00:00The Masked Consort. Step forward.
00:05This is bad. Everyone is watching. And the Emperor...
00:19Those eyes. You've seen them somewhere. Interesting.
00:29Yes. Perform. Let me see how you move.
00:37Yes. Move. Let me see.
00:45Dancing? No. Too dangerous. Zither? Impossible. I never learned it.
00:50Poetry feels too simple.
00:56Flute!
00:58The original Linxuan learned flute. This body remembers.
01:02Good. I can do that.
01:06Masked Consort.
01:09You may choose your performance. Dance. Music. Poetry. Pain.
01:16This humble one thanks the Empress Dowager. For your grace's kindness.
01:22I would like to perform a flute melody.
01:26Flute? That is a difficult instrument. A brave choice.
01:29Or perhaps he simply wishes to appear cultured.
01:32The mysterious Masked Consort. I want to see this!
01:37What if he's secretly amazing?
01:40Flute? Perfect.
01:43When he fails, everyone will finally see. He is nothing.
01:51Flute. An elegant choice.
01:54Breath. Control. Precision. And grace. Those hands.
02:01Several consorts shall perform tonight. A celebration of talent and refinement.
02:08And our Masked Guest. Let us see what each of you offers this palace.
02:37Concert Xu actually performed today? I thought he hated these gatherings.
02:41Very refined technique. Precise finger control.
02:47He has trained for years.
02:52Skill. Control. But. My attention wanders.
03:03Lovely. Concert Xu's musical training is evident.
03:08Thank you, Empress Dowager. This one is honored.
03:31The Emperor will see I'm the most talented consort here.
03:34And when that Masked Fraud fails, everyone will finally see the difference.
03:42Technically skilled. But there's no soul in it.
03:46Beautiful movements. Empty heart.
03:51He's good. Very good. But every movement screams.
03:57Look at me. No wonder. He can't stand anyone else getting attention.
04:03Show off. Okay. It was actually amazing.
04:08What? He's not impressed? But I was perfect.
04:16Masked consort. We await your performance.
04:19This one is honored.
04:33That hand. The way he moves.
04:38Graceful. Refined.
04:42Original Lin Shan.
04:45You learned this as a child.
04:48Before everything changed.
04:50Your mother taught you.
04:52Happy memories.
04:53Music lessons.
04:55In the garden.
04:57My hands remember.
04:59The breathing.
05:01The Piercing.
05:05Then...
05:05Let me honor your memory.
05:08Let me play for you.
05:23I don't know.
05:46It's so beautiful.
05:56Exceptional technique.
06:03I understand this loneliness.
06:12That move.
06:14No.
06:18The garden.
06:21The tree.
06:34That was amazing!
06:37Exceptional talent.
06:39No.
06:40How dare you steal my spotlight.
06:45You will pay for this.
06:49Mask consort.
06:51That performance was extraordinary.
06:53Your skill is exceptional.
06:54Tell me.
06:55What is your name?
06:57This humble one.
06:59This humble one.
07:04Is consort Lin.
07:07From the Lin family.
07:09Consort Lin?
07:10I do not recall such a consort.
07:19Empress Dowager.
07:21Consort Lin was sent to the Cold Palace upon arrival.
07:24The Cold Palace?
07:25That's where unsuitable concerts are sent!
07:28But he's so talented.
07:30Why would he be there?
07:34Wait.
07:35The Scarred concert?
07:37Is that him?
07:42Why?
07:43Was he sent there?
07:48Unsuitable appearance.
07:52Cold palace.
07:54So that's why.
07:56I need to know.
07:59Who are you?
08:02Perfect.
08:03This changes everything.
08:11Your majesty.
08:14What a beautiful performance from consort Lin.
08:17But why hide behind a mask?
08:19Remove it.
08:21No.
08:21He's trying to expose me.
08:24I'm curious too.
08:26Why the mystery?
08:28Are you hiding something?
08:29Mask is unusual.
08:30There must be a reason.
08:34What do I do?
08:37If I refuse.
08:39They'll suspect me.
08:45Consort Lin.
08:46Do you have a reason for wearing the mask?
08:49This humble one.
08:50My appearance was deemed unsuitable for court.
08:55And yet.
08:56You attended the Imperial Banquet?
09:00I wish to avoid causing discomfort.
09:03Enough.
09:05Consort Lin has explained himself.
09:07Talent and character matter.
09:09Not appearance.
09:11He protected me?
09:16My son.
09:18Protecting his consort.
09:21Interesting.
09:22The Emperor is defending him?
09:25This cannot be happening.
09:28But your majesty.
09:30Palace traditions require transparency.
09:32How can we know who consort Lin truly is?
09:36Consort Lin.
09:37Consort Liu.
09:39Are you questioning my judgment?
09:44Never, your majesty.
09:45I propose a solution.
09:48Consort Lin will meet his majesty privately.
09:51The Emperor alone shall judge.
09:54Does this satisfy your concerns?
09:57Consort Liu?
10:00Yes, Empress Dowager.
10:06A private audience.
10:08I'll finally see who he is.
10:15Why would the Emperor want a private conversation?
10:20Does he suspect me?
10:25This isn't over for.
10:27I'll destroy him another way.
10:29The banquet is concluded.
10:31Consort Lin, remain.
10:33Consort Lin.
10:35We're alone now.
10:38You played beautifully tonight.
10:41You're much to be honest, this one.
10:45But...
10:50I want to see your face.
10:55Let me understand something.
10:58Are you the one from the Gardens?
11:00Your majesty.
11:02I...
11:04Your movements.
11:06Your eyes.
11:09They feel familiar.
11:11I...
11:11I don't know what you mean.
11:14I don't know what you mean.
11:15I don't know what you mean.
11:20I do not know what you mean.
11:20Everything is, everything is.
11:21What do you mean?
11:22I don't know what you mean.
11:22I'm sorry.
11:28You.
11:29I don't know what I mean.
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