do you think I like Yao?
Do you think I'll be happy?
If I could exchange it with my family's life,
I couldn't care less
if there are thousands of Lou Yao!
(It was because General He risked his life to fight.)
(There were no rebels scattered in Feng Yi County.)
(There were no children who lost their homes.)
(There were no innocent women who were violated.)
(There were no hundreds of graves)
(And you)
(no longer have to visit the tombs of the dead.)
(In Memory of Cheng Xiaomei)
(Marquis Quling's Residence)
(Shaoshang,)
(we promised)
(that we won't leave each other.)
Madam,
Mr. Lou is still outside.
He refuses to leave.
All right.
He's truly a passionate man.
It's pity
he's not meant to be with Niaoniao.
Mine.
It's mine.
It's all mine.
Let's see who dares to take away my treasure from me.
Mine. It's all mine.
Mother!
Mother.
Don't touch it!
It's mine!
Old Madam,
there are changes in the betrothal between the Cheng and the Lou Family.
These are the betrothal gifts the Lou Family sent us.
I ordered to store these gifts back then.
Now, we have to count them clearly.
If the betrothal is annulled,
we need to return everything to the Lou Family.
I just wrote letters
to my friends a few days ago.
I told them
Niaoniao will marry into the family of the Crown Prince's tutor.
When they heard the news,
they all want to attend the wedding banquet.
Now that you break off the betrothal,
how am I going to face them now?
Mother,
we haven't even picked a day for Niaoniao's wedding.
Why did you act ostentatiously?
Whether this betrothal will be continued,
it's the royal court's say.
It's not up to you or me.
Who are they to meddle in this?
All the officials at the court are rich and powerful.
The moment they decide,
they wouldn't care what happened to the lady
after her betrothal was broken.
After they cancel this betrothal,
they're not going to be concerned about her matchmaking and betrothal.
Old Madam,
calm down.
Niaoniao is going to have a talk with Lou Yao today.
We were just counting the Lou Family's betrothal gift
for preparation, that's all.
We're not breaking it off right away.
Really?
Yes.
Are you sure?
Yes.
Father.
Mother.
Grandmother.
I've decided
to go to Lou's residence
and break off the betrothal.
Shaoshang has made up her mind.
We'll just drop this betrothal.
If Grand Tutor Lou still refuses to make a decision,
after we leave Lou's residence today,
I'll clarify to my fellow officials
that we have come in person to break off the betrothal.
However, the Lou Family refused to agree
regardless of General He's last words.
Marquis Quling, please speak with discretion.
When has the Lou Family refused
to break off the betrothal?
Since Grand Tutor Lou and First Madam Lou aren't against it,
we'll return the betrothal token respectively.
Shaoshang,
didn't we make a promise that day?
As long as I don't go back on my words, you won't back out.
Did He Zhaojun force you?
I'll go and talk to her.
It wasn't He Zhaojun.
It was me who decided it.
General He and his family had died for the country.
He Zhaojun and her younger brother are
the only surviving members of the He Family now...
We already know this.
You even told me
that our betrothal has nothing to do
with how tragic He Zhaojun is.
When it comes to both of us,
it's between us.
But when it comes to the world
and the country,
it's not just between us.
I don't care about the world or the country!
All of you talk about general principles to fool me!
You kept telling me
it's benevolent to do this.
It's repaying a debt of gratitude to do that.
But why am I the only one who has to suffer in this family?
Only me!
None of you
can live my life for me.
Why do you have to sacrifice me?
Shaoshang,
why have you also changed
and also tried to pressure me?
Yao,
come out with me.
I have something to tell you.
Shaoshang,
you don't have to persuade me.
I'll never agree to break off this betrothal.
Yao,
you told me this before.
You may not like He Zhaojun.
But General He
was kind to you.
No matter how busy he was,
he would spare some time to give guidance to you.
He was both a teacher and a father.
That's why you revere him.
Was it not?
All these years,
you put up with He Zhaojun.
Half of it was because of being indebted.
The other half was
for the sake of General He.
Was it not?
You've always had a close relationship
with Fifth Young Master He.
You even told me
he was the one who taught
you archery.
But do you know
how did he die?
Those people shot dozens of arrows at him.
When they collected his body,
his body was full of punctured and incised wounds.
His body was badly mutilated.
Fifth Brother...
The rest of He's sons
were trodden to death by horses.
They all died without a complete body.
Yao.
In Hua County, you told me
a great man
should protect the people.
Only then, he's worthy of heaven and earth.
But do you know?
What happened in Feng Yi County and Hua County are different.
It was because General He
led five of his sons to storm to the front
and protected the people
to prevent this disaster.
He was a great man
who died as a martyr for his country.
So the love affairs
between us are not worth mentioning
in front of him.
Yao,
I know you're heartbroken.
I know I've wronged you.
I know
it's easier to persuade you.
But you're the one marrying He Zhaojun.
If I can marry He Zhaojun in your place,
I'd do it for you.
I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry.
Say no more.
Shaoshang,
you never wronged me.
You're right.
I kept saying
I want to be a great man to protect the people.
Yet, I can't even endure this bit of grievance.
Isn't that funny?
Yao,
you only have to bear with this temporarily.
But don't let it become a lifetime grievance.
Can...
Can I really do it?
Yes, you can.
Yao, you can do it.
After you're married to He Zhaojun,
you're not only her husband.
You're also her brother and support.
You must love her and guide her.
But if she does something wrong,
you must not tolerate her.
If she loses her temper and behaves domineeringly again,
you must not endure it
and let her bully you like last time.
Do you remember what I said?
If she behaves unreasonably,
I'll take her to General He's memorial tablet to reflect.
To all of the elders here,
I've come around.
I agree to break off the betrothal.
Yao feels for the loyal officials and generals
who died for the country that brought ruins to their families.
He has decided
to fulfill General He's last wish
and marry He Zhaojun.
Such righteous act
will be praised by even His Majesty.
We shall see
who dares to meddle in the Second Chamber's affairs.
That's right.
My future wife has a bad temper.
I hope Uncle and Aunt
can bear with it.
Lou Yao,
what do you mean by this?
Over the next ten years,
the He Family's family soldiers and private soldiers
will be at the Second Chamber's disposal.
I shall see
who dares to bully us.
Enough said!
Just keep quiet.
We'll do this
according to Marquis Quling's wishes.
Bring the betrothal contract.
We'll annul it.
Mr. Cheng.
Mrs. Cheng.
You can treat me
as your nephew in the future.
Mr. Lou,
you must live well with Lady Ancheng.
She's alone and helpless now.
She may look ferocious.
But she's pitiful too.
You can never be wrong
if you treat her courteously and sincerely.
Shaoshang,
you can address me
as your brother from now on.
All right.
I hope everything goes well
for you in the future.
When you're appointed as an official in the future,
may you move towards a great future.
Then I shall wish you
that you'll meet a good husband in the future.
From then on,
you will grow old with him
and love each other unconditionally.
Who would have thought
the Lou Family would treat this matter thoughtlessly.
They broke off the engagement with the He Family first.
Then they happily engaged with the Cheng Family.
After that, they broke off the engagement with the Cheng Family
and took He as the new bride in a flash.
Don't you find that funny?
The Lou Family can't be blamed in this matter.
It's just that the He Family is too pitiful.
Everyone in the capital hopes He Zhaojun
can find a good husband.
That Lady Cheng sure is unlucky
to have her betrothal ended for no reason.
How is she going to discuss marriage in the future?
Why are you concerned about her?
That Fourth Lady Cheng
is unreasonable and has poor conduct.
She's not like you
who's dependable and dignified.
You'll be blessed with happiness in the future.
The Cheng Family is a small family.
How can their daughter
be compared with Her Highness?
If you ask me,
Zisheng is
the only one compatible
with Her Highness in this world.
I've made His Majesty to talk to him in person.
He has agreed
to return every month for meals at Marquis Chengyang's Residence.
He'll be here today.
Really?
You're willing to endure humiliation
to help this father and son to mend their relationship.
You've suffered the most
among all married women in this capital.
I'll find some secret prescriptions for you.
You must bear offspring for Marquis Chengyang.
It's more practical to have someone to depend on.
Thank you, Lady Ruyang.
You don't have to be shy.
Why don't you talk
to Marquis Chengyang
about having Zisheng married and have children?
He should stop fighting and killing all day.
See what happened to the He Family?
Most of them are dead.
So what if they have military accomplishments?
They still have to marry into the Lou Family shamelessly.
If everyone lives without a purpose,
the Xiao rebel would have wiped out this capital.
You ladies
won't be alive criticizing
other people's marriage here.
Zisheng,
don't behave rudely in front of Lady Ruyang.
I didn't know someone who stole someone else's husband
would know what is proper conduct.
Insolence!
Madam Chunyu is your stepmother.
How dare you humiliate her so?
You're such an unfilial son.
Lady Ruyang,
do you know
why His Majesty deducts half a year
of my salary?
Don't even try to threaten me!
I'm not Prince Yong.
I've never committed treason.
Are you still going to kill me?
You must be kidding.
When did I say I want to kill you?
I wanted to say
that His Majesty is fair and strict.
No matter who made a mistake,
they will be punished.
His Majesty wishes a marriage alliance between the He and the Lou Family.
This matter has already been decided.
If anyone criticizes this matter,
that person would be committing a crime.
I'm sure you don't want
to be charged with this crime
and sacrifice the lifetime glory you have now.
Zisheng,
Lady Ruyang and Princess Yuchang especially waited for you
to come back and have dinner together.
Why don't we talk as we eat?
No need.
I'm not in the mood to dine with you.
Please convey a message to Marquis Chengyang.
Stop pestering His Majesty with every issue from now on.
I'll always come back
and visit you always.
Also,
you don't have to worry
about Lady Cheng's marriage.
I'll be responsible
for her marriage.
It was such a perfect betrothal.
And they broke it off just like that.
It's so unfair to the Cheng Family.
Mother,
it brings more benefit to the Cheng and Lou Family
after breaking this betrothal.
All for your lousy reputation!
You had to end this perfect betrothal.
Is it worth it?
You must have become a fool after being an official.
It'll only feel real
to have food, money,
and possessions in our hands.
Mother,
stop talking nonsense.
Am I talking nonsense?
How is this nonsense?
It'll be hard
for Niaoniao to find
someone oblivious to have eyes on her now.
Don't you know
it'll be hard for Niaoniao to find another marriage prospect in the future?
His Majesty is obviously
picking on us because we're not a large household.
Careful! The walls have ears.
We'll all lose our heads
if someone heard how you vilify His Majesty.
I didn't. I was only...
I was...
I was only feeling sorry for my granddaughter.
Do I have to lose my head too?
If we don't tell anyone,
how would His Majesty know what I said?
Old Madam. Master.
Someone from the palace is here.
Are they here to catch me?
I was only spouting nonsense. I...
I was only speaking nonsense.
What did they say?
They said His Majesty has decreed
that Master and Madam
bring Young Masters and Young Ladies
to the sacrificial ceremony at Mount Tugao with him.
That's great.
Niaoniao has been sad about ending the engagement over these few days.
I was worried about where to bring her out to calm her mind.
Take me there so I can thank His Majesty's grace.
Master and Madam?
Young Masters and Young Ladies?
Why am I not invited?
His Majesty didn't invite you.
If we defy his decree,
it's a capital...
You unfilial son!
Shaoshang!
I was wondering
where you were during the sacrificial ceremony.
So this is where you were hiding.
You didn't know how lively it was just now.
His Majesty, Her Majesty, Consort Yue,
and all the princes and princesses.
All the royalties we don't get to see
were all present.
Why didn't you go?
I'm a little tired.
I want to go back to the tent and rest.
We don't always get the chance to come out like this.
It'll be a waste to coup up in the tent.
Marquis Hou had prepared
the ground for mounted archery behind the mountains.
There will be food and games.
I don't even know them.
I don't want to go.
Marquis Ban wants
to introduce his great-grandson, Young Marquis Ban
to everyone.
That's why the young masters and young ladies were invited this year.
But Marquis Ban is pitiful too.
His whole family died
because of war. His sons and daughters all died.
Even his five grandsons
had died too.
Ban Jia is the only descendant left.
So he was pampered and spoiled.
He has now reached a marriageable age.
Yet, it's his first time traveling this far.
He doesn't even know his way in the capital.
So his whole family is heroes too.
His life is somewhat similar to He Zhaojun.
Why did you have to bring her up?
Qiqi,
why don't you go ahead?
I'll accompany Niaoniao here.
I won't let you do that.
You should have some fun if you're sad.
Let's go.
Move it.
I don't want to go.
Go.
No, I don't want to go.
I said go.
Hurry up.
Shaoshang, sit here. Yangyang, sit there.
Good!
Marvelous.
Guards!
Send my purse over there.
It's not fun to just watch.
Why don't we guess who's going to win?
I'll reward the winner generously.
See that?
Fifth Princess is the most extravagant.
Among the princes and princesses,
(Fifth Princess)
she's the only one
who was born after the world is peaceful.
She's also His Majesty's youngest daughter
and the most favored.
By the way,
she's very close to Wang Ling.
When you see her,
you must keep your distance.
(Mr. Zhao hits the target!)
(Fifth Princess rewards 100 silver taels!)
The one sitting next to her is
Third Princess.
She was given birth by Consort Yue.
She's the most greedy for money.
I heard she was raised
by her uncle, Marquis Yue when she was born.
(Third Princess)
See
how vulgar she looks?
Good!
Fifth Sister.
If Mother knew you placed bets
on a blessing ceremony like today,
how unhappy she would be.
I did it for good luck.
You don't have to be nervous.
Besides,
everyone in the palace knows
that Consort Chu is not well off.
I didn't ask you to spend money.
Why do you feel bitter
as if you're inexperienced in this?
Fifth Sister, which of these gentlemen
do you want to recruit as your aide in the palace?
Father has decided to unite the Xuan and Yue clan through marriage.
You and my cousin will be getting married someday.
It's better that you don't offend my cousin.
I'm sure you know
my cousin is indifferent to everything.
Why don't you think
about what to do with all the aides
you have at your palace first?
Third Sister.
If you don't want to watch the archery,
you can play chess with Third Prince Consort.
What do you say?
If you ask me,
Second Princess is
the most reliable
(Second Princess)
among the princesses in the capital.
Did you know?
If Her Majesty
and Second Princess didn't stop them,
those two
would have fought over who should stand in front during the ceremony.
Also,
the one who doesn't wear much jewelry.
That's the Crown Princess.
(Crown Princess)
She was taken as a wife for the Crown Prince
before His Majesty ascended to the throne.
They said she comes from a poor family
and is of rural origin.
You'll get into trouble sooner or later for gossiping.
Niaoniao doesn't enter the palace.
When will she ever meet these female royalties?
Stop telling her all these private matters.
Look! It's Mr. Chen's turn to shoot.
They said his archery skills
can be considered excellent in the capital.
Do you call that excellent?
I can shoot more accurately using my legs with my eyes closed.
Please spare me from your nonsense.