Original subtitles

EPISODE 4

Once the betrothal is settled,

we'll all be family.

Kangning, hurry up and greet him properly.

Sir, I pay my respects.

Earlier, I was reckless and ignorant and offended you.

I hope you'll be gracious enough

to forgive me.

It's nothing. Please, rise, my lady.

Sir,

you must understand, we're just a humble family.

We're not well-versed in proper etiquette,

and it must've amused you.

So, my lady, have you changed your mind now?

This is mostly my fault.

I didn't realize you are someone so distinguished.

Sir, I had no idea that you come

from a noble family in Bianjing.

Your family even produced a consort!

For someone like you to lower yourself

to our humble home,

it's truly our blessing.

If we are still rejected, that'd just be ungrateful.

Kangning, quickly, pour the wine for him!

Yes.

Sir, it's true,

we're not incredibly wealthy,

but we live comfortably and have no worries about food or clothing.

It wasn't easy to raise such a delicate daughter.

We'd hoped she'd find

a good place to enjoy a life of comfort.

So, our entire family can…

Don't worry. I'll make sure someone looks after

the business of the Sifu House.

We might not be as wealthy as the royalty, but as long as I'm around,

your family will never lack food or clothing.

Kangning, did you hear that?

Oh.

Sir, we're just a family of unfortunate souls,

but it seems we've finally

found a big tree to shelter under.

Sir, this way, please.

Come, come. Be careful.

Sir, please.

Sir, you hold your drink well!

Kangning, quickly, refill his cup.

Brother,

Mother-in-law has found an excuse to make amends.

She's hosting a feast for that Yang guy,

but he's very cautious and refuses to go to the Sifu House.

So, they've chosen the Pan Restaurant instead.

Come here.

Is Li Kangning really going to marry into the Yang family as a concubine?

The Yang family's status isn't exactly a disgrace,

but Yang Xian is reckless, arrogant, and utterly lawless.

He's certainly no good match. How could she be so foolish

as to promise Kangning to him?

Go on. Keep listening. Hurry, go listen!

- Quick! - Wait. Wait a moment!

No, no, no.

I've had too much after just a few drinks.

I need some fresh air. Ms. Liu.

Help me to the corridor for some air.

Sir, make yourself comfortable. I'll excuse myself for a bit.

Please.

Kangning, sit down, sit down!

It's not right to let an honored guest sit alone.

Keep him company and have another drink.

- I'll just be a moment. - Yes.

Really,

- can't even pick up a single shrimp? - Here, sir!

Shameless scoundrel!

Don't rush, don't rush.

Rush! How could he not rush?

This despicable fool was hoping for Mother-in-law to leave.

Brother, what were you saying earlier?

So, you're truly sincere.

Why must you insist on taking me in?

The old man keeps pressuring me to marry.

Taking in a concubine before the bride arrives

will truly infuriate him to death.

Sir, you really are quite amusing.

I've heard His Majesty plans to appoint you as Assistant Commander of the Guards.

When I heard, I was overjoyed.

I present you this flower as a token of my feelings.

What gift might you bestow upon me?

No rush. I'll send someone to prepare something when I return.

That's more like it.

What about the skirt I gave you earlier?

Worried you wouldn't admit it, I even brought it along with me.

Turns out I was overthinking.

My lady, take a look. It's right here.

This is embarrassing.

I'd better take it back.

Oh no, this won't do. This is evidence.

That floral veil from the other day, was it really yours, my lady?

If you were setting me up,

I wouldn't let the Li family off lightly!

Sir, you're overthinking it. If that's not mine,

whose could it be?

Still, I've always admired

scholars and men of talent.

I've vowed to marry a well-educated gentleman.

Only then would I be truly satisfied.

I wonder how skilled you are at poetry.

You are underestimating me!

Writing a couple of verses is no challenge at all.

Brother, what's going on?

- Deqing. - At your service.

- Follow Li Kangning. - Yes.

Brother,

are you suspecting that Kangning has other plans?

Someone as proud as she is,

I don't believe she'd willingly become a concubine.

I need to see for myself

what scheme she's plotting in secret.

Sir, look.

There they are.

Fan Lianghan,

take a good look! That woman is from the Li family?

We're not selling!

That's right. My wife mentioned Qiongnu was stranded in Luoyang at the age of six.

She was taken in by my mother-in-law, who intended to marry her to my uncle.

Who would've thought she'd lose him before they could wed?

She's left as a pitiful widow. How did she end up here?

- I'll go and see. - Stay put.

Look at those two.

They're neither loudly hawking their wares

nor bargaining over prices.

Instead, they're glancing around

as if waiting for someone. Let's wait.

Here they come.

- Chamberlain Wang, Chamberlain Wang. - I knew a court official would come.

I've spent a year crafting this piece,

including patterns of items for all seasons,

adorned with rubies and sapphires. Buy one, please!

Look at mine!

A butterfly landing on flowers, like a real thing. A masterpiece!

It's much better than his.

Alright, alright, one at a time.

- My wife? - Keep quiet!

Those are fine jewelries.

Let's have a look.

Such exquisite embroidery!

And the gems are dazzling. What's the price?

Fifty strings of coins.

Too expensive!

The silk I bought yesterday was only four strings a bolt.

Whose skirt costs 50 strings of coins?

Are you out of your mind with poverty?

What a beautiful pearl skirt!

The imperial-grade floral brocade is only ten strings of coins.

This doesn't even have gold inlays!

The embroidery and fabric are top-notch,

but the pearls are just fragments.

This is way too expensive.

I think I know who they're waiting for now.

What's wrong with 50 strings of coins?

This is an heirloom pearl canopy from my lady master.

It's part of her dowry.

If the canopy were still intact,

I'd charge you 100,000 strings!

Take a good look.

Even though these are broken pearls,

they're all top-quality northern pearls.

You can scour this whole street

and you won't find anything like it.

You just don't know fine goods.

Let me take a look.

Sure, have a look.

The embroidery is truly exquisite,

and the craftsmanship is remarkable.

But unfortunately, these pearls

are a bit too ordinary.

In the palace, they're common.

They aren't worth much.

- Fine pearls, Chamberlain Wang. - Top-quality northern pearls.

Since such fine goods are beyond their reach, I'll take them.

My sister-in-law looks best in pearl adornments,

and this pearl skirt will suit her well.

It's you!

You mentioned 50 strings of coins earlier?

Yes.

It just so happens I've exchanged some silver. Keep the change.

This…

I'm buying it.

What's your problem?

There's a principle of first come, first served--

Oh, Chamberlain Wang, forgive my rudeness!

I ordered some wine in the Pan Restaurant and was about to invite you to a feast.

How fortunate to meet you here by chance!

Are you treasure-hunting for Consort Shang again?

On the first and 15th of every month,

I come here to browse the market

for some new and unique stuff.

It's just a petty way

to amuse the nobles.

Consort Shang has a particular love for pearl adornments,

and this pearl skirt

will suit her perfectly.

I wonder if you could part with it?

Chamberlain Wang.

- I won't take what Consort Shang desires. - Thank you.

Please.

Master Chai, you have opened a new shop.

Some other day,

I will personally visit to congratulate you.

I must take my leave now.

This is just a small token of respect.

Tonight, I will prepare a modest banquet

to welcome you.

Chamberlain Wang, take care.

Please.

Sister-in-law, what's so unusual about this skirt?

You refuse to sell it to this buyer or that,

but you sell it specifically to those who serve Consort Shang?

It's a misunderstanding.

My younger sister is getting married, so we rushed to make a few new outfits.

But she insisted that pearl-studded and jade-adorned designs are common,

but something this luxurious is rare.

It's not suitable for ordinary families, so I…

I came out to create some buzz and raised the price, of course!

It just happened that someone from the palace bought it.

Well, how was I supposed to know he was from the palace?

I didn't recognize him at all.

He probably hasn't gone far yet.

- Husband! - Brother!

You know they're in trouble. Why not show some mercy?

Fine, sister-in-law.

If you tell me the whole truth today,

I'll pretend I didn't see anything.

But if you tell even one word of lie,

I'll bring him back

and confront you on the spot!

Kangning,

what if this plan doesn't work?

If fate isn't on my side,

then let me marry today and become a widow tomorrow.

SONG RENZONG, THE EMPEROR

Your Majesty, please have some tea.

Again, something procured from outside the palace?

This doesn't comply with palace protocols.

Your Majesty, just tell me.

Do I look good

in this pearl dress?

The floral and bird patterns are lifelike, and the design is exquisite.

Truly extraordinary.

Compared to paintings,

it's even more stunning.

Come closer.

BY YANG XIAN

- How dare you! - Calm down, Your Majesty.

- Quick, summon Consort Yang! - Yes.

Please, my lady, step into the sedan chair.

Good son-in-law,

allow me to change into proper attire,

so I can personally escort my daughter to your residence.

It's my duty

as a mother.

It's not like you won't see her again.

Stop being so sentimental.

Look, it's getting late.

Time to get going.

If they dare force her into the sedan chair,

we'll have no choice but to confront them.

- Hold on! - For what?

If we wait any longer, she'll be in the sedan chair.

Once she's at the Yang residence, even if we have some superpower,

we can't get her back.

I said wait.

How am I supposed to explain this to my wife?

It's getting late. Stop stalling!

Are you having second thoughts?

Get in the sedan chair now.

Sisters are about to be separated.

Must you rush so much?

Can't you let us say goodbye properly?

I said get in the sedan chair! Didn't you hear me?

- Get in! - Now, get in! Get in!

- Get in! Get in now! Get in! - Get in!

They're stealing her away!

Do something! Cousin, act now!

Kangning!

Here they come.

Sir, don't!

Absolutely not! Absolutely not!

Palace envoys have reached our place. They want to hold you accountable.

It seems to be about that pearl skirt.

Li Kangning, what have you done to the skirt?

Sir, could it be that lewd poem

you personally wrote?

"A touch of red upon her lips, like blossoms in full bloom.

Her lingering blush and loose-tied hair, a beauty fills the room.

She seems no less than nymphs divine, who grace the mountain's crest.

Let not her leave for distant lands."

Or perhaps it's the complaint I hid in the waistband,

accusing Yang Xian, Assistant Commander of the Guards,

of harassing a common woman,

using threats and coercion to force her into being a concubine?

- You're seeking death! - You…

Sir!

Chai An, you dare stand in my way too?

- Guards, seize them! - Go!

Who dares?

You've just received your appointment through imperial favor.

You haven't even enjoyed two peaceful days.

Yet His Majesty despises nothing more

than arrogant bullies

who exploit others.

I suggest you go to the palace gates now, humbly admit your fault,

so not to bring Consort Yang and the entire Yang family down with you.

If you continue causing trouble here

and the matter escalates,

even if His Majesty is lenient,

the pens of the officials

won't let you off.

I'll remember this humiliation today.

One day, I'll make you repay a hundred-fold!

Master Yang, instead of wasting time here making threats,

you'd be better off thinking about

the punishment awaiting you from the palace.

Will it be mere dismissal

or demotion and exile?

Sir, sir!

His Majesty's command cannot be delayed!

Get out!

Go, go, go!

That young man is quite handsome,

but his temper is so foul that it's truly frightening.

Kangning is too timid.

If it were me, I'd get in the sedan chair and marry into his family.

Just watch how I'd handle him, make him utterly obedient!

If he dares defy me even once, I'd make sure he can't live

nor die in peace.

Whoever marries you might as well have married a monster.

Big talk.

If he did marry me,

he couldn't serve me properly, even if he kowtowed day and night.

Good son-in-law,

we're truly indebted to you today.

If not for you, Kangning would have suffered greatly.

Don't mention it.

It's all because of Cousin's help. Yang Xian wouldn't have dared act out.

Thank you, sir, for your help!

It was the right thing to do.

I have matters at home. I'll express my gratitude another day.

Take care. I won't see you out.

Quick, go! Hurry, hurry!

- Mother-in-law! - Close the door. Close it quickly!

Don't look, don't look. Quickly!

Cousin, on behalf of my mother-in-law and Kangning, thank you again.

If it weren't for you, things would have turned out much worse.

I don't think anyone here truly intends to thank me.

Cousin!

Cousin!

My mother-in-law!

What am I supposed to do now? This is hard!

SIFU HOUSE

Mom creates troubles, but can't you act with some sense?

Everything I said

was for your sake!

I thought he was a cold-hearted, distant man,

the hardest kind to deal with,

but when you were in trouble,

we needed the perfect timing

and opportunity to bring our complaint to His Majesty.

Our petition made it directly to His Majesty.

This must be because

of his hidden help with Consort Shang.

Also,

if he hadn't lent a hand yesterday,

your delicate face

- wouldn't have survived that slap. - Alright, alright!

Stop it. I'll do whatever you say.

I'll go in later and thank him properly. Is that enough?

That's what I wanted to hear.

You just need to be patient.

Fuhui.

Kangning was busy in the kitchen at the crack of dawn.

When the mistress woke up, she felt the warm stove ashes

and almost thought a thief came overnight.

Don't be nosy.

Kangning really thought of everything.

Let's go.

PAN RESTAURANT

Have you heard?

His Majesty issued a decree,

stripping Yang Xian of his position,

forcing him home to reflect on his actions.

Fortunately, his father resigned quickly,

so he avoided being charged.

Otherwise, he would be punished for allowing his son's bad deeds too.

I doubt Yang Xian will reemerge for at least a year or two.

As expected.

Brother, your foresight is unmatched!

I'm impressed.

Even my wife couldn't stop praising you this time.

She treated me kindly for two whole days!

Look at how little it takes to please you.

You only thank him! Why don't you thank me?

Why should I thank you?

Women need

to be kept in check.

They should not be allowed

to grow too arrogantly.

Kangning got a good scare this time. She'll definitely behave from now on.

No more being spoiled and bothersome.

He told me he was looking for some dreamlike beauty.

If it weren't for me directing Yang Xian to the Li family,

how could he have found them so quickly?

Master Chai,

I've helped you get your revenge this time.

- What are you saying? - So, it was you!

- Well done! - Kangning, you've misunderstood!

- Hear me out! - A nest of snakes and rats!

Shameless scoundrel!

I'll deal with you when we're back!

Honey!

Cousin, it's over, it's over!

I don't need you to get me revenge!

- What a beautiful kite! - So pretty, so pretty!

- I want this one. - Maybe I should go buy it.

- What if…? - Wasn't your head aching all night?

Let me go in your place.

You stay at the shop. I'll go help Mom.

Let's go.

Go, go, go.

Goodbye, dear customer.

Look at them, master and servant, both born as ungrateful wretches.

To make this deal happen, you let that Wang guy

scam you out of an ink slab worth 40 strings of coins.

Without your discreet assistance,

they wouldn't have succeeded and depended on fate.

Not even a word of thanks. Their consciences must be entirely dead.

Sir, I've told you before,

it doesn't pay to be a good person.

I did it for the Fan family and for my cousin.

Do you think I did it for her?

Do you think I want her thanks?

Yes, yes, you don't care.

If you don't care, why are you looking?

- Who gave you permission to mess around? - I was wrong.

- Get lost. Do something! - This way.

Goodbye.

This way, please.

- Please. - Ungrateful wretches.

Goodbye, dear customer.

Sir, are you looking to buy something?

Pick out some premium sandalwood for me. Do you have any?

Young lady.

Don't be afraid, young lady.

I was ignorant and rude at the Fan family's residence.

Here, I sincerely apologize.

I'm sorry, truly sorry.

We do have sandalwood.

Wait here.

Master Chai!

Master Chai, listen to me! Master Chai!

I'm not lending it. Get out!

Master Chai, I stood up for you, and now you treat me like an enemy?

This is so unfair!

Who said I did it for the Li family?

I just can't stand the sight of you.

Don't linger in front of me. Deqing, drag him out!

Master Liang, please leave.

Master Chai, does it really have to come to this?

What's going on here? What's happening?

Master Fan, please intervene. Master Chai's forbidden me from returning.

Without the fine wine of the Pan Restaurant, how will I survive?

Serves you right, you fool!

Gossiping behind the scenes

and causing all this trouble. My knees are sore from kneeling because of you.

Brother, he's at fault, but not to the point of death.

Back when Pan Restaurant hosted a wine party,

he begged endlessly to have the best courtesan attend.

He ran himself ragged for a whole month,

so perhaps he's made up for his mistakes.

Spare him this once, for my sake.

Shameless.

You're too good at playing the nice guy.

It's always me taking the blame, while you reap the benefits.

Who dares defy you, brother? I'll go reason with him.

I bet you don't have the guts.

Master Chai, you promised me last time

to lend me that jade comb.

Why is he so snippy? Who upset him this time?

- It's Kangning. - Deqing!

What priceless comb could tempt

even a spoiled noble

like you?

Three years ago, I came across

a rare piece of fine lamb-fat jade.

I had it carved into a comb, not worth much.

Listen to this!

That thousand-year cold jade, mined from beneath an icy river,

sculpted by master artisans, is worth tens of thousands.

And he calls it "not worth much".

Sir, Master Liu has been waiting for quite some time.

I forgot. Let's set this aside for now.

Don't!

Last time, my mother saw

Madam Chai wearing it at Xiangguo Temple.

She was so envious.

Let me borrow it to have a replica made to ease her mind.

Master Chai, my mother's birthday is next month.

- I'm begging you, brother. - Fine, fine.

- Deqing, fetch it for him. - Yes.

Thank you, Master Chai.

Your master has spoken. Hurry up.

Pleasing one's elders is important.

Last time, I promised Lady Lu to lend it to her,

so she could enjoy wearing it for a while. A promise is a promise.

When I bought these, I was puzzled.

Well, Four Harmonies can be made with sandalwood and musk.

Why buy dried cypress leaves and coptis? We're not running an apothecary!

Sandalwood, agarwood,

borneol, and musk make

the premium Four Harmonies.

Those are sold to high-ranking officials and wealthy merchants.

But I use Maoshan coptis

and dried cypress leaves,

lycée shells, and sugarcane residue to create humble Four Harmonies

tailored for those literati who love to flaunt their refined taste.

That's what I call a win-win situation!

Pass me the pear juice.

People say I'm smart, but that's because they haven't met you.

You seem kind and gentle, but when you scheme against others,

you're truly ruthless. Isn't that right, Qiongnu?

Who says impoverished scholars can't use Four Harmonies?

When hosting guests, one must treat everyone equally.

I was wrong. I was wrong, sister!

Adding dried tangerine peel and pine nut shells would make it better.

Qiongnu, that pendant is quite unique. I haven't seen you wear it before.

Qiongnu?

Just something from a street vendor. It cost only ten coins. It's cheap beads.

Qiongnu,

go to the kitchen and boil some water for me.

I want to soak my feet later.

Right away.

Here, have a look.

Is there anything you like?

Mom,

stop bossing Qiongnu around. She's not a servant.

When she fled to us during the famine,

she only had a pair of broken straw sandals.

Aside from fleas and lice,

she had nothing.

I've fed and clothed her all these years,

raising her to adulthood.

Isn't that kindness enough?

If I don't have her do any work,

should I start worshiping her like an ancestor instead?

What nonsense are you spouting?

Look at this.

A young lady should wear red.

It makes her look prettier.

- Mom! - Don't take it off!

Leave it for my sister. It's not for me.

You're still hung up on that heartless man?

You're in the prime of your youth.

Why waste it?

I'm telling you,

I've found a good matchmaker for Fuhui.

She's arranged meetings with many suitable families.

Soon, we'll go visit each one. Put it on, put it on!

Mom.

- Come on. - What?

Sit.

Mother looks best with flowers.

- No, no, no! - Don't move!

- Why wear that? - It's a waste.

Don't! Alright, alright.

Look at that.

You're prettier than the flowers themselves!

It does look nice.

Back in the day,

I was as radiant as a peony.

Sister, why is Master Liang here again?

Be careful on the road.

Let's go.

Alright, I'll take this string of beads.

My lady, you're in luck. This was sent by someone on your behalf.

I don't usually care about such matters…

but Liang Junqing is a regular patron at the Pan Restaurant.

My ties with him are superficial. We're not alike.

If I let her misunderstand me any further, it'll damage my reputation.

After all, we're somewhat related, and there will be future interaction.

Actually, not really related at all.

Yes, yes, you're absolutely right.

Once Li Kangning comes, the misunderstanding will be cleared up.

- She should be thanking you. - Is she really that reasonable?

I don't think so.

Make way. Selling flowers!

Come take a look!

Move along.

Rejecting one after another.

What are you looking for, a top scholar or a military champion?

My lady,

those last two…

One was timid and hesitant,

the other overly pretentious.

Neither is worth considering.

How can a skilled lady match with an incompetent man?

They went to discuss a match.

Exactly, exactly. You sharp-tongued girl understand.

I'm stuck in a mess, aren't I?

Well, they just weren't born

into wealth, were they?

Well, you're the best mother in the world.

I don't want another family, even if there is plenty of wealth.

Such sweet talk.

I must've owed you in a past life.

Alright, alright. Reject them if you must.

Surely, not all the fine men in Bianjing are gone.

We'll keep looking.

You look nervous. What are you running off to do now?

Mother, they're selling fish maw soup on the main street.

Fifth lady…

You're all like a hungry ghost!

Take it, take it!

Too much!

If you don't want to eat, fine. I'll save a few coins.

Mom wants you to buy a bowl too. Go on, go on.

She looks so gloomy, like a gray sparrow.

It's infuriating just to look at her.

Sir, sir!

Sir!

Didn't you want to find Li Kangning and get an explanation?

She's a girl from a lowly household. If I go to explain, it'll inflate her ego.

I refuse to give her that satisfaction.

If you try to persuade me again, I'll hit you too!

I thought that water puppet show last time was quite novel.

Find the performers and have them perform in my restaurant.

This token serves as proof. Now you can be assured.

I'm just the middleman. Whether you come or not is your decision.

Qiongnu!

Qiongnu!

What's the matter?

Shouhua, has Qiongnu returned?

What task did Mom send her on this time?

As soon as Mom came back, she went to the front to tend to business.

Haode and Leshan went to watch the water puppets,

but I didn't see her.

What's this?

I noticed her sleeve was worn, so I picked out some clothes I rarely wear.

The colors are to her liking.

Don't tell me you secretly made something new again,

claiming they're old clothes just to deceive Mom.

Fuhui sent some new fabric. I can't wear it all.

Don't tell Mom, okay?

I also have a new pair of shoes, just made and unworn.

Give those to her too.

You two are so kind,

but she might not even appreciate it.

Such a fine restaurant.

It's not some shabby street performance venue.

Why bring in water puppets, flesh puppets, any puppets to steal my business?

That Chai family has no decent people.

Mom, you're back. Sit down and rest.

My whole body aches.

Ms. Liu, come here and massage me.

Sir, the Li family's fourth and fifth ladies are outside watching water puppets.

Li Kangning isn't there, though.

She's powdered her face and adorned herself with flowers.

Who knows who she's meeting?

Sir!

The more I think of it, the angrier I get. Never I've been treated this way.

I must make things clear to her or I won't swallow this anger.

Sir, it's not appropriate to visit her household at this hour.

She's an unmarried young lady.

You'd be thrown out by Madam Li before you'd say a word.

It's all that Liang fellow's fault.

Tomorrow, go to Liang's house and demand my jade comb back!

Did you hear me?

Qiongnu!

Tell me.

Where have you been?

- Shouhua! - Speak up!

- What's going on now? - Say it, and I won't hit you.

Tell me!

Where exactly were you this late at night?

Seriously, I'm angry to death. Speak up!

- Go to bed! - But…

Your rooms are close. Leshan must've heard it too.

Chunlai, stay here and keep watch.

Let's go and check.

Speak!

What happened? Tell me!

What respectable girl runs out in the dead of night?

You useless thing!

I've raised you for nothing all these years!

How long have you even been in Bianjing, and you've already caused this trouble?

Tell me.

Which rathole did the scoundrel come from?

That immoral, shameless bastard!

Who lured you into such disgraceful deeds?

Tell me!

If you tell me, I won't hit you.

I'll just go settle the score with him.

Speak! Tell me!

Who was it

that led you into this filthy act,

tarnishing our family's reputation?

Speak! Who was it?

Fine, you won't say?

- I'll beat you. - Mom!

- Will you speak? - Mom!

- Mom! - Speak or not!

Don't get angry. Let's talk this through.

Mom, come rest in my room.

You're too old to be getting so worked up.

Let me tell you.

I truly regret it.

I should never have taken you in.

Mom, go rest in my room for now.

We'll come back to question you later.

Mom!

I should never have taken her in.

If I hadn't taken her in,

my Fan'er wouldn't have drowned in the river trying to save her.

He's nowhere to be found. Not even the body is found.

Even now, I still dream of Fan'er

calling for me every night.

Kangning,

he's telling me,

"Mom,

save me!

It's so cold in the river.

Mom,

save me. I want to go home."

My poor Fan'er.

If only he were still here.

If he were here,

those heartless people wouldn't think our Li family

is doomed to die out.

They wouldn't gang up to bully us orphans and a widow.

Nor would they force your elder sister to marry

a sickly, short-lived man.

When they couldn't take our wealth,

they called us a family of six tigers,

ruining your reputations.

They forced us to leave our home

and come to Bianjing to scrape by.

If only my poor Fan'er were still here,

how wonderful that would be.

Mom,

we searched the riverbanks back then

but never found a body.

If he was lucky enough to be rescued,

who knows…

Yes, Mom. I'm his twin.

All these years, I've always felt he was still alive.

Don't try to comfort me.

If he were still alive,

why hasn't he come home?

Why hasn't he come home?

Something terrible!

Something terrible has happened!

She hanged herself!

Why did you save me?

You should've just let me die.

When we were kids, you, me, and my brother

used to play together all the time.

I didn't like playing with you because you were slow.

But he always protected you.

He was my twin brother!

Even when he was gone, I still treated you like a sister-in-law.

Whatever good food or toys I had, I never forgot to share with you.

And now,

you want to leave too?

You won't even say goodbye?

Kangning,

I lost my father when I was three.

My birth mother, who was just a concubine, took my dowry and rushed to remarry.

She saw me as a burden

and left me with others.

If it weren't for me,

you wouldn't have lost your brother.

Yes,

you owe my son a life. What right do you have to take your own life?

If you really want to die, pay your debt first!

Silly child, this is such a small matter.

Look at Madam Wang, the fabric seller on the corner.

She's remarried four times, and she's still living well.

Chastity means nothing!

Seeking death over something so trivial,

how foolish can you be?

You grew up in the Li family.

Mom loves you like a daughter since you were little.

She may speak harshly,

but she's secretly been saving up a dowry for you.

Don't do anything stupid again.

Mom, I was wrong.

I was truly wrong.

Mom!

He didn't succeed. He didn't really succeed.

I hit him over the head with a vase,

and I ran away myself.

I was just furious,

afraid he'd spread rumors outside and ruin the reputation of our sisters.

But what I feared most was…

I was scared you wouldn't want me anymore.

Alright, alright, stop crying.

Silly child.

Don't cry anymore.

Wipe those tears away.

Is it too hot?

My lady!

What now?

The Chai family.

Someone from the Chai family has come to claim the jade comb.

Sir, why not have that Liang fellow come and retrieve it himself?

Why bother visiting in person?

Master Chai, your sudden visit, is there something important?

You're truly rude. No tea, no water, and you didn't invite us to the hall.

Is this how one treats a guest?

I heard someone in your household picked up my jade comb.

I've come specifically to reclaim it.

There are plenty of jade combs.

What does yours look like?

A comb carved from thousand-year cold jade,

engraved with floral and bird patterns, extremely delicate.

It was originally worn in the hair.

I lent it to someone to admire,

but it was lost in the Sweetwater Alley on East Second Street.

I heard someone in your family picked it up.

If it was clearly seen being taken, why didn't you ask for it right away?

Isn't that why I've come personally to retrieve it?

Any other jade comb wouldn't matter,

but this was my mother's treasured possession.

Could you please return it now?

So, you're certain this jade comb is yours?

Of course, it is!

What are you doing?

Return your comb!

Li Kangning, stop right there! What's the meaning of this, Li Kangning?

Li Kangning!

Kangning, explain yourself!

You can't just barge into a woman's chambers!

Kangning, what's going on this time?

Master Chai, please stop here.

- Kangning has-- - The jade comb has been returned.

Master Chai, please leave.

- Madam Li! - See him out.

Madam Li!

Li Kangning, Li Kangning!

Kangning, tell me clearly.

What's going on this time, Kangning?

This family is truly insane!

Hurry, sir!

The big matriarch of the Li family really might eat someone alive!

Disgraceful!

Subtitle translation by: Yuke Ran