Original subtitles

EPISODE 34

This…

Is this a place to live?

Zhuniang.

Even the third-ranked scholar lived here.

Who could be so picky not to?

Hurry up,

while there's still daylight.

Claim a spot at Fude Temple.

If you're late,

the beggars won't move.

In-law, don't be upset.

There are only three rooms here.

With such a big family,

we probably can't all fit.

Plus, we need servants,

someone to fetch water and cook.

Madam, just having shelter is a blessing.

That's enough.

These rooms are enough. We'll manage.

That's more like it.

The courtyard has a well and water jars. Also, a kitchen with a stove.

The house hasn't been used in years.

Just clean the dust and cobwebs.

It's getting late. Before dark,

I'll send over some vegetables.

Thank you for your care.

Don't mention it. We'll leave now. You clean up first.

Master, let me help you.

No need. Go fetch water.

- But I… - Okay.

All right, all right, let's go.

- Heading back. - Wait.

- Don't look. - Mom.

- I-- - Let's go.

The Yang's are royal relatives by the maternal line.

Despite the bride-snatching incident,

they've done no major wrongs.

As for cheap acquiring of lands,

it was the Zhang family who wanted to sell the property urgently

to fund a dowry.

So, the Yangs bought it at a lower price.

It was mutual agreement. No one has complained.

But their son-in-law exposed it and filed the case.

Many officials rent homes

in the capital.

Someone even

wrote a poem at the Censorate.

What poem?

Serving here for 20 springs,

I've no place to call my own.

I envy snails with homes to hide,

unlike rats in borrowed dens.

I get it.

The rat

means the Yang family.

They made their fortune in trade.

Their ancestors left many properties.

But bad timing. Lady Jieyu was involved in the Queen's overthrow.

Officials turned against them en masse.

Minor faults became serious crimes.

To appease the public, without investigation,

His Majesty seized the Yang estate.

That's it? Just confiscated?

Isn't that unfair?

Madam, now's not the time for them to seek justice.

To avoid further trouble, convince Leshan to divorce.

No way. When they were powerful,

you didn't push for divorce.

Now they're struggling, you rush in to cut ties?

What would people think of Leshan?

Even we would face ridicule.

Divorcing now would bring criticism.

It'd ruin Leshan's reputation.

But if she doesn't divorce,

her life with a scoundrel will be tragic.

Is that fair?

What should we do?

Yangxi,

what do you think?

Madam,

I sense

the Yang family's woes aren't over.

Let us know your decision.

So we can plan accordingly.

Here are ten strings.

I borrowed them from my mom.

No private loans or gambling.

Run an honest business.

You have one month.

Make triple profit and I will consider you winning the third round.

Still keeping your promise?

In front of bandits,

you saved my family's lives.

I still owe you.

If you can earn triple profit

in a month,

I will follow you, even if you decide

to sell wine by day or tea at night.

Enduring every hardship,

I, Li Leshan, will honor my promise.

I'll keep my word.

No matter what.

Fool.

Take a look here.

Isn't it good?

Okay.

Your business is good.

Come here.

Steamed buns, freshly made.

Come take a look.

They are all sturdy and durable.

My fruits are sweet.

You say our fruits are expensive?

- None are cheap. - I want this.

- Try this. - I want that.

- Sure. - Okay.

Nice taste.

This one is the sweetest now.

Come back later.

- Take it. - Be careful.

What are you doing?

Why are you here?

Just made some locust leaf noodles.

This one's for your husband.

Mom added extra shrimp for him.

Here, take it.

Shouhua sent you to snoop, didn't she?

Still mad?

They want you to divorce him.

They've thought it through carefully.

You'll understand someday, kid.

Go inside.

- I'm leaving. - Let's go.

Well…

Let's go. Move.

Leshan.

- What's in the jar? - Lychees.

My brother says fresh lychees don't profit much.

We had a southern cook once.

Unused summer lychees

were brined with hibiscus salt plum.

They stayed good for months.

We sold them to travelers later

and earned 20% more profit.

Where's Yang Xian? Mom sent noodles.

- Perfect, I'm starving. - Mind your manners.

You've had a long day.

Wait here. I'll get you some tea.

She's changed.

Xian scolds us every day.

He says anyone who disobeys him

gets sent back to the countryside.

He even orders his own dad around.

What an ungrateful son.

So, what's wrong with that?

Spoils concubines, cruel to kin.

You've been twisted for 20 years.

Welcomes thieves, invites wolves.

Squandered the family's fortune.

If you had some guts,

you'd beg on the streets.

Stop leeching off my son for food.

Get back to work.

Mom, take a break.

Aren't you helping with salted lychees? What are you doing here?

Lychee sales are great this season.

But it's not sustainable.

I met a failed scholar from Huzhou on my way home.

He brought a type of southern gauze.

It's cheap but has no buyers.

I had an idea.

What if it's used for office hats?

It's smoother and softer than regular gauze.

So, I went to Hat Alley

and ordered 100 hats from a workshop.

But…

how do we get the officials in Bianjing

to wear these hats?

If my brother-in-law wears one,

it'll catch on easily.

Too bad I can't ask him myself.

Eat first.

Shouhua.

If Leshan still hates him,

I'll stay out of it.

But I think…

Do we really need to send him away?

Leshan is fiery but compassionate.

She'd bring home stray birds and dogs.

She's always soft-hearted.

The worse Yang Xian gets, the more pity she feels.

Wealthy life is easy.

But poor couples struggle daily.

She's never worried about food or clothes.

How would she understand hardship?

It's definitely lighter than gauze.

And it feels much softer too.

Fine.

I'll take all the caps you have.

Fifty coins each. Deal?

Thank you, Master Qiao. Thank you!

Master Qiao has sharp eyes.

I'm so grateful for your support.

But a gauze cap in the capital costs a thousand.

They're made with quality materials.

In Luoyang, they're worth 200 to 300 coins.

Fifty coins each is way too cheap. I'd lose money.

I can sell them for 800 or 1,000 coins.

I have my way to do it.

If these sit unsold,

they're worthless to you.

Master…

we've been here seven days.

And we've only sold one.

Don't forget, we have a one-month wager.

We're running out of time.

People prefer gauze caps these days.

Selling these

will take serious effort.

Master Yang,

I know what happened to you.

I admire your determination.

I'd like to work with you.

Eighty coins each. I'll take them all.

But you can't sell to anyone else.

Fine, we'll do it your way.

Great.

I just stocked up on goods recently.

I don't have much silver left.

I'm leaving the capital tonight.

It's getting late already.

Come with me to the inn for the rest.

Then send some men to load the goods.

My ship's at the dock.

It's the one with Qiao on the bow.

So, what do you say?

Master.

Thanks for your support. We'll do it.

Coming, coming.

Try this.

Do you want this?

Here, Yangxi, try some.

Madam.

Lianghan, take this.

I grilled this fish myself. Try it.

Thanks, Madam.

Mom, let's call Leshan to eat.

Just eat your food.

By the way,

Chai An brought grape wine yesterday.

I chilled it in the well.

Bring it out to share.

It's been days.

Leshan's still upset with us.

I saved some dishes she loves.

I'll bring them to her later myself.

Don't care.

She's stubborn, always headstrong and reckless.

We're all looking out for her.

No outsider would play the villain for her.

Yang Xian, you're here.

Perfect timing.

Chunlai, bring a pair of chopsticks.

No need.

I'm not staying. I just have a few words to say.

Go ahead.

Today, a merchant bought my goods.

He claimed to be short on money and invited me to his inn.

At the inn, he left to get more money.

To assure me, he left his old mother

and a cart of goods as collateral.

I waited

until sunset,

but he never returned.

After pressing for answers,

I found out the cart was rented,

filled with firewood.

And the "mother"

was just a beggar he hired.

By the time I reached the dock,

his ship was gone,

and so was he.

I came to ask you two,

Lord Du and Lord Fan,

do you know him?

What kind of question is that?

How would we know a con artist?

You were tricked. That's on you.

Instead of reflecting, you blame us?

Did we make you lose money?

Did we force you

into that deal?

He was just anxious.

No need to blame him.

Yang Xian, in business,

con men are common.

How much did you lose this time?

Can you recover it? Did you report it?

No need for this pretense.

Your family gave me ten strings to trade.

I earned 600 coins from lychees.

The conman stole it all

and tricked me into this.

Do you think anyone would go this far?

When we were trading,

I even saw Lord Fan's servant nearby,

lingering across the street.

Is this really just a coincidence?

Madam.

Well, well.

You didn't catch that loser,

but you came back empty-handed?

Were you tricked,

or did you waste it?

Did you squander it all

on gambling and women?

And now you make up lies to fool us?

I wonder if that's the truth.

Yang Xian,

did you really waste it all?

Madam, how could I dare?

Then, how much

of my investment is left?

I took your family in, hoping you'd change.

I risked my reputation to help you.

I invested in you.

Yet in less than a month, you spent it all.

How do you still have the face to return?

Yang Xian,

if you misused the money,

just admit it.

Why lie and make her angry?

Shouhua is kind,

but I can't stand this.

The Li family has never raised a scoundrel.

Leshan is young and sheltered.

How can we entrust her to someone like you?

You'll ruin the Li family name.

Did you hear that? If you have any self-respect

and esteem,

leave our home. Don't waste her youth.

Great.

The Li family clearly wants to end this.

Do you remember the bandit attack?

Who's the one

who saved Haode and the old lady?

And months ago, at the family banquet,

who swore

to forgive my past mistakes?

I've made grave errors,

but I've always respected you like my own mother.

If you wanted me gone,

just say so.

Do you think I'd cling to you?

Why set up the third obstacle

to mock me?

I know I'm not a good man.

But is the Li family's scheming

any better?

You claim to treat me like family,

yet you're dishonest behind my back.

Do you truly feel no shame?

Nonsense.

Enough.

No need to say more. Guards!

No need.

I'll leave on my own.

Even if you invite me back with honor,

I'll never step through this door again.

Yang Xian, my daughter is beautiful

and talented.

Do you think she'll lack suitors?

Remember this.

Once you leave,

from now on,

the connections between Li and Yang are ended.

The marriage is canceled. We have no relationship.

Even if you starve,

don't come begging us.

What do you think?

Stop.

Mom, has Yang Xian been here?

He was, but I sent him away.

Mom, keeping your word matters.

Even helping poor relatives, you shouldn't push them too far.

His one-month deadline isn't up.

Breaking your promise will create enemies.

Shameless.

Ganging up on the weak shows no compassion at all.

Du Yangxi, you're the third-ranked scholar,

yet you support such bullying.

Even Leshan has matured now.

She's no longer that bratty girl.

She even knows the drill.

Leshan, here.

Mom must have her reasons

for being so harsh.

Sit down, and I'll explain.

Once, I lived in luxury…

but now, I've lost everything.

This is a dead end.

A person's life

is both laughable and tragic.

What else do you want?

Master Yang, my master invites you upstairs.

Master Chai, what's the meaning of this?

I have a few heartfelt words.

Every parent wants their daughter

to marry well and live securely.

Madam broke her promise

only for her daughter's life event,

out of love for her daughter.

Please don't hold it against her.

Now, you can't stay in Bianjing.

Take this small amount to return home.

Buy land,

work hard, and stay fed.

One day, when fortunes turn,

you might get back to your old glory.

Why stay here to get despised?

Thank you for your kindness.

I brought this on myself.

I can't blame anyone else.

I have travel funds.

No need for more.

Goodbye.

Don't you want to see Leshan?

Please tell her,

Yang Xian failed in business,

lost everything,

and has no face to say goodbye.

I wish her happiness.

Our marriage is in struggle. It must be our grudge in the past life.

I just hope that after we part,

she finds someone truly good for her

and lives a life of peace and joy.

Wait. Deqing, hurry.

Hurry up.

This is the real money I will lend to you.

That was a test.

If someone lacks guts and spirit,

they'll waste the money.

Such people aren't worth helping.

Even heroes like Wu Zixu begged.

Han Xin survived on charity.

Even heroes falter, let alone us mortals.

Everyone has tough times, right?

Yang Xian, others may have wronged you,

but Leshan stood up for you wholeheartedly.

How can you bear to let her down?

Tonight at the docks,

a ship will sail to Quanzhou.

Board it and trade overseas.

You'll make countless profits in a year.

- Master Chai. - But let me say this first.

The seas are rough,

full of unpredictable risks.

You might not come back alive.

It's your choice to go or not.

If you truly want to help him,

why resort to this approach

and push me to play the middleman?

Shouhua and I discussed it.

Yang Xian was born into privilege.

He spends lavishly and learns only briefly.

Sustaining goodness is harder.

So, forcing him into business and letting him fail hard once

will teach him life's hardships.

It'll break his spoiled habits.

Jiang Chaozong vanished after suing the Yangs.

He's disappeared from Bianjing.

Family's grudge remains unsettled.

He'll never know peace.

How can my sister follow him?

And?

With the capital gifted by us,

if he succeeds in life,

the couple might reunite someday.

If he repeats his foolish past,

the money will mark their end.

We'll then marry Leshan to another.

He can't complain.

Aren't you afraid

he will resent the Li family as enemies?

That's why I asked you

to act as the mediator.

We can advance or retreat as needed.

Clever indeed.

THREE YEARS LATER

SIFU HOUSE

Huizhao left the city again?

He's been summoned to the Northwest.

There's been a major murder case.

It's a matter of great importance.

And he refused to take me along.

Mom.

Why call me back so urgently? Are you planning to remarry Leshan?

The willows by Bian River have budded thrice,

but he hasn't returned yet.

Not even a single word from him.

What does he want?

Let my beautiful daughter wait forever?

When Yang Xian

left Bianjing,

he left behind a letter of divorce.

Our families have no ties anymore.

Mom, Leshan wants to keep her word for him.

She won't follow your instructions.

But Qiongnu isn't promised to anyone yet.

We should plan well for her future.

Qiongnu, come on, tell them.

Mom's picked out hundreds of matches for me.

They say I'm just an adopted daughter.

They only ask about my dowry.

Even the ones who don't

are after our ties with the Du and Shen families.

Marrying off just to benefit themselves.

How long would that marriage even last?

So, I told Mom

I'm done.

I'll stay with her and the shop. I'm not going anywhere.

Got that? Doesn't make any sense.

I raised you six kids all alone

after your father passed.

Not to brag,

but I managed,

unlike those wifeless widowers, who remarried real fast within three months.

I'm tougher

than any of them.

Running a shop as a widow isn't easy.

Even if you're a tiger,

there are wolves.

Can you fight off a whole pack?

Other Li relatives respect me because I'm their elder.

They don't dare to go further.

But if I'm gone,

who'll protect you?

They'll take the shop

and harass you.

Even if you have tons of ways to prevent,

you might hold them off now,

but not always.

I've decided when Leshan gets married,

the shop will go to you.

Later, I'll find you a good husband.

We'll have him marry into our family.

Listen, what's wrong with trying?

Picking the right one takes time.

Marriage is for life. We can't rush this.

It has to be perfect, understand?

Mom, leave Leshan to me.

Trust me, I'll handle it.

She's stubborn as a mule. What will you say?

Shouhua. Shouhua.

- Kangning. - You're back.

The temple was so lively today.

Didn't you say you've lost your appetite?

I brought you some treats.

There's dried apples and pear slices.

And here's some candied ginger.

Plus green apricot slices.

Go ahead, try them.

Shouhua.

Why are your eyes red?

You should say something to her.

Du Yangxi just got promoted.

You should be overjoyed right now.

But she seems so emotional.

Is he getting restless from his promotion?

If he dares stray,

you'd scratch his face. Let's see him go to the office like that.

Nonsense. She's pregnant now. We don't even know it's a girl or boy.

Yet he's already picked hundreds of names.

Unlike my husband,

he still called them Little Chubbies after they were born.

I'm the one who decides the name.

That's just him being careful.

But if not this, then what's it about?

I was just telling her about Lady Wang.

Her husband left two years ago.

He opened a shop in Xiangzhou and took a concubine.

Now, he won't return.

Poor Lady Wang.

She was such a capable woman.

Now, she cries her eyes out.

It's heartbreaking to see her.

Men leave to do business

without sending word.

Some start a new life and marry again.

Leaving their wives abandoned at home.

Men's indulgence is excusable,

but women's is judged harshly.

Why?

Sisters, stop beating around the bush.

Did Mom ask you to convince me to remarry?

So you already know.

That fool Yang won't come back.

Who knows where he's nesting now.

Are you going to wait forever? Forget him.

Fine, I'll do it.

We had a pact,

but I've waited for him for three years.

I've done my duty.

If Mom wants me to remarry, I will.

But how I marry

and to whom is my choice.

Marriage

isn't just about match meetings. What else?

Embroidered ball toss.

Everyone, please listen.

The Li family runs a teahouse here.

They're considered a well-off family.

Their only gem of a daughter

has never been allowed to step out.

Speaking of her,

she's not only beautiful

but virtuous and kind.

Her needlework is impeccable.

She excels at managing the household.

My mother-in-law has decided

this time, the Li's will choose a groom.

No matter his family or wealth.

The dowry doesn't matter.

They seek someone talented and handsome.

A kind and virtuous son-in-law.

Someone to pair perfectly with her.

- Wonderful! - Just wonderful!

- That's good. - Great.

This is really something.

What's this here?

This is such a treasure.

- This is a pearl canopy. - This

is part of her wedding dowry.

This canopy must be worth thousands.

You've got no idea, do you?

Eastside's Mr. Zhang paid 100,000 strings

just for a pearl quilt for his daughter.

This is truly priceless.

Li Leshan?

Wasn't it on her wedding day

when Yang kidnapped her?

She's such a beauty.

Her husband's family got in trouble, but she stayed with them.

Such love and devotion are rare!

- You must covet the pearl quilt. - This pearl canopy

looks a bit familiar.

The Li's bring it out for every daughter's wedding.

Are we digging up old stories again?

To me,

my wife outshines the moon itself.

No pearl canopy is worth more than my wife.

Stop joking around. Hurry up.

PAN RESTAURANT

Ladies and gentlemen.

We've agreed beforehand

that anyone joining the contest

must register here within three days.

We need to check first

if their age and looks match

and if they're truly talented.

They must pass an initial screening.

Not just anyone can join

to snatch the Li family's ball.

- Let me. - I want that.

- I'll go. - I want to register.

- Let me first! - Let me.

- One by one. - Okay.

- One by one. - Don't rush.

Slow down, everyone.

When the Yangs fell, Grandpa locked me up for three months.

I couldn't do a thing to help.

Now you want to marry my sister-in-law.

I'll make sure it's all for nothing.

- Let's go. - Don't push.

It's still early.

I'm just here to set a bracelet.

Do you have to follow me every step?

Afraid I'll get lost?

Exactly.

It's the big day for the ball toss.

Mom knew you'd slack, so she sent me.

I gave my word. Would I go back on it?

Don't underestimate me.

Stop the cart! Stop!

Hold on! Stop for a bit.

What's wrong?

Be careful.

Go to the Pan Restaurant first. I'll follow.

Don't worry, I won't be late.

- Keep up. - Sure.

My lady.

My lady.

My lady, what are you staring at?

GUO'S TEAHOUSE

Just a silly dog.

Let's go.

No need to hide. Your wife's gone far.

How do you know she's my wife?

If not, why act like she's a tiger?

And she's too young

to be your mother.

You are no master in your house.

Mind your mouth!

Guests are here. Go help out.

- Ow, ow, ow! - Please, take a seat.

You, come here.

Gentle, please! Easy, my wife!

Get to work.

That table.

Here's your snack.

Enjoy.

I heard all about you from Qiansheng.

No wonder my sworn brother

was so restless

on the way back.

The snobs of the Li family

must be drowning in shame now.

Now you're back,

why not flaunt your success at their door?

Why hide instead?

Back then, the bundle

had more than silver. Clothes, snacks, and shoes.

Master Chai was kind, but this thoughtful?

How could he help me against Li Kangning?

Clearly, my mother-in-law was pushing me.

Then, you should've gone to the Li's sooner.

Bring her back and enjoy life. Why hide?

What do you know?

Look at me now.

I'm dusty, unkempt, a mess.

Thin, dark, and ugly.

How can I face her like this?

It's been three years. The house is a wreck.

I need to fix it up properly first.

Then I can bring her home.

So, you're just nervous about going back?

Yet you dare scold me.

What did you say?

Master, I found Jiang Chaozong's location.

Go back.

If you can't see my sister-in-law, I will.

Madam,

how do I get to Sifu House?

Turn right at the next intersection.

Thanks.

PAN RESTAURANT

Today's ball

must be mine.

I've heard

that lady from the Li family,

she's really beautiful.

She's definitely mine.

The ball toss is definitely mine.

I've said it. It's mine for sure.

Everything's ready.

Madam wants to match with the Chen family.

I think the ball toss

is in his hands for sure.

Look, it's that one.

It's definitely mine.

- Must be mine. - Dream on.

Remember,

don't let the Chen family take it.

Sure.

Watch out for Zhao.

Got it.

What happened?

Where's Li Leshan?

Why is she taking so long?

- Exactly, exactly. - That's right.

- Come. - Come in!

- Let us see! - Come!

Hurry up!

- She's coming. - Coming!

Leshan, give me!

- Throw it this way. - Leshan!

- I want the ball! - Give me!

This way! This way!

Leshan is late. Sorry, but could you stand in for her?

Make sure to throw it to the target.

The one with the green peony on the hat.

- My lady, throw it to me. - Here!

- Give me! - Throw it this way!

- Leshan, give me! - Toss this way!

Lady, throw it to me!

Put it on.

Throw it here.

What's going on?

Isn't this just causing trouble?

- Throw it this way. - Over here.

Why are there so many with peonies on their hats?

A good match must be the highest man.

Here! Hurry, give it to me.

- That's mine! - Don't grab!

What are you grabbing?

Mine!

- That's mine! - Take it!

Don't push!

- The ball! - It's over!

How do I explain this to my wife, cousin?

Stop it, hurry up!

- Deqing. - Let's go.

Did a person take it,

or did a dog?

What's going on? Who's courting?

What if it's the dog?

Li Leshan of Sifu House.

The dog took her ball toss.

That's a huge joke.

- That's so embarrassing. - What?

Li Leshan of Sifu House.

Her ball toss was taken by a dog.

I'm the winner!

Whoever holds the ball toss owns the bride and the pearl canopy.

Don't let him get it. Grab it back.

Brother,

the capital is something else.

It's much livelier than our hometown.

Let's go. Don't keep Mother waiting.

PAN RESTAURANT

Don't push!

I got it!

PAN RESTAURANT

What?

I'm Chai An, owner of this Pan Restaurant.

Today, I'm finding a husband for my sister.

May I ask your name, sir?

Brother, they want you as their son-in-law!

What a fickle

and unreliable Li Leshan.

Fair-faced, but no manners.

He's clearly a reckless man.

Master.

I've been searching for him everywhere.

But it's like he's vanished, no clue.

Someone said they saw him nearby.

After much searching, I finally found out.

He's already joined the Cui family

and became a servant in their house.

The senior official

and the current adviser, Cui Weizhi?

Yes, since he joined Cui's side,

he's rarely showed his face.

He's been secretly visiting beauties.

That's how we found him.

To avoid danger, he's been very clever.

Know what to do?

Yes, Master.

Subtitle translation by: Yi Yang