= Love Like the Galaxy=
=Episode 14=
An edict to the county magistrate of Hua County, Cheng Shicheng.
He was benevolent and righteous.
He treated his people well and amicably.
His achievements will be recognized by future generations.
A praiseworthy virtuous official under the land of heaven.
He's hereby conferred as Second-ranked Secondary Marquis.
Raise the coffin!
Rise!
Farewell Official Cheng!
I, Zheng Gang bid farewell to Old Official Cheng!
I, Zheng Zhiming bid farewell to Old Official Cheng!
Students of Hua County bid farewell to Old Official Cheng!
I, Song Qilin bid farewell
to Old Official Cheng.
I bid farewell to Old Official Cheng!
I, Yu Chengli bid farewell to Old Official Cheng!
I, Ji Jiameng bid farewell to Old Official Cheng!
Oh, Old Official Cheng!
My elder brother always tells me
that a young man should strive
to render merits as an official.
At first,
I didn't understand
why must one accomplish achievements
or be an official.
Is it not good to live a simple life
without worrying about food and clothing?
I've finally come to a realization
after witnessing Old Official Cheng's funeral procession.
Shaoshang,
I want to be an official.
I want to be an official like Old Official Cheng
who cared for his people,
who wasn't a disgrace to his family, and lived up to his name as an official.
Someone who's worthy of heaven and earth
and worthy of the people.
Be it troubled times or peaceful times,
I want to protect the stability of a city.
I shall never allow another young girl
to lose her family again.
Those who are capable will do their part
in turbulent times.
Your parents too
had to set out
to save the Gu City without hesitation back then.
Forgoing is
to make things happen.
Only when one forgoes themselves
and their families
that they can ensure the well-being of the people.
Master,
we're finally here.
But where are you going?
I feel at ease
after seeing her safe.
I changed my mind.
I'm not going to meet her.
Shaoshang.
I'm sorry.
I think
I'm going to be with Grandfather,
Father, and Brother.
Dear one, be good.
Don't go.
Don't go to them.
You must keep on living.
Shaoshang, don't cry.
Grandfather used to say
that my future
is filled with good luck
and I'll find an affectionate man in life.
Shaoshang,
you kept saying
you have bad luck.
Now,
I'll
give
all
of my good luck
to you.
You'll be happy.
I'll hear you play
your flute from heaven.
Dear one,
I brought you a maltose candy.
It's sweet.
You can sleep without worry now.
You won't feel pain anymore.
(In Memory of Cheng Xiaomei)
How about I play the flute
for you?
Shaoshang,
I know you're sad.
But you mustn't stay in the rain.
You'll get sick.
Just let me be sick.
It's useless
for people like me to live.
No, you're not.
You're good.
You're the most perfect lady in the world.
No, I'm not perfect.
Can my perfection save Miao
who was dismembered?
Or can it intercept
the blades from striking Old Official Cheng?
Or can my perfection bring
Cheng Xiaomei to life?
I can't do anything at all.
I despise those
whose hands are tainted with blood.
But what can I even do about it?
I can't help anyone.
Don't disdain and degrade yourself.
Xiaomei said
she had no regrets
because you had shown her
her home again before she died.
She was grateful to you.
Also, those patients at the infirmary.
They had no will to live.
It was you who motivated them
that they have the will to live again.
They're grateful to you too.
And me.
I thought I was
a useless person all this time.
But we've spent time together
these few days
going through ancient books, rebuilding houses,
and visiting door-to-door to provide help.
That's how Hua County is restored to its present appearance.
If you go outside
and hear what the people said,
you wouldn't think you're useless.
Really?
I swear
if I'm appointed as an official in the future,
I want to build
a land of peace with you.
I promise that children
like Cheng Xiaomei can live there
and never have to suffer from separation again.
Shaoshang,
I have a strong admiration for you.
You dare say and do
what others dare not.
I was taught to follow rules when I was young.
Following you here is also
a decision I made myself
for the first time
after ignoring my elder's order.
Because I wanted
to be fearless like you.
After this,
I'll strive to be stronger and more independent.
I no longer want to be indifferent and weak.
You and I share the same fate.
Our existence
was predestined
to be manipulated.
But from today on,
we share the same aspiration.
I'll believe you
just like how you'll forever trust me
without question.
After this,
I'm willing to walk with you.
I shall never question your past
and your morality.
I only ask to walk side by side with you.
All right.
Young Master,
did you meet Fourth Lady Cheng?
I'm here to pay my respect to Old Official Cheng,
not Fourth Lady Cheng.
I'm afraid she doesn't wish to see people
who commit acts of bloodshed like us.
But the bloodshed we committed was
to protect.
But still,
these hands are tainted with blood.
- Young Master! - Young Master!
Have you really decided
to ask for Niaoniao's hand in marriage?
I've made up my mind.
And
I know
Shaoshang and I share the same aspiration.
If I can serve as an official in the future,
I want to be a respectable official like Old Official Cheng.
Shaoshang told me
she's willing to walk that path with me.
After that, we'll work together for the people.
Mr. Lou,
your private promise isn't considered a marriage proposal.
Marriage should be decided by the family elders.
How can you act in private without the elders' consent?
My wife meant
you need to inform the elders
and let them arrange the betrothal.
I understand.
A few days ago,
I sent a letter to Eldest Brother
asking him to bring up the betrothal to General Cheng on my Mother's behalf.
I supposed
this letter had reached the capital.
You don't usually handle things this quick.
Mr. Lou, your action
has taken us by surprise.
It may not be a bad thing.
Sister-in-law has written asking about Niaoniao.
Then I have to inform her of this matter quickly.
Thank you, Official Cheng and Mrs. Cheng.
I'll be off to see Shaoshang then.
It's nice to have Yao beside Niaoniao.
Not bad at all.
(Hua County Magistrate's Court)
Father!
Niaoniao.
Father.
Eldest Brother.
Zhi.
When I heard Hua County was attacked,
I was scared out of my wits.
Luckily, Niaoniao is blessed with a fortune
that she could escape from Fan Chang's rebel army.
It's been so long since I saw you. Come.
Let me take a look at you.
This place is short of food and clothing.
You must have suffered.
But you look like you've gained weight.
I meant you lost weight.
You lost weight.
Shaoshang!
I've bought lamb patties and rice dumplings.
I was wondering why she gained weight.
I've lost my appetite.
Father said I gained weight,
and it's your fault.
I want to check myself in the mirror.
Eldest Brother,
this is Lou Yao I mentioned in my letter.
So you're that lad, Lou Yao?
Yes, Sir.
Eldest Brother,
smile for a bit.
I can't.
Mr. Lou,
let's speak in private.
So is this how you fattened Niaoniao?
No,
she's not fat at all.
She's the most beautiful lady
I've seen in the capital.
I've met Grand Tutor Lou.
Have you ever discussed with your family
about marrying Niaoniao?
Official Cheng,
I've informed Mother and Eldest Brother.
But I don't think
my Cheng Family is worthy
of the Lou Family of Hedong.
No, I'm the one who's unworthy of Shaoshang.
Shaoshang is
the most upright,
straightforward,
and broad-minded young lady I've ever met.
It's a lifetime blessing
for me and the Lou clan
if she can be my spouse.
You lad.
What about me?
You have good judgment!
Very good! Good.
Preposterous!
I sent her there to reflect on her mistakes.
Yet, she agreed to a betrothal in private.
They had even delivered the betrothal presents here.
Yet, no one discussed this with me.
Madam, please calm down.
Didn't General and Third Madam already
send you letters?
How is this discussing it with me?
This is obviously telling me after it's decided upon.
They were just notifying me.
I'm Niaoniao's mother.
How can they decide on it
and notify me?
We can't treat children's marriage
in such a hasty manner.
General also intends
to ask you
and Young Lady's thoughts first before making a decision.
He didn't treat this matter hastily.
That's what he's doing.
Lou Yao is the son of the Second Chamber.
Yet, General consulted with Grand Tutor Lou.
How can the First Chamber make decisions for the Second Chamber?
The Lou clan's
First Chamber has always had more say than the Second Chamber.
Mr. Lou's father had passed away.
So it's reasonable for Grand Tutor Lou
to approve this marriage on his late father's behalf.
Then why did you say General wasn't rash in this matter?
When General and Grand Tutor Lou discussed this marriage,
had it occurred to them
if this is a good marriage?
That Lou Family is obviously a deathtrap.
The Lou Family had their way
and delivered the betrothal gifts here.
The Eldest Son of the Lou Family also said
the Lou Family's Second Madam will come in person
to seek a marriage
after his youngest brother returns.
We'll have to consent to them if we accept the gifts.
We made no decision regarding this marriage.
How can we accept such lavish gifts?
Order them to return the gifts politely.
I'm afraid
it's too late.
Old Madam,
what are you doing?
Yuanyi,
you're here.
Do I look pretty?
They're too heavy
that I can't lift my head.
The Lou Family of Hedong's mean sure is impressive.
Niaoniao is so fortunate!
What are you doing? Stop it!
Old Madam, there's no reward without merit.
We must return
all these betrothal gifts.
How are these rewards without merits?
Don't give them back!
Of course, we deserve to have these.
Niaoniao must marry into this family.
Marriage comes
from parents' orders and a matchmaker's words.
If I refuse to accept this marriage,
I shall see
who dares marry her off.
You...
You're insolent!
You're her mother.
But I'm your mother-in-law.
If you dare to disobey me and refuse this marriage,
that means
you're unfilial.
I'll take you to the government office and charge you!
Madam, you must never do that.
If you charge her,
Fourth Lady Cheng's marriage will be ruined.
She's right.
That's not all.
If the news of the Cheng Family
being unfilial gets out,
it'll be hard for Yangyang to find a marriage prospect too.
Those decent families also won't
let their daughters marry into the Cheng Family too.
Then your beloved grandsons
won't be able to find a wife.
Also,
General was given the title Marquis Quling.
You can't go to any government office to charge me.
His Majesty ordered the Crown Prince to handle state affairs now.
If you want to charge me,
you must go to the Eastern Palace.
If you don't know the way there,
I...
I can tell you the direction.
I...
I can't...
I can't reason
with an unreasonable person like you.
I'm so livid.
I... I... I need to rest.
But
let me tell you.
No one is allowed to return
these betrothal gifts without my permission!
Why are you still standing there?
Move the in-law's betrothal gifts
into my room now.
Yes, Old Madam.
I'll set out to Hua County to refuse this betrothal now.
Gifts by the Lou Family shall be sealed for safekeeping immediately.
I shall hold all of you accountable
if one is missing.
You wouldn't dare.
Out of my way!
I shall see who dares to take these away.
Qingcong,
send Old Madam to her room.
Yes, Madam.
Old Madam, my apologies.
I dare you to touch me.
Don't touch me!
I said don't touch me!
These are all mine!
Stop dragging me! Let go of me!
As long as I'm here,
They're all mine!
I shall not allow any of you to behave willfully.
I will not approve
of this marriage.
(Don't be hasty about Niaoniao and the Lou Family's youngest son.)
What?
Mother is coming to Hua County?
This concerns your big day.
How could your mother not feel anxious?
Niaoniao,
I must ask you this.
Are you serious about accepting Lou Yao's marriage proposal?
Third Aunt,
does Yao have a bad record that's unworthy of our family?
Well, no.
His ex-fiancée, He Zhaojun is unruly and a shrew.
If something is wrong with Mr. Lou,
she'd have exposed him to the entire capital.
Does that mean the elders of the Lou Family dislike me
because of my bad reputation
and insignificant family background?
Stop overthinking.
Seeing how excitedly the Lou Family sent the betrothal gifts,
we can say they have no prejudice against you.
Since that's the case,
why can't I accept Yao's proposal?
Don't you want to consider
and for better marriage prospects?
I never ask
for the best in the world.
I only choose the one suitable in front of me.
(Unforgivable crime punishable by death to repay for Your Majesty's kindness.)
Your Majesty,
Fan Chang confessed to all of his crimes.
This is Fan Chang's confession
written in blood
after tearing a piece of his clothes in the dungeon.
(Ji Zun) He feels remorse for the foolish obsession
and resentment he had for you.
Now it's too late for him to regret it.
So he asked to be executed for his punishment.
Back then, in the battle in Kunyang
Fan Chang was badly wounded
and almost lost his life.
Still, he fought to conquer the city for me.
It's only been more than ten years.
My comrades who risked their life for me
are now...
Forget it.
I'll give him another chance.
If he truly is repentant, I'll...
How would a ruthless
and ambitious person truly repent?
He's only using his past tie
as Your Majesty's comrade to beg for his life.
General Ling, why do you say so?
Fan Chang's family members have always been in their lairs
and never go into hiding.
He left his family unprotected
and was not afraid they would be executed
after assassinating His Majesty.
This can conclude
he'll succeed in the assassination.
After he succeeds, the royal court will be in chaos.
They will be too occupied to hold someone responsible.
Fan Chang plotted this scheme first
with his accomplices helped him after.
But today,
he only mentioned brotherhood
and was unwilling to name his accomplices.
How is this sincere repentance?
Your Majesty,
General Ling has a point.
Your Majesty,
I've ordered the men
to escort Fan Chang back to the capital for interrogation.
We must apprehend the mastermind behind this incident.
I want you to treat your injuries.
Stop worrying about this.
Be happy for a bit.
Stop pulling a long face.
You either hold trials or fight all day.
If you have a wife in the future,
you'll only scare her.
Your Majesty always mention marriage whenever you could.
If you marry one,
I'll stop bringing it up.
Why?
Is General Ling going to be wedded too?
Why?
Which family is going to have a wedding?
It's Grand Tutor Lou.
The second son of the Lou Family's second chamber.
Everyone knows how he went after Young Lady Cheng to Hua County
and the story of saving a damsel in distress.
I heard General Cheng and Grand Tutor
had approved of this marriage.
Even the betrothal gifts were delivered.
General Cheng especially went to Hua County
to meet his handsome and talented son-in-law.
I heard his wife will arrive soon too.
Your Majesty. Official Ji.
I still have some matters to attend to.
So I'll excuse myself.
Official Ji,
how many daughters does Cheng Shi has?
They only have one.
She's the youngest child in the family.
Why does he only have one daughter?
Cheng Shi is too useless.
(Hua County Magistrate's Court)
You must be the First Madam of the Cheng Family.
Allow me to notify them.
No need.
(Hua County Magistrate's Court)
Yao,
go higher.
Yes.
Use more strength.
Yao, you're amazing.
I don't even dare to climb up so high to get it.
I'll get it soon.
Go higher.
You almost have it.
What are you doing?
Mother.
Yao!
Are you all right?
Did you hurt yourself?
The Lou Family is a family of scholars.
It's not easy for Mr. Lou to be agile.
You're indeed not simple.
I'm Lou Yao, greetings, First Madam Cheng.
Since Yao was young,
he practiced martial arts and archery with the He family.
His martial arts skills
are not inferior to two brothers.
All you utter is Yao.
Who's Yao?
My first name is Yao with Lou as my last name.
Yao is a term of endearment that Shaoshang calls me.
My mother also addresses me with this name.
The Lou Family is a prominent family.
You should know
a gentleman wouldn't do anything
to arouse suspicions.
You and Shaoshang
aren't betrothed or married.
How can you address each other's
pet names intimately without hesitation?
Father and Grand Tutor Lou
had agreed to this betrothal
and delivered the betrothal gifts.
How are we not considered betrothed?
Am I right, Father?
Yes, she's right.
They're considered betrothed after we accepted the betrothal gifts.
Did they send a matchmaker to propose?
Did they ask for the bride's name and date of birth?
No.
Did they exchange their names and birth dates?
Did they have these read at the fortune teller?
No.
Did they ask her mother!
None of the rituals were followed!
How is this a betrothal?
We've already accepted the betrothal gifts.
We can't just return them.
As the bride's family,
we can't ask it back if we return them.
Mr. Lou,
Shaoshang grew up without her family so she behaves differently.
The Lou clan is well connected
and the First Chamber is highly prestigious.
The Cheng clan dares not claim ties with your family.
I hope you'll talk to your uncle and mother
to write a letter refusing this betrothal.
It's for Shaoshang
and your own good.
Madam, please don't put it that way.
Shaoshang is the best woman
I've ever met.
She's bold, responsible,
wise, skillful, and filial to her aunt.
She also has compassion for children and the weak.
Even so,
it'll be a waste
if she's not a suitable match for you.
How are we not suitable for each other?
When your elder is talking,
how can you behave as you wish?
I told you to study
and learn some manners,
did you learn how to talk back to your elders?
Why?
Are you going to reprimand me for being defiant again?
Go to your room!
From now on,
to avoid any rumors with Mr. Lou,
you're not to meet each other!
Go to your room first.
It's all right now. Go back to your room first.
Mr. Lou,
you should go back and think about this in your room.
We'll discuss whether to break off this marriage
some other time.
We'll discuss this again.
But I...
Shaoshang, I'll...
First Madam Cheng had a long journey.
Please get some rest.
I shall excuse myself first.
It's all right now.
General,
is this the great deed you did?
Do you dislike Yao
or me?
Why are you trying to stop our marriage through all means?
If I weren't your mother,
I wouldn't care if you were married off to the underworld.
(After facing death,)
(I wanted to be closer to you.)
(But Mother remains the same.)
(She never changed.)
Shaoshang.
Yao.
Won't meeting in secret
upset your mother?
Yao, don't worry.
My mother's behavior is not directed at you.
She just doesn't want me to have it easy.
No matter who I'm marrying,
she'd behave this way too.
But we have to comply
with our elder's orders.
Who says we must follow
what elders tell us?
Who says you can defy
your elder's order?
Madam Cheng.
Mother,
Yao and I are discussing our marriage publicly.
We had to meet in secret
because you made it so.
How is this our fault?
Publicly?
In the middle of the night?
Acting in private?
How is this discussing it publicly?
Madam Cheng,
I'm to blame for behaving impetuously.
Please don't blame Shaoshang.
Shaoshang,
don't be upset.
Talk nicely to Madam Cheng.
I'll excuse myself first.
Come back inside with me.
Do you know all the way to Hua County,
be it the wounded or the sick and being ambushed by the bandits,
it was Niaoniao's leadership
that kept all of us alive.
Niaoniao is not a child anymore.
So what if that happened?
She was only lucky.
More than half of the properties in Hua County were destroyed.
It was Niaoniao who led the craftsmen to make drawing plans
and helped the people rebuild their homes.
Not forgetting the farmer's tools,
she too modified them
so they could restore their livelihood quickly.
What's there to it?
These are merely some little tricks.
Third Aunt,
you don't have to take my side.
Only Cheng Yang is praiseworthy.
How would Mother be impressed
with my insignificant skills?
Sister-in-law,
Niaoniao only started learning.
Yet, she could help the people.
If you didn't hold her back and forbid her to learn all these,
she would know more than these insignificant skills.
Now, Niaoniao and the Lou Family are discussing marriage.
Are you trying to hinder her
by stopping her from marrying?
I never said I wouldn't let her marry.
It's just not the right time to marry yet.
If it were Cheng Yang,
will you stop her in this manner too?
If you can assure me as Yangyang does,
I wouldn't stop you from seeing Lou Yao.
How am I not making you feel at ease?
I meant
am I even worthy
for you to feel not at ease?
Let me ask you this then.
Do you really have feelings
for Lou Yao?
How do you know
I don't have feelings for Yao?
Your Third Aunt has described
how you and Lou Yao interact with each other
to me in her letters.
If that's what you do,
how is there any affection?
Do you feel parting with him is unbearable
or does it feel like ages when you don't see him for a day?
Do you have the affection that ordinary couples should have?
There are countless
couples in this world.
Why must everyone be the same?
Can't they each get what they need
and live together as partners?
But you don't even love him.
How are you going to live
and face hardships with him for the rest of your life?
Who says I don't like him?
I truly like him.
You don't know anything about love between husband and wife.
All of you always say I'm clueless
and ignorant.
I admit
I don't know about anything.
That's because no one taught me when I was a child.
You abandoned me after I was born.
Now, you've returned.
How are you qualified to restrict me?
All right.
I shall wait and see
how you and Lou Yao lead
a good life.
The beacon-fire has knocked over the white snow
I caress the scars gently from the past
Your back to the light, your eyes contain the galaxy
I hum as the sun and the moon mutter back
The light between your brows
Was put out and rekindled by the secular world
The sky, the mountain, and the ocean, whom do I part them for?
As I wake up from the blue sea, stone steles stand like a mountain range
Under the lantern, criticisms were thrown, the narrow door could not contain my feelings
The joys and woes of this mortal life, we speak as we dream of the future
Both of us will be
In the sea of stars, burning bright with our sincerity
Our sincerity