Original subtitles

[Debit Queen]

[Episode 18]

The suburban posthouse is just ahead.

Let's go there.

Okay.

Those are our targets.

We've finally found them.

Let's follow them first

to find out how many people

are meeting them

and whether they have any guards.

Let's wait for the right time to act.

Okay.

It's quite lively here.

Come and take a look.

Candied haws!

Don't miss out!

What's the matter, Ping'er?

Nothing.

Nothing?

You always have this expression

whenever you see someone selling candied haws

along the way.

Did you miss Wang?

I didn't.

Please, stop it.

Wang?

And you said you didn't miss him.

You're even seeing him in everyone else.

Ping'er.

Ping'er!

You're really here!

You silly.

I didn't expect

that you would really come to Furong City.

Ping'er.

I've passed the Provincial Examination

and now I'm here for the next imperial examination.

Wang,

I knew you could do it.

I didn't expect you to be so good.

Look.

I... I can't read.

Is it real?

Of course.

Ping'er, let me tell you.

The questions you left for me

were crucial.

The exam this time was all about

the questions you left for me.

I've written those questions out dozens of times.

Good for you, Wang Zhujue.

Now you've lived up

to the care and effort Ping'er put into

helping you.

This is nothing.

It's possible

that I'll become the Number One Scholar

if I try hard enough.

You? Become the Number One Scholar?

In that case, it looks like our Qing State

is doomed.

You're just jealous.

Now that Ping'er is here,

I won't stoop to your level.

Ping'er.

I came here immediately

after I learned about it.

I wanted to tell you

that I passed the exam!

Wang, I knew it.

As long as you work hard,

you'll make it.

Oh, right.

Wang Zhujue,

have you found a place to stay?

Don't even ask.

I finally got a room

at the posthouse last night,

but that bastard Wang Zixuan

tricked me.

I've been running

all over the neighborhood this morning.

All the hotels

are full.

Then, what should we do?

Our Xu family's reputation is well-known here,

and we have some connections with the suburban posthouse.

I'll ask them to get you a room.

Let's go.

Wang,

come with me.

Okay.

Let's go.

Ping'er.

I specifically bought

a roasted sweet potato for you yesterday.

It's still hot.

Eat up.

Boss.

Mr. Xu, it's been a long time.

Are you going to stay here too?

Three rooms.

Mr. Xu,

to be honest,

all the rooms

are fully booked today.

I'm really sorry.

I can only

get one room for you.

Think of a way.

Well...

There's really nothing we can do.

Xu Zilu?

It's been years.

I trust you have been well.

You know each other?

Yes.

No.

Do you know him or not?

I'm Lyu Qingfeng,

a constable from the Ministry of Personnel.

-Lyu Qingfeng. -I'm from Linchun

and an old acquaintance of Xu Zilu.

May I know your name, Miss?

My name is Ling Se.

Hello, Ms. Ling.

And you are his...

She is my wife.

Congratulations, then.

Oh, so that's who he is.

Oh, right.

There are so many of you

with girls.

One room is not enough.

How about this?

I've booked two rooms,

and I can give you one.

I'll share one with my men.

It's okay.

Thank you, Lord Lyu.

Madam Xu, you're too kind.

We're from the same hometown.

I should help you out.

You haven't applied for

the Entry Permits yet, right?

Recently,

many students came to the city.

You have to queue up for a long time for it.

It'll be faster if I'm helping you.

Thank you.

No need.

We can apply for them ourselves.

Mr. Xu,

I'm being kind.

Then, I must thank you

for this small favor of yours.

Excuse us, Lord Lyu.

What's wrong with you?

Why are you speaking so sharply?

Lord Lyu,

my husband usually

isn't like this.

Is there some kind of conflict

between you two?

Well...

If you don't speak up,

no one will think you're mute.

Ling Se.

It's getting late. Let's go.

We can't get in the line for permits if we're too late.

Let's go.

You go.

They have officials

with them.

It's hard to make a move on them.

We have to do it, no matter what.

Otherwise, our trip here will be in vain,

and we'll be punished after we go back.

Let's sneak in first

and play it by ear.

Okay.

[Suburban Posthouse]

Mr. Xu, you're back.

Young Master!

Young Master!

I've finally met you!

You have no idea

what kind of danger I've been through to get here!

I thought

I would never see you again!

All right. All right.

Let go of me first.

Didn't I tell you to stay home

and protect my mother?

Why are you here?

Old Madam was worried about you,

so she asked me to come to you.

But don't worry, Young Master.

I've arranged everything

for the Old Madam.

She's very safe now!

You...

Se! Se!

Se! Se!

Ling Shuo?

Why are you here?

Se,

I won first place in the Provincial Examination,

so I came here for the Metropolitan Examination

You... You came here

with Fuding?

Dad said we had no money,

so he told me to stop studying

and wanted me to go back to the countryside

with them.

I didn't want to,

so I escaped.

I wanted to come here with Wang.

But...

he forgot about me.

So, I could only

travel here alone.

It's okay.

That darn Wang Zhujue.

When I see him later,

I'll beat him up for you.

Brother Ling didn't bring enough money for the trip,

and we ran into each other halfway.

So, I came with him.

Thank you, Fuding.

It's nothing.

Se,

I was so scared.

Mr. Xu,

your Entry Permits are ready.

I can take them.

Why are you here?

You know each other?

He's the one

who stole the Young Master's fiancée.

Fuding.

Why did you bring that up?

Your fiancée is...

Ling Se.

If it weren't for you,

our Young Master wouldn't have become

the laughingstock of the entire Linchun City.

He wouldn't have remained unmarried

for so many years.

You have a fiancée,

and you still married my sister?

No...

No.

Wait.

-I can explain. -Wait. Wait.

Let me sort it out.

I can't keep up with what you're saying.

Madam Xu,

you don't need to think too much.

It's all in the past.

I sincerely wish you two

to be happily married for a long time.

I still have some official work to do.

I'll take my leave.

That darn Lyu Qingfeng. Is it not enough

to cuckold

our Young Master once?

Young Madam,

you have to stay away from him.

Our young master

can't take another blow.

Fuding,

take Ling Shuo back to the room.

Young Master,

good luck to you.

-I'm not leaving. -Let's go.

I have to protect my sister.

Let's go. Go.

I don't want to go!

You won't grow taller if you don't get enough sleep at night.

Come on. Let's go.

Actually...

I'm sleepy too.

I'll go back and rest.

So...

it was

Mr. Lyu

who took Young Master Xu's fiancée.

That's unlikely.

I've seen Lord Lyu.

He is bordering on

good-looking, at most.

He is not that attractive,

compared to Young Master Xu.

If you ask me,

I think that there must be something wrong

with that girl's eyes.

Otherwise, how could she

cheat on Young Master Xu?

Ping'er,

which side are you on now?

What side?

Of course, I'm on your side.

No, what you were implying

just now

is that Xu Zilu's previous fiancée

is a better match for him.

Se,

why are you jealous of everything now?

She's already married.

What are you bothered by?

I'm not being jealous.

I'm just a little curious.

What kind of person

do you think

his ex-fiancée is?

Xu Zilu

is so picky.

So, she must

be a beauty.

As for her family background,

if she is going to be a good match for Xu Zilu,

she should be

a noble lady

from a wealthy family.

Fine.

Se,

let me analyze it for you.

Go ahead.

Don't you want to know

that girl's background, appearance,

and personality?

It'd be better

if I could know whether anything has ever happened

between them.

Then, go ask him.

What are you overthinking

all by yourself here?

How should I ask him?

Where should I start?

Fine.

Let's not ask him.

We're the bigger one here.

Why do we ask him these questions

that will only make us look petty?

Let me continue

analyzing it for you.

Then the story

would become

that the male lead

and his ex-fiancée

meet each other once more

on an unfamiliar street.

Both of them recall the part of

their young and beautiful time in their memories.

Then,

he and his contract wife

are done

and cut ties with each other.

Ping'er,

you're getting more and more mean.

You're trying to bully me.

Don't you just want me to ask him?

Fine.

I'll go.

Come on.

I won't tell you, even if I ask him what happened.

It's not like I really want to know.

Something happened at home, right?

Young Master,

on the night

you left,

two men in black

sneaked into your room.

They seemed to be looking for something.

But I've already

scared them all away.

Old Madam

thought that it was the Third Master who was behind it,

so she asked me here

to tell you this.

Manager Wan told me

that we couldn't take back the shop in Furong City.

Looks like

my Third Uncle still won't just accept it.

Young Master,

if it's really

the Third Master who is behind it,

I'm afraid our trip here

will not be peaceful.

I don't want peace either.

Go

transfer some men at home here.

After we enter the city,

protect the Young Madam.

Yes, Young Master.

Why are you here?

Did you come to see me

for something?

To admire the moon.

Aren't we admiring the moon?

Why are you staring at me?

Are you still thinking about

what happened today?

No, I am not.

I'm just

a little curious.

Is that the rumored...

Lord Lyu?

Then,

he and your ex-fiancée...

Are you

still not over this?

If you do,

I won't ask.

You can.

Is she pretty?

How should I put it?

She is not the most beautiful girl in the country.

Because

we grew up together

and studied at the same academy.

Those who wanted to pursue her

could form a long queue.

Every day,

all kinds of strangers

would come to our academy

just to see her face.

The academy?

Everyone in Linchun City

knows that she has both beauty and brains.

Apart from the minor issue with her eyes,

everything else about her is impeccable.

So,

you seem quite regretful

for not being with her.

No.

I didn't know love before.

Now you know?

Yes.

It's good that you know.

I'm going back to sleep.

Ling... Ling Se.

Who are you?

Get him!

Don't move!

Get up!

Tell me.

Why do you try to kill me?

Who sent you here?

My Lord,

we caught

his accomplice outside.

Take them to the storage room first.

Let's bring them back to the city tomorrow

and interrogate them together.

Yes!

Go!

Go!

You've offended someone?

Isn't that your duty

to find out?

Would it kill you to say "thank you"?

Are you okay?

I heard there were thieves in the posthouse.

Did they attack you?

Are you hurt?

I'm fine.

They have been arrested.

That's good.

It scared me.

If you ask me,

it's all because you're dressed too richly.

How did that saying go?

"Keep your wealth hidden."

You should lay low next time.

Okay.

I'll listen to

whatever you say in the future.

Don't be afraid.

I-I-I'm going to bed.

It's my fault

that got you scared.

After entering the city tomorrow,

I'll take you to eat

whatever you want to eat

to calm your nerves.

W-W-What are you talking about?

You...

should go to sleep now.

It'll be dawn if you don't sleep now.

[Furong City]

[Capital Specialties]

Young Madam!

Young Madam!

We've arrived in Furong City.

It's still too early to eat.

Would you like to get off and take a look around here?

Let's go!

Come on, Young Madam.

Furong City is really lively.

Young Madam,

let me introduce the city to you.

This street is called Xilin Street.

It's the most bustling street

in the whole city.

There are stores selling everything.

There're a lot of things

we don't often see in our Linchun.

Really?

Such as jewelry and accessories.

The most famous shop

is right there.

It's just around the corner.

-Really? I want to see. -Yes.

What's wrong, Young Master?

I'm shopping with my wife.

Why are you so excited?

I'm also happy to accompany Young Madam shopping!

I brought you to Furong City,

not for you to go shopping.

Get back to work!

You won't be so lively soon.

Why can't I be lively?

I...

See how lively I am.

Hurry up!

Let's go.

Have we arrived?

I'll get off and take a look.

It's so lively outside.

The stores here are much bigger

than those in Linchun City.

Linchun is quite lively too.

Besides,

whether the shops are big or small

won't make much difference, right?

There is a big difference.

Let's get off for some fresh air.

I don't think so, Wang.

I have a headache.

I won't get off.

Are you feeling unwell?

How about

we go to a doctor?

No need.

I'm not feeling that bad.

I just...

I just haven't had breakfast

since I got up.

I'm just feeling a little faint now.

How about

you get off and buy me

a stick of candied haws?

Okay.

I'll go now.

[Yushan Perfume Shop]

Come and take a look.

Have a look.

Miss, look. It's a pair.

It's a pair.

The style of this shop

is very similar to our Xu's.

But the word on it

is not "Xu's," right?

It is our Xu's shop.

This is the shop that your Third Uncle

refuses to return to.

I'll come in and get it back for you.

No need to rush.

Now that we have arrived in Furong City,

there is no way

we can't take this shop back.

Let's go back and have some rest.

Next time,

I'll take back this shop

myself.

Okay.

My Lord,

the two locked in the storage room

killed themselves by taking the poison.

It's my fault.

Please punish me, my Lord.

It seems that these two

were really not ordinary thieves.

They used their lives

to cover their master.

Let's go back to Furong City

and consider the matter further.

Yes.

[Xu Mansion]

Young Master, we've arrived.

That soon?

Here.

-Young Madam. -Come on.

We've finally arrived.

You go

and help them.

Okay.

Greetings, Young Master and Young Madam.

You must be tired

from the long journey.

This is the Three Flower Tea

that I've specially prepared for you.

Here.

You're so thoughtful.

It's delicious.

As long as you like it, Young Madam.

This is the specialty of our city.

By the way, Young Madam,

I'm sorry

for having offended you before.

Offended me?

Chen Bin?

What are you doing here?

Not bad.

You're dressed like a decent man now.

I haven't introduced him to you yet.

This is Butler Chen.

Butler Chen.

Which house are you managing?

Of course,

it's our Xu Mansion in Furong City.

Fuding, my brother.

It's been a long time.

Wait, Young Master.

C-C-Can I have a word with you?

What's going on?

After what happened with my Third Uncle,

I asked him to stay here

to be my butler.

What's wrong?

Young Master, how can you

let him be your butler?

How long have I been serving you?

Have I not been beaten enough?

You let him...

How come you don't let me be your butler?

You're not very happy

with your current job,

are you?

If you don't want to do it, then quit.

Young Master.

Young Madam.

Let's go inside.

Let's go.

Come on.

Watch the steps.

Come on.

I...

A tiger...

You are like a tiger that has fallen into the plain and is bullied by dogs.

Right?

Look.

There's an artificial mountain

and garden here.

This is not about

whether I should

be the butler.

It's mainly about

that only I can take care of you, Young Master!

I am your only one,

Young Master!

I'm very useful, really!

Young Master,

I know this place very well,

Young Master!

Xu Zilu has arrived in the Furong City?

Yes, Old Master.

I didn't expect him to enter the city so quickly.

How's everything

at the perfume shop?

After Manager Wan left,

we started to

transfer things.

As for those things that can't be seen,

they have been taken care of.

It's just

that I'm afraid that we don't have enough time

to transfer the money from the perfume shop.

If I really

leave him with an empty shop,

will he ever let it go?

He is already here.

We can't keep the perfume store.

Old Master,

should we go see Young Master Xu?

You are family after all.

When has he ever treated me like family?

I go see him?

To let him humiliate me again?

That ungrateful boy.

He wouldn't have kicked me out

if he had even thought that we were a family, even just a bit.

For now,

I can only find another way to make money.

Any response from Wu Qi?

Old Master,

Mr. Wu has returned

your visiting card.

These young people.

All of them

are looking down on others.

If it weren't for Prince Xian

viewing him differently,

why would I be

lowering myself like this?

Lack of patience in minor matters can disrupt the overall plan.

He wants his social standing,

and I'll give him that.

[Wu Mansion]

Come and take a look.

Master Xu,

please go back.

Our young master doesn't want to see you.

Did he mention

the reason that he doesn't want to see me?

The Young Master said,

"People with different values can't work together."

Master Xu, please.

Alright.

Sorry to disturb you.

Different values.

Wu Qi,

don't blame me for being ruthless in the future.

Young Master,

he's gone.

The Third Master Xu is good.

I have to be careful to avoid him

when I go out these days.

Young Master,

where are you going?

To meet an interesting person.

Mr. Wu!

Young Madam Xu,

how have you been?

I'm doing well.

How about you? How have you been?

When I heard that you were coming,

all my worries disappeared.

Everything is fine.

Come take a look.

How is this shop?

Is this the shop

you want to give me?

It's so big.

This shop is also considered to be

in a prime location in the city.

The size is rarely ideal.

The price of it

is greater than the combined value of ten shops in Linchun.

That expensive?

You're willing to give this shop to me?

I had planned to open a branch here

after buying this shop.

But then I went to Linchun

and met you.

And of course, Mr. Xu as well.

I feel we really hit it off.

It must be fate.

In that case,

money doesn't matter.

Mr. Wu, you are so generous.

If I refuse it,

wouldn't that make me look pretentious, right?

But this shop

is in such a great location,

and it is so big.

If I only sell Aromatic Tea and cakes,

wouldn't that be a bit of a pity?

Young Madam Xu,

why not let your imagination run wild

and consider doing some bigger business?

If you have any concerns,

we can cooperate.

It's just a matter of investing a bit more capital.

Mr. Wu, you're truly generous.

Zilu.

-Darling. -What are you here?

I've just finished my work.

So, I'm here to take you home.

Mr. Xu, how have you been?

Mr. Wu, how have you been?

Mr. Wu,

you're so warm and generous.

My wife and I

are really grateful.

Mr. Xu,

you don't have to say that.

Business is business.

We are simply discussing a potential business partnership.

Since you're here,

why don't we have some tea together?

I have

our new specialty,

Three Flower Tea.

It has a rich aroma.

Perhaps

it can inspire you

in your incense-making.

Okay.

I want to look around this shop more.

You can go have some tea first.

I'll come to you later.

Okay.

Please.

[Wu Mansion]

Mr. Xu, is your visit to the city this time

to accompany your wife in receiving a shop and starting a business,

or do you have other plans?

Mr. Wu,

just say what you want to say.

Something happened to your family recently.

Is Third Master Xu

still a member of your family?

You seem to be quite concerned

about our family matters.

It's not that I like to meddle in other people's business.

It's just that

Third Master Xu

has tried to see me many times.

I'm in a dilemma about

whether to meet him or not.

So, I wanted to get a sure answer

from you.

Since you've heard about it,

why do you still ask me?

Okay.

Since you said so,

I understand.

However,

given our past interactions in Linchun,

I'd like to

remind you of something,

now that you're here.

Just out with it.

Furong is unlike Linchun.

There are more important people in the capital.

So, there are many rules.

Although we are both Imperial Merchants

and can do more large-scale business

under this title,

it's just that you have to know more details

about the things you need to know.

In this era of peace and prosperity,

people live in abundance.

Furong

is even more bustling with prosperity.

Over the past few years,

Prince Xian has been favored by His Majesty,

and he likes to make acquaintances.

So, he must have made connections

with a lot of people everywhere.

How forgetful of me.

I forgot

that you already have business dealings

with Prince Xian.

Of course, you know more than I do.

I talked too much.

I'll keep

what you have said in mind.

However...

there's something

I still can't figure out.

From Lingnan to Linchun,

and from Linchun to Furong,

you've been approaching me.

Why?

Young Master Xu,

you and I

will be connected

because of a certain person.

But...

don't worry, Young Master Xu.

This person

will not be your wife.

[Xu Mansion]

Young Master,

do you want to see me?

Have you sent my visiting card

to Prince Xian?

Yes.

Fuding personally sent it to Prince Xian's mansion.

After you came,

Fuding has become more diligent.

Young Master,

you are so bad.

By the way,

are there any bustling streets

here?

I'd like to show the Young Madam around.

Young Master,

you've asked the right question.

Tomorrow

is the Qianqiu Festival Garden Party.

How about we

take the Young Madam to join it?

Garden Party?

Sounds good.

You go ahead and arrange it.

Okay, Young Master.

By the way,

Young Master,

do you know?

In our city,

the Qianqiu Festival Garden Party

is a day when two lovers

exchange sachets to affirm each other's feelings.

It's said that

if lovers exchange sachets on that day,

the two of them

will be blessed by God

and be a happy couple

forever.

Young Master,

shall I

buy a sachet for you

to give to the Young Madam tomorrow?

No need.

Go back to work.

Okay.

I'm getting back to work, Young Master.

Still up at this hour.

You don't even know

how to take care of yourself properly.

Why did you get up so early today?

It's new clothing. You've dressed up?

I heard

that the city is hosting the Qianqiu Garden Party.

There will be lots of delicious food and fun activities.

I think you'll enjoy it.

How about

we go together tonight?

Okay.

Then, I have to

wear some new clothes.

I can't lose to you.

I've prepared it for you.

Here.

Wait for me.

Now,

you finally

look like my other half.

Don't read into it too much.

I just think

that dressing like this suits you better.

Beautiful.

Of course.

I was born beautiful.

Let's go.

Young Master.

I've prepared some Three Flower Tea for you.

I know you didn't sleep at all last night.

You didn't sleep at all last night?

No. I was trying to make some new incense.

Here.

Young Madam.

I don't need it.

You've improved.

By the way, Young Master,

Prince Xian has replied

and wants to see you.

When?

Now.

Well...

I don't have time now.

You reply to His Highness and say we'll come visit him another day.

But, Young Master, that's Prince Xian.

It's fine.

You go busy.

I'll go by myself.

How can you go to the Garden Party alone?

Then,

I'll take Ling Shuo with me

and take this chance to show him around.

How about this?

I'll meet him first and keep it brief.

Wait for me.

Go.

[Three Flower Tea]

I'm Xu Zilu.

Greetings, Your Highness.