Original subtitles

EPISODE 16

I want one.

I want one.

I also want one.

I want this one.

I want this one.

You know how to do it.

Yes.

Is it strange?

Is it still the case of throwing up whatever you eat?

Much better now.

Now I realize how hard it is to be a mother.

This child hasn't even been born yet.

It really gives me a tough time.

But you mustn't be naughty.

Mother raised the six of us.

I don't know how she raised us all.

Think about Leshan when she was little.

She was simply a monkey,

reckless without any concern. Even tigers would run away seeing her.

Is eldest brother-in-law going to be named an official soon?

Calculating the time,

it won't be delayed till after June.

New Jinshi is usually assigned to posts outside.

Shouhua, have you thought it through?

Do you go with him, or does he go first, then invite you to join him?

I'm hoping he gets assigned somewhere closer,

so that we are not separated for too long.

Shouhua.

Shouhua.

- Hairpin flowers. - Are they all sold out?

The materials are all the latest fashion from the Fan family's shop.

Others simply aren't willing to spend this much.

All sold out, snatched up by a single family.

The messenger also said

their master has a passion for flowers

and he wants to buy a batch

of hairpin flowers of peonies and autumn chrysanthemums.

They also sent an invitation to Shouhua for the Summer Flower Gathering,

asking us to go together.

Whose family is it?

I think it's

the house of the Ministry of Personnel who participates in political affairs.

Yes, it's the young lady of the Yu family.

The Yu family? Is the Yu family very impressive?

What is a Summer Flower Gathering?

Are we going or not?

I heard Minister Yu was a top scholar when he entered government service.

He's been in office for 20 years.

He worries about the country, loves the people, and is honest.

Among the people, he has a very good reputation,

and the ability to recognize talent.

He's recommended many for government service.

- Mr. Du respects him as a teacher. - Don't muck about.

The women of his family delivered an invitation.

It wouldn't be good to decline.

The Summer Flower Festival is a grand event in Bianjing.

It's organized by the royal family and high-ranking officials.

For ordinary officials and their families, an invitation is hard to come by.

It's a rare opportunity.

It seems we must make an appearance

and pay a personal visit to Miss Yu.

My lady, don't you like wearing hairpins?

This one compared to that one

is heavier in gold,

with larger and brighter pearls.

This was personally selected by me, hoping to capture my lady's heart.

Today's flower-viewing feast

would be more fitting with a hairpin with flowers.

My lady,

I'll accompany you to the feast.

The flower-viewing feast is only for ladies from each household.

When was Mr. Du invited?

Then, I'll take you there.

I have sisters to accompany me.

No need to trouble my dear husband.

Runyue.

Runyue.

My lady.

I accidentally

burned a hole in the new dress.

What?

Quickly, let me see.

Are you hurt?

I've told you to be careful when you work. Still, you are clumsy and reckless.

This is the dress you had made

especially for the feast.

Now it's been ruined by the burn.

What are we going to do now?

- I… - As long as you are not burnt, it's fine.

The sisters are arriving soon.

Go get ready quickly.

My lady, are you still going?

But ladies of your household all love to look beautiful.

If they don't have new clothes,

they'd rather not go out.

I'm afraid

others will laugh at my lady.

I'm not afraid of being laughed at.

No need to make new ones.

It's just the sisters making a fuss over nothing.

I feel this old garment

is quite comfortable.

Go ahead.

Yes.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

My lord, you go ahead with your affairs.

I must also hurry to the feast.

The imperial family will open

the Jinming Pool every March

- for people in Bianjing to enjoy. - Haode, look at me.

- Usually, the pond will close after April. - Is it pretty?

In June, Consort Yang celebrates her birthday in the palace.

Hearing that the golden lotuses in the pond are blooming vigorously,

she especially implored His Majesty for a decree of grace,

allowing the gentry and commoners to enjoy it for a month.

Thus, the flower appreciation event has been set here.

Many thanks to Lady Yu for the invitation.

Then we have the opportunity to come and enjoy it.

I am a bit stubborn in my personality.

I'm only willing to meet those whom I agree to.

Those fools with vulgarity about them,

even a glance,

can make me feel troubled in my heart.

Ever since meeting you,

I feel you are gentle and amiable,

and I'm very fond of you in my heart.

Yesterday, I also heard my father say

that His Majesty particularly favors Mr. Du

and intends to keep him in the capital.

It seems that we must

often come and go.

Chuanfang.

Look,

this flower hairpin

is indeed exquisitely made by your shop.

I tried to imitate it but can never do it right.

Today, I was thinking of your arrival. I sincerely ask for your guidance.

Please, don't hold back on me.

Kangning.

This lotus seed wine, why aren't you drinking?

I brewed this myself.

Let me tell you secretly,

this wine is better than

the flower wine they are drinking.

Thank you for your kind intentions, Lady Yu.

There's no need for such formalities.

Just call me Xiu'e.

Kangning,

tell Leshan and the others

not to play by the water.

If they wet their shoes and catch a cold, they'll get scolded when we return.

Look at this painting sketch of mine.

It just lacks spirit and charm.

It has form, but no soul,

and doesn't look real at all.

Where exactly did I go wrong?

I'm afraid Lady Yu's mind

is not on the painting

but on the person.

Good.

So, it was you indeed.

Cousin, why did you tie him up and bring him here?

In the previous case involving the Cui family,

they understood my mother-in-law's temperament clearly.

She would protect her son-in-law and dare not to report to the authorities.

We had to be subjected to their extortion.

The more I thought about it, the more it seemed wrong.

Those two women from the Cui family didn't even know about the law,

how could they have plotted against the Li family?

Even if they really had the capability and the audacity,

who would have been so coincidental

to leave behind a bloodied garment as evidence?

Yan, it was you who harmed others behind their backs again.

I promised my wife not to cause trouble anymore.

Consider yourself lucky today.

Cousin, have him escorted to the government office

and accuse him of conspiring with the Cui family.

Untie him.

No, absolutely not.

This matter must not be known to outsiders.

Whatever you want, I can give it.

When it comes down to it, I too was compelled by circumstances.

- I didn't want to harm the Li family. - Who forced you?

If you can't say it now, you will at the Yamen.

Speak.

How so?

Today, I sent you

an invitation.

Is there anything wrong?

What you sent, I fear,

is not just an invitation,

but her.

My lady.

- My lady. - Li Shouhua.

Ever since Chou'er entered your Du family,

I have never met her again,

nor have I ever sent her a message.

Then how did you come to know?

The scent of the incense is so strong.

Last night, it was already ironed.

Why iron it again this morning?

Just now, when I entered the garden,

the maid was holding madam's beloved dog.

It barked fiercely at me.

Yet it fell silent

upon seeing Runyue.

It shows she is no stranger.

That's when I became suspicious.

What a useless maid.

Why blame her?

The giveaway you showed is far from the only one.

I would like to hear the details.

Even for a flower hairpin,

you had to invite the world's best artisan

to create a one-of-a-kind piece.

How could you tolerate that all the women in Bianjing

are wearing the same flower?

So, you lured me out on purpose.

My third sister is a person with meticulous attention to detail.

She always doubted the case with the Cui family.

So, I had to give it more thought.

Lady Cui met Yan Zimei by chance.

How'd she know he wouldn't return to the capital?

Could she be at ease making this scheme

without fear of being exposed?

Unless they were in cahoots from the start.

Perhaps someone has been plotting against the Li family,

waiting for a long-awaited opportunity.

They accidentally discovered the Cui family's murder secret.

Only then did they set up this scheme.

But I've been thinking it over.

I don't know who the Li family has offended

to go to such great lengths.

No.

You're wrong.

The reason I did this

was just to test a person.

Who?

Du Yangxi.

A man, who at the brink of life and death,

would abandon his wife and family,

is merely talented without virtue.

Just a selfish opportunist not worth your devotion.

Therefore,

while I hope he helps the Li family,

I also want to see exactly how he helps.

Fortunately,

he did not disappoint me.

That day, when I saw him

parading on horseback through the streets,

I fell for him at first sight.

Later, I saw him from a distance a few times,

and my feelings for him grew stronger.

I couldn't control myself.

I invited you today

because I want you to give him up.

We are already husband and wife.

Do you want me to divorce him?

Back then, you captured the groom on the front of the list,

all for his one-time success on the exam.

You too, have the glory of a husband and honor of a wife

with an imperial appointment.

But now that imperial appointment is all but gone.

I can introduce you to a noble from the royal family

to become the wife of a prince in the future.

No need to abandon your lowly husband and bring shame upon yourself.

There's no need to divorce and remarry. Both sides will bear grudges.

But everyone will be happy. Each one getting what they wish for.

It all depends on whether you are willing or not.

What if I refuse?

What a lowly household the Li family is.

It's not up to you.

One must not only think of oneself in everything.

One should also consider the best for one's mother and sisters.

Kangning,

did I swing high on the swing just now?

High indeed.

Fortunately, mother had business and didn't come.

Otherwise, she would've fainted seeing you showing off in front of strangers.

This is nothing.

I remember when I was in Luoyang,

I snuck out to play in the river at night.

Nonsense.

- Shouhua. - Don't ask. Hurry along.

Aren't we listening to music and admiring the moon?

Just go. No need for prattle.

Go.

Alright, it's good to go back earlier too.

We can visit Fuhui on the way.

Hurry along.

I haven't had enough fun yet.

Stop playing, Shouhua is getting angry.

And you're still laughing?

At this time, you can still laugh?

Such strange things happen in this world.

In ancient times, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang took possession of Lady Shou.

And now, Lady Yu cunningly snatched Mr. Du.

Shouhua,

Mr. Du has very deep thoughts.

His scheming is deeper than the waters of the Bian River.

You've tried several times but still can't know his thoughts.

Such a cunning and heartless husband,

I gather you're not too fond of him.

Why not take this good opportunity

to swap him for a prince?

Are you insane?

How can you say such things?

You're asking for a beating.

If you want to swap, use your Mr. Chai.

Well, I wouldn't want to.

Who knows if the Yu family's

words count for anything.

I'm afraid they are spouting nonsense and fooling people.

Then you won't be able to become princess and lose the chance of marrying Mr. Du.

How come even you…?

Shouhua, you must be distressed.

That Yu Xiu'e acts perversely,

and you're making mischief with her,

mocking your own sister.

Fine.

Every single one of you, see if I don't beat you.

- Why beat me? - I'll beat you.

You should beat Kangning.

Shouhua promised not to beat me.

She hit me.

So what?

It's all you.

What are you thinking about?

A poor, humble scholar can form a marriage alliance with a powerful family.

Isn't it 100 times better than marrying a tea seller's daughter?

Shouhua,

you must never mention this matter once at home.

Don't see Haode as naive and straightforward.

When it comes to serious matters,

she's smarter than anyone else.

Wealth and riches dazzle the eyes.

Shouhua seems uninterested.

Perhaps he will be tempted.

Actually, I too want to know

what he will choose.

My lady.

My lord has returned.

It's late. Don't continue with the embroidery work.

Tomorrow, find two maids to do it.

Lest you strain your eyes.

I'm not used to having many people in the courtyard.

I don't like it.

My lord, tonight,

why have you returned so late?

I considered a lot.

With nothing to do, I paid a visit to the Yu residence.

You know all about it?

Master Chai has already told me.

My lady has suffered such grievances.

I must go to the Yu family to seek justice, or I'd fail as a husband.

From now on,

asking my lady for any favor,

I would be too ashamed to even speak.

I never asked you

to go to the Yu family to accuse and reproach.

It was I who wanted to go.

My tolerance is as thin as the tip of a needle.

I cannot stand others bullying my lady.

But rest assured, my lady.

That arrogant lady of the Yu family today is not having a good time.

I've never been one to hold grudges or create enmity with others.

Yes.

It is all my fault then.

Then, I apologize to my darling sis.

Didn't I tell you?

Don't speak carelessly.

Lest you become a laughingstock.

That Yu family holds high office and great authority.

I thought in your heart

that official position

is much more important than me.

In my heart,

the official position is never as important as my lady.

My lady's smile

is what's truly important.

Big sis, you're not angry anymore, are you?

You must not embroider anymore in the future.

YU RESIDENCE

My lady.

Really?

Go and shut the door quickly.

No one is allowed in. Say I have a headache and I'm resting.

- Go quickly. - Alright.

YU WEIYI

My lord.

Father.

Are you going to shut your father out as well?

Father, it's so late.

You suddenly come to your daughter's boudoir.

Is there something important you want to say?

I previously had someone

bring the articles of the new Jinshi to the boudoir.

Have you seen them all?

Yes.

You have loved reading since you were young

and are very opinionated.

As your father, I don't want to go against your wishes.

I'm considering choosing a talented gentleman

to be well-matched with you for life.

These articles all come from

talented young scholars.

Is there anyone you fancy among them?

My talents are ordinary.

Though not daring to compare with Ban Zhao and Daoyun.

But I have read some books.

In my humble opinion,

these articles

are nothing but rote memorization for examinations.

There is no spirit or talent between the lines.

They were sent to Father, nothing but showing off minor skills before an expert.

Showing off before an expert?

Well said.

I have something to discuss with your lady.

You all go out first.

Yes.

Father.

Father.

What did I do wrong?

You still have the face to ask.

I've been cautious in office all my life, living a life of integrity.

Yet I never expected to have you as a curse.

Pining for men in secret, ruining our family's reputation.

Coercing and tempting others to cuckold.

Such a proper lady,

yet committing such absurdities.

At this age,

to be sternly questioned by a junior because of you.

Reproaching me for not educating my daughter and not controlling my house.

I didn't ask the servants to punish you. It was me saving face for you.

To avoid my lifetime of reputation being ruined by you.

- Today, I'll beat you and end it. - Father.

Father. Spare me, Father.

- Father. - You scoundrel.

- Father! Father! - Don't you dare run.

- I'm sorry. - Madam.

Get away! How dare you coerce and tempt to make others cuckold?

You committed such a disreputable act.

Mother.

- Father's going to kill me. - Don't hit.

Please don't hit.

My lord.

Do you know what she has done?

She is our only child.

MADAM YU

We hoped that she would marry a man of equal talent and appearance,

to carry on the Yu family lineage.

If you, in a moment of anger tonight, become careless

and actually beat our daughter to death,

the hopes of half a lifetime would be in vain.

You'll regret it when it's too late.

This is thanks to your way of raising our daughter.

- Get out of my way. - Mother.

Can't blame your father for being angry.

You are normally so clever.

Who incited you

to do such foolish things?

Kneel.

Father, I'm sorry.

Please forgive me.

My lord,

I will certainly discipline her strictly in the future.

I will never allow her to fool around outside

and tarnish the family's reputation.

My lord,

for the sake of your wife,

spare her this time.

My lord.

Like mother, like daughter.

I should have expected this.

Mother.

That Mr. Du

is just a poor and pedantic scholar.

He's nowhere worthy of the Yu family

or worthy of your such concern.

Mother.

Alright, get up.

I really regret it.

I should not have indulged you so.

Spoiled you to not understand the ways of the world

and act recklessly.

The precious pearl of the Yu family

still afraid of not finding a good man?

That Mr. Du has a wife.

You insist on picking this unripe melon

and almost caused a disaster.

Fortunately, it has not been publicized.

Otherwise, of the families of Bianjing, who'd be willing to propose again?

Mother and Father, though you've chosen all the talented scholars in the world,

I just don't like any of them.

I have set my heart on Du Yangxi.

Mother, if you truly pity me,

then fulfill your daughter's wishes.

It won't do.

Just give up this notion.

I'm telling you. You are not allowed to see him anymore.

If you ever commit such an ugly act again,

at your father's place, I can't protect you either.

Those private exchanges in the marketplaces.

Once you marry as you wish,

even if there's a scandal as big as the sky,

isn't it covered up by a brocade quilt?

Mother, let your daughter have her way.

Your daughter lost all her honor in one day and has no interest in living.

Might as well

hang myself with a rope

and not trouble my parents anymore.

You.

Mother.

I know you care for me the most.

Then grant your daughter her wish.

Originally, this was not a difficult matter.

But you've made a big fuss and alarmed the enemy.

Now it has become difficult to handle.

Mother, why don't you think of another solution?

All right then.

Then I will give it some good thought.

Think carefully.

XIANGGUO TEMPLE

Come here.

Here we are.

Take it slow.

Careful. Take it slow.

I just said so.

I can come to fulfill the vow on your behalf.

Your eyes are not convenient.

What if you stumble and get hurt?

Thanks to the Bodhisattva's blessing,

my son passed the exams and married a good wife.

If I don't come to burn incense and repay the vow, how can I be at peace?

Yes, yes.

Sangma, come quickly and help hold.

You are always watching the fun.

Madam,

you shouldn't lack people by your side.

Later,

I'll find you someone more clever.

I don't need it.

That Runyue before,

I reckon that

her thoughts were too frivolous.

Sangma is simple and honest.

I think it's just right.

Come. Take it slow.

Gladiolus.

Jasmine. Fine flowers for offering before Buddha.

Madam,

buy some flowers to offer before Buddha.

Good, good.

I'll personally select them.

Sangma,

don't be too playful and watch carefully.

I'll be right back. Keep an eye on it.

Madam, buy a bunch of flowers.

Look at this bunch, just picked today.

- How much? - Ten coins per bundle.

That expensive?

What about that red one?

Take a look at this bundle.

- Okay, I'll take this one then. - Good, okay.

Ten coins per bundle.

Pay up.

This one's good.

- Gladiolus. - Madam.

Jasmine.

Madam?

Quick, go look for them!

- I'll go there and ask around. - Okay.

Gladiolus, jasmine.

Madam.

Darling.

What is this for?

Soon, the new Jinshi in the imperial examination will be appointed to office.

No one knows where you will be assigned.

We need to pack up early.

My lady, do you want to accompany me to my post?

But what if

I am dispatched to a remote place and there's no more chance for promotion?

Even so, you're still willing to accompany me?

You have offended your superior for me. Aren't you afraid he will bear a grudge?

If you aren't afraid, neither am I.

Having married you, even if it means going to the ends of the earth,

I will have to follow you.

My darling wife.

Yangxi, there is an accident.

Your mother, she's gone missing.

These are all fruits and vegetables from our own garden.

They were just delivered this morning.

Madam Du, try this melon.

I can't speak for the others, but it's better than those from the market,

having more fragrance.

I'm grateful for the lady's kindness.

I really shouldn't decline.

But I already ate too much this morning.

My virtuous daughter-in-law advised

against eating too many cold foods when going out.

I've only heard about madam

restricting the daughter-in-law.

This is the first time seeing a younger person lecturing an elder.

It's clear you've found someone you're proud of.

Wondering from which family this fine young lady comes from?

I'm from a humble family,

grateful that the in-laws do not forsake us.

Even more precious is Shouhua's virtue, speech, appearance, and merit.

Everything is satisfactory.

When managing the family, she makes sure every aspect is meticulous.

Before me,

she is even more attentive in service,

filial, and virtuous.

When I drink a cup of tea,

she tests it first for temperature.

When I take off a piece of clothing,

she worries about warmth first.

I often talk with my son about this.

We're lucky we didn't seek connections through the privileged.

If we had married someone arrogant and spoiled,

our Du family couldn't possibly attend to them.

Being of commoner origins,

I'm afraid she might not be very well-versed in literature.

Can she converse well with Mr. Du?

My daughter-in-law

is not only beautiful and kind-hearted,

but also talented in poetry and painting.

She is a boudoir poet.

A woman among the scholars.

Matches well in conversation with my son.

Very compatible.

What's the matter? Did I do something wrong?

It's nothing serious.

It was my own carelessness.

I'll come after I change my clothes.

Sangma, come here.

Sit and eat.

Come, eat.

Eat more.

Sorry, I ate too much ice fruit.

- A bit of a stomach ache. - This way.

There's clean paper inside. Bath beans and towels are on the rack.

Use incense when you come out.

If there's a scent on you, madam will not like it.

Got it.

There's no clean paper.

I'll go get it.

Country girl is such a hassle.

Sangma.

Over there, quickly.

Everyone is looking down on me.

What's wrong with the maid's big hands and long feet?

I can eat three bowls of rice and plow the land.

I can still climb trees.

Clean paper.

Where are you?

It is getting late.

I better not disturb.

It's time to go back.

Madam Du,

there is a lotus pond in the backyard.

It leads the running water up to the roof.

Open this back window and there's a water curtain.

It's very cool at night.

Apart from this door to go in and out, you have no fear of outsiders disturbing.

Just stay here with peace of mind.

Wait two days and I'll send word

to ask Mr. Du to pick you up.

Madam Yu.

- Madam Yu. - Please slow down.

- Madam Yu. - Slow down.

Slow down.

Madam, the country girl has run away.

Mother.

I know.

Mother.

Who is here?

An old beggar woman.

Her manners are crude and unbearable to watch.

You must think it through.

Don't regret it halfway.

Mother, I will not regret it.

But what about Father?

Your father…

His temperament

is like the wet kindling and empty firecrackers.

He actually likes Mr. Du for his character and literary talent.

If not for him being married, there was indeed an intent for a marital alliance.

He just has been proud in the officialdom for too long.

Because of these trivial matters of children,

being contradicted by a younger generation,

he just couldn't save face for a while.

I reasoned well with him last night.

Finally, he has reconsidered.

Really? Father really agrees to fulfill my wishes?

However, you must follow his rule.

That is, Du Yangxi actively sent a matchmaker to propose marriage.

Let bygones be bygones.

But…

Rest assured.

My beloved daughter was terrified by that Mr. Du.

I will surely make him kneel to propose

to preserve your dignity.

Thank you, Mother. You are really good to me.

Silly girl.

Unfortunately, Mr. Du, my master has gone to the palace to discuss affairs.

He's not at home at the moment, and I don't know when he will return.

I dare not delay the important affairs of Minister Yu.

My mother was invited to visit Minister Yu's residence.

Just now, a maid hurried back to report a message,

saying that my mother had instructed

that I must go to pick her up at dusk.

I dare not disobey my mother's order.

That's why I took the liberty to come and ask.

Could you go in and make an announcement?

I'll report to the madam.

Excuse me.

Thank you very much.

In previous days, when Mr. Du visited,

he was served tea in the study room.

Turning him away at the door,

I'm afraid Master would blame.

Why not invite him to the gatehouse?

The madam's instructed no one's allowed to show him a seat or serve him tea.

No one should pay him any attention. Just let him wait.

YU RESIDENCE

My lord,

this is too much.

It has already been an hour

and still no half a word in reply.

In the past, willing to treat me with favor is just for the sake

of reputation of honoring the virtuous and humble.

Now, they have turned their backs, wanting to put on airs of an official now.

Don't worry.

Wait then.

My lord, someone's coming.

Earlier, the madam was taking a nap.

The servants did not dare to disturb her.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Please forgive my offenses.

The madam has ordered.

Please wait in the study for tea.

Please.

Thank you very much.

My lady, do not hurry.

My lord said he'll be back after picking up the mistress.

Are you hungry? I will serve the meal for you.

I'm not hungry. You eat first.

You have been sitting for a long time.

I will give your shoulders a rub to relax your bones.

No need. I cannot accept it.

It's okay, madam.

It's okay, madam.

No need. I cannot accept it.

- It's okay, madam. - Mother.

Yangxi.

- Mother, where are you? - Yangxi.

I'm here.

Madam.

Yangxi.

- Yangxi. - Mother.

- Yangxi. - Mother, are you alright?

It's alright.

Madam Yu is very enthusiastic in hosting guests.

She insists on having me stay in this fine and cool room.

And she has found someone to attend to me.

What a pity for my poor old bones.

Old and stiff.

I'm not accustomed to these high beds and soft pillows.

Let's go back quickly.

Don't leave Shouhua waiting in vain.

Yes.

- Come, Mother. - Yuanming.

Yuanming.

It's alright, Mother.

Minister Yu.

No need for excessive courtesy.

My wife reads your essays and is full of praise of you.

She's heard of the hardships endured by your mother,

raising a child successfully.

She greatly admires this and specially invited her to meet.

Blaming her for not thinking thoroughly.

She did not send someone to pass a message.

I'm afraid it startled your mother.

My mistake.

Mother,

this is Minister Yu.

I've often been favored and supported by the minister.

Boundless kindness like the heavens and the earth.

I often think of a way to repay him.

Mother, please meet the minister.

I want to go home.

Did you hear that?

I want to go home.

Alright, Mother.

We'll go back right now.

Minister Yu, my mother has lived in the countryside for a long time.

She seldom sees strangers.

Please forgive her.

No harm.

Then go ahead.

After going home,

take good care of your mother.

Thank you, Minister, for your immense tolerance.

We'll take our leave first.

Good.

Come, Mother.

Let's go back home.

- Slow down. - Go home.

- Hurry home. - Slow down, Mother.

Sorry to trouble you, my lady.

I'll keep watch here tonight. You go back and rest.

Let me do it.

Go on.

Yangxi.

Yangxi.

Yangxi.

- Yangxi. - Yangxi is here.

Yangxi is here, Mother.

Yangxi.

Yangxi.

Mother,

this is Minister Yu.

I've often been favored and supported by the minister.

I want to go home.

I want to go home.

Alright, Mother.

FANG

My lady.

My lady.

The black sesame powder was sent. Madam Li bought some meat.

It's been marinated and smells delicious.

She had Ms. Liu fill a big bowl for me.

Look.

She said this black sesame powder

must be ground even finer.

Wait until the porridge boils before sprinkling.

Right.

She also gave me a bag of dates.

Big and sweet ones.

Put them in while cooking porridge.

Madam Du will feel calm and at ease after eating it.

I know.

Little glutton.

Come with me quickly.

- I have important matters to discuss. - Since when has my lord been there?

There are rumors in the Ministry of Personnel

the top three scholars become Assistant Officers of Construction Bureau

in multiple administrative regions, which are rich and prosperous.

Yet you're going to Xiongzhou. This isn't right.

Xiongzhou is a border area between the Song and Liao dynasties.

Its geographic position is important.

The court intends on giving me experience. What's wrong with that?

Of course, it's not right.

Because it's on the border, there are turbulent undercurrents beneath the calm.

Only an official with experience could handle it.

You're starting out, and have no foundation in the court.

You might cause trouble before achieving merit.

Personal honor and disgrace are trivial matters.

How can state matters be unimportant?

I really do not understand.

Unless someone is deliberately making things difficult,

why would the court send you to guard the frontier?

This has been said since ancient times,

one should not seek ease in aspirations, nor avoid difficulty in tasks.

Without encountering intricate problems, how can one distinguish the sharp weapon?

So, don't worry about me.

I forgot to congratulate you.

You've been appointed as an Archivist in Secretariat Department

in charge of Chenliu County.

So close to Bianjing,

you must visit my mother more often now. Don't let her worry about you.

So, you already knew.

Then how can you still be as steady as Mount Tai?

Du Yangxi.

- Du Yangxi. - I can hear you.

What can I do about it?

Whatever the court assigns me to do, I can't do anything about it either way.

I can only stay calm and deal with it.

But if you go to Xiongzhou,

what about Shouhua?

Can she endure the harsh and cold conditions?

You're practically asking for her life.

Why do I feel that you care about Shouhua even more than I do?

Subtitle translation by: Wenlong Zhong