Original subtitles

Towards the end of winter

Snow covers the backyard

The Qin manor outside Xiang Shang city

Has a daughter named Feng Xiao

She has studied with her brother

And has became a learned scholar

Their mother died when they were young

No one understands her

Miss, it's cold outside

Stay away from the window

It's snowing here

How's the weather in the capital?

I heard it's even colder

Why do you ask?

Are you worried about Master Li?

He leads a vagrant life

I wish he would come here

You only worry about him

What about your own problems?

Is my stepmother...

She's berating your brother again

She won't let him take the state exam

And wants him to stay home

And give up his studies

What does father say?

Nothing! He doesn't want to offend her!

In case she won't let him drink

Where's he now?

In the study, packing

Packing?

Brother

Sis, I've decided to leave

Did you quarrel with father?

No!

I wouldn't do that!

Why are you leaving?

You should understand

I can't stay here anymore

Who'll take care of you?

It's difficult being away from home

I've made up my mind

I'll stay with our uncle in the capital

It's so far from here

You'll encounter great hardships

We say goodbye now

Don't know when we'll meet again

Take care!

Brother!

There's nothing more to say

The wind is howling

Siblings are separated

When will they meet again?

Caught in the wind and snow

Taking refuge in the temple

The temple was in ruins

Haunted and scary

Ran into robbers at night

No begging can dissuade them

They robbed him of all his money

Let's go!

And had no mercy

It stopped snowing the next day

He passed out in a pool of blood

The General passed by

And rescued him

You are so clumsy!

You broke the wine cup!

You can't read

You can't write

All you do is eat and sleep

And play all day

What will become of you?

If only you were more like your brother!

What's the matter?

Why are you scolding him?

I'm not, in fact...

What?

Don't cry, go outside and play

Watch your step!

As the saying goes

Filial piety is most important

My son may not be smart

But at least he is a dutiful son

Unlike your other son

who has abandoned his father

That is inexcusable!

He will die from the cold or starve to death!

Say no more, I have enough problems

Don't worry, wedding bells are ringing!

What wedding?

Look!

Just read it to me

This is from my cousin Xia Yan

It's a wedding proposal!

What?

He's asking for Feng Xiao's hand

to marry his youngest son

Feng Xiao is engaged to Li Ru Long

How can she marry someone else?

You're such a fool!

My cousin is rich and is trusted by the Emperor

He'll make Prime Minister soon

People can't wait to fawn on him

What if Li Ru Long shows up?

He has lost his family

And we have not heard from him

He could have died

Feng Xiao can't wait forever

Even if he shows up

We'll give him some money

And force him to break the engagement

Drink up and send a reply

And confirm this engagement

Might as well!

I have not heard from my brother

Master Li is not here in Xiang Yang

I sit in my room all day

Worrying about them both

Miss...

What is it?

Good news...Master Li is here!

Which Master Li?

The one you yearn for day and night!

Li Ru Long

He's here?

Yes, he's waiting in the living room

for your father

Chun Lan brings the news

Master Li is here

I can finally see him

I'm beside myself with joy

I have neglected my appearance

I have lost weight worrying about him

Upon this unexpected reunion

I must go see him

I can't see him so casually

Why not?

You used to study together

But now we're grown up

You better run along and see him

Him? Who's him?

You little brat!

I see

You mean your future husband?

Run along!

Yes!

I didn't want to implicate you

So I dare not visit you

Please forgive me

Please get up!

Sit down!

You must have suffered these years

I lead a vagrant life

Now that I have cleared my family name

I'm here to visit you

and hope that on my father's account

You'll help me attend the state exam

So that I can make a name for myself

Mother, here's the silver!

Give it to him

This is...

Tell him!

If you want to restore your name

that's easy

The 300 taels of silver

will pay for your trip

In return...

What is it?

Though you were engaged at a young age

We didn't know where you were

We have betrothed Feng Xiao to someone else

You want me to break the engagement?

You have other choices

Is Feng Xiao...

aware of this?

This...

I'd like to see her

If she tells me personally

I'll leave at once

That's not necessary

You better take the silver and go

I may be poor

But I will not sell my wife

Chun Lan will find out for me

I feel fidgety

Don't know if it's good news or bad

I'm so worried

I found out about Master Li

and hurried back

The old master is a fool

Giving Master Li the cold shoulder

He said a scholar-gentry family

will not accept a commoner

I'm appalled

by my parents' cruelty

If I don't marry Li Ru Long

who shall I marry?

They have made up their minds

You will marry someone wealthy

They gave Master Li 300 taels of silver

to break the engagement

Unless I agree...

He'll never sell his wife

He has character

And is worthy of my love

But Madam insisted

that he breaks it off!

Go outside

and find out for me

If he agrees

My love for him is wasted

If he refuses

You'll lead the way

at night

What about it?

I'll meet him in the garden

Wait here, I'll fetch the young Miss

Since our last meeting

so much has happened

I'm grateful you'll see me

I'm ashamed to come

I have been worried about you

Where have you been?

Looking back on the past

It has been a long time

I was hoping to attend the state exam

But your father dislikes me

And wants to annul our engagement

Even then

You must not leave me

I thank you for your love

I'll feel better if I break the engagement

I have ambitions

But I don't want you to suffer

Don't be discouraged

I have made up my mind

The moon as my witness

The jade pendants will be proof

You keep one

I keep the other

Until your return

I'll never marry

When you succeed

The pendants will be reunited

I'm most grateful

I will always be true to you

Chun Lan

Fetch me some gold

Don't know when we'll meet again

Come for me when you pass the state exam

It's getting late!

Master Li should leave!

You must part

You must leave

Don't let anyone see you, let's go!

2 pairs of crying eyes

a broken-hearted couple

Look! He's here!

Over there!

It's him!

At this late hour

what are you doing here?

He's up to no good!

I'm...

What are you holding?

It's gold!

Let me see that!

No wonder you didn't take the silver

You came for the gold!

Don't make slanderous accusations!

Where did you get this?

I...

If he can't explain

Send him to the magistrate!

What? But...

We'll be rid of him for good

Get my name card

Send him to the magistrate!

Yes!

Sir, Master Li comes from a scholarly family

And you're sworn brothers with his father

I think...

You have no right to speak!

Yes!

Take him away!

Go!

For your heartless behavior

how can you face my father in your next life?

Father, you mustn't!

I gave him the gold!

Nonsense! You are a lady

How can you...

confess to such a shameless thing?

I'm engaged to Master Li

The gold is to pay for his trip

I want to help him with the exam

How can this be shameless?

Well...

Forget about your engagement!

You've been betrothed

to the young son of Master Xia

Yes...

Qins and Lis are old family friends

How can you turn hostile?

A scholar-gentry family

Must not go back on a promise

Save your breath

You're engaged to someone else

I cannot marry 2 husbands

Being faithful is a virtue

One should aspire to better positions

And seek protection from those in high office

Framing Master Li in the process?

Have you no shame, father?

Say no more, I've made up my mind

Go back to your room! Let's go.

Bestowed with disaster

A gift of gold turns into disaster

Feng Xiao feels helpless

How can she save Li Ru Long?

Chun Lan comes up with a plan

Look for your brother in disguise

Such a brilliant plan

Dressed up as a man

Discarding the dress for a robe

Looking handsome and smart

Dressed as a page boy

My name is Li Zhong

You must use an alias

How about Li Ru Long?

Don't be naughty, Chun Lan

It's not easy to go on this long journey

Don't give yourself away

Disguised as a man

On the orders of the Master

I travel far to Xiang Yang

I'm lost at the forked road

I'll ask for directions!

Which way to the Qin manor?

Qin manor?

Yes!

Qin manor

It is a common name here

This here is Big Qin manor

Over there is Little Qin manor

Up front is Upper Qin manor

In the back is Lower Qin manor

The Qin manor you mentioned

Exactly which one is it?

You must be kidding!

I'm looking for Qin Shun Chang's residence

I know the way!

First you must tell me

What's your business with Master Qin?

I'm on Master Xia's order

to present betrothal gifts

I'll tell you

Go east and make a turn

Go west and make a turn

Go south and turn north

Go west and turn east

Make a turn at every turn

Turn by the pagoda tree

Do you understand?

All these turns!

I can't handle them

Don't listen to him

Follow this road and go straight

Thank you

He's an old man

Don't play tricks on him

He's here with betrothal gifts

I should play tricks on him

It's not his fault

You should be careful

Don't blow our cover

Let's go! We must not get caught!

My brother has style!

He sent these expensive gifts

It's just a token...

How unfortunate...

She ran away from these gifts

Nonsense! She's shy

And ran back to her room

Go back to the study

And stop this meddling!

Go!

Here!

How is the Prime Minister?

He's fine!

You must be tired, go get some rest!

Thank you!

Qin Zhong, serve the old butler dinner

Yes!

Feng Xiao is like her brother

and ran away from home

What should we do?

She doesn't know what's best for her!

Put off the old butler

And stall the wedding

The girl is gone, it's not possible

Why don't we...

What? The money is in your pocket

Are you willing to cough it up?

This is awkward!

She won't get far

Send someone after her

You'll be able to find her soon

Reply to the Prime Minister

Tell him Feng Xiao is sick

postpone the wedding indefinitely

Good idea!

I arrive at the capital

Trapped in the inn

Chun Lan goes looking for my brother

Like finding a needle in a haystack

Miss

Your uncle has been transferred

Your brother is nowhere to be found

I have checked the gentry list

His name is not on it

Unable to find my brother

I feel rather desperate

Even though I can't locate him

I found out about something else

What is it?

An imperial notice was posted

Electing the top scholar

You're disguised as a man

You should attend the exam

Don't be ridiculous!

Women are not allowed to take the exam

Though I'm a well-read scholar

I will never be elected

You're posing as Li Ru Long

No one will know

If you're lucky

You can save Master Li and find your brother

It's a crime for a girl to take the exam

You'll be able to save Master Li

But if I was discovered...

You can go back to your boudoir

Right!

Top Scholar - Li Ru Long

The Emperor summons Li Ru Long

Feng Xiao writes beautifully

And comes in first on the exam

Braces herself to meet the Emperor

who is pleased with the scholar

I have suggested the appointment

The Emperor approves the special exam

And produced two top scholars in a year

I have numerous students

The latest recruit Li Ru Long

Is a scholar of great erudition

And a handsome young man

He has become the Emperor's favorite

Minister Qi is here to see you

I was about to meet the new scholar

And here comes the old one. Send him in!

Yes!

Minister Qi!

Greetings, Teacher

Please be seated!

Please!

I have just returned from an inspection

Do you have further instructions?

During your inspection

What have you found out?

Everything is in good order

I'm on my way to see Li Ru Long

I'll host a feast for you some other time

Li Ru Long?

I feel majestic

in my new attire

I'm only a girl from the country

Now I came in first in the exam

The chief examiner Xia Yan

is a doddering fool

He wants you as his daughter-in-law

Now he names you top scholar

Don't laugh at him

It's the will of Heaven and not his fault

With your new title

you can save Master Li, Miss

What?

Master

It's Minister

Minister Li

That's more like it!

Chun Lan!

Li Zhong, be careful!

Li Zhong!

Yes!

Prepare pen and paper

Yes!

I'll write to the Emperor

And apply for leave

I'll rescue Master Li from prison

And give him this ready-made title

He'll take up an official post

While I can go home

Prime Minister Xia is here

The Prime Minister?

Send him in at once!

Yes, sir!

I have paid my respect yesterday

What does he want now?

Maybe he found out about you!

I beg your pardon for not welcoming you

I'm so sorry!

Don't worry!

I pride myself in being perceptive

But the Emperor beats me

Does he know that I'm...

You're handsome and humble

You're really a...

A what?

A perfect son-in-law

What?

At the banquet the other day

You have charmed the Emperor

He wants you to marry the Princess

The date is fixed

I'll be the matchmaker

Surely you won't turn him down

My humble background

is not worthy of the Princess

I'm plain looking

And is no match for her beauty

Don't be overly modest

Your background is not a problem

It does not diminish a man

No man is born to greatness

If I'm not mistaken

You'll become the pillar of society

You flatter me, sir!

The Emperor is most benevolent

I'm afraid I don't have the happy lot

I'm already married

You didn't mention it the other day

Actually I'm engaged

You must not defy the Emperor

Please speak on my behalf

Don't make excuses

This is an insult

Sir, our Minister is not a man

Even you said he looks like a woman

I don't care if you agree or not

I'm reporting back to the Emperor

What shall we do?

We're in big trouble!

Let's run away!

That's easier said than done!

Sir!

Imperial Inspector Qi Zai Sheng is here

Qi Zai Sheng

Send him in!

Yes!

Please be seated!

Please!

Please!

-Minister Li -Minister Qi

Please

What can I do for you?

Honestly...

I have a family friend

He has the same name as you

I thought you might be him...

May I ask...

You speak first...

Where is your home town?

You look familiar

I must have seen you somewhere...

-Minister -May I ask...

Please...

Where are you from?

Xiang Yang

What a coincidence! So am I!

A coincidence indeed

There's a Qin manor outside Xiang Yang

Do you know Master Qin Shun Chang?

Well...

He has a son called Feng Sheng

And a daughter Feng Xiao

Master, don't you recognize your sister?

Chun Lan!

Brother!

Sis!

Brother!

When did you leave home?

Why did you take the exam under an alias?

Since you left last year

Ru Long came to Xiang Yang

Father wanted to annul the engagement

Framed him for burglary

I came looking for you in disguise

I looked everywhere for you

I didn't know you changed your name

Or that we'll meet like this

I left home last year

I was robbed on the way

General Qi rescued me

And became my foster father

He paid for the trip to the capital for the exam

And I become a top scholar

To repay his benevolence

I changed my name to Qi Zai Sheng

Unable to find you

I took the exam in Ru Long's name

I was praying that I'd come in first

so I can save Ru Long

Now that you have your wish

You should go home at once

You can't pose as a man forever

You must revert to your identity

Things don't turn out as I wish

One lie leads to another

The Emperor wants me

to marry the Princess

I'm shocked by the news

Lying to the Emperor is a serious crime

We're in big trouble!

What shall we do?

I have a plan

What is it?

She can hide in your house

That's the only way!

There are too many people there!

We won't get away with it!

If she changes back into a dress

No one will recognize her

They can't tell!

I'll go change right away!

Imperial Edict

Listen, Li Ru Long

I'm pleased with the Prime Minister's report

The 15th is an auspicious day

Li Ru Long is summoned to the Palace

to learn court rituals for the royal wedding

The Palace is radiant with happiness

The bride and groom are a good match

The Princess gets married today

to the fake Prince

One is desperate and at wit's end

One is peeking at her groom

One is happy while the other sad

One is in love

One is petrified

It's late, please retire to the sleeping chamber

Please go ahead, I...

I want to read some more

It's late

Why is he still up?

He's still reading at this hour

How much more does he want to learn?

He has studied enough

Does he want to take the exam again?

This is our wedding night

I wonder what is keeping him

I don't understand

I'll check on him

I whisper to him

Prince

Princess

Why are you still up?

Thanks for your concern

I usually don't drink

The wine I had tonight

Is making me agitated

Why didn't you tell me?

Guards!

Yes!

Princess!

Serve him soup for the alcohol!

No...

Go on!

Yes!

You shouldn't drink so much

It's not good for you!

Yes...

Here's the soup

Serve it now!

Yes!

Would you like more?

No! Please get some rest

I'll be with you shortly

All I can do is read

I have no solution

I take off the coronet

I feel exhausted

One is pacing up and down

One is waiting with a frown

One sighs in distress

One harbors a grievance

One cannot be rushed

But the watch drum beats on

Caught in a dilemma

Committed a gross error

I'll pay up in the next life

The Prince looks worried

There must be a reason

You won't come to bed

Are you married?

Don't make conjectures

I don't have a wife

My troubles are unspeakable

Don't make anymore excuses

Don't you like living in the Palace?

Everyone covets wealth and rank

Am I not pretty enough?

You're beautiful as a goddess

Tell me the truth

We are husband and wife

Even the most monstrous crime

I will help you out

Please don't blame me

I had no choice

I'm not a man

But a woman like yourself

The truth infuriates me

Why did you play this trick on me?

And pretend to be innocent

I'll have Father kill you tomorrow

Please listen, Princess

It wasn't my intention

My stepmother loves money

She framed my poor fiance

I ran away in disguise and sat for the exam

I became your husband by accident

In exchange for my fiance's life

I'm willing to give up mine

The truth is disturbing

I can't make a decision

I was hoping to marry Mr. Right

Yet I end up with an imposter!

Please don't blame me

It was the Emperor's doing

Of all the men he can choose from

He picked me!

Then you must blame Xia Yan

The old fool can't tell a woman from a man

I have tried to turn him down

But he pressured me into this

I didn't plan for this

How can you bear to kill me?

Killing me is easy

But you'll live in widowhood

Her explanation sounds reasonable

It's not her fault for deceiving me

Father and Xia Yan should be blamed

I'll be the laughing stock

I'm caught in a dilemma

I can't decide

If you'll pardon me

I do have a plan after all

What plan?

An all rounded plan

Tell me!

Not while I'm kneeling down!

Get up! Female Prince

The country is prosperous

My people are happy

I'm done with the morning meeting

Enjoying myself in the palace chamber

The Princess was married yesterday

The Prime Minister will congratulate me

I'll grant him the audience

in the side chamber

Long live Your Majesty!

Rise! No need to be punctilious!

Thank you

With regard to the royal wedding

I'm here with my good wishes

You're too kind

I should...

Since I'm the match maker

I'm here to get a drink

Yes...

There'll be no rain without clouds

And no weddings without match makers

When the newly weds arrive

I'll make sure they thank you

You flatter me...

The Prince and the Princess, Your Majesty!

Your Highness!

Rise!

Thank you!

Greetings, Father!

You had quite a night!

Rise!

Thank you

Have a seat!

Thank you

They make such a lovely couple

I'm quite a match maker

You're only the ready-made match maker

I hand-picked him myself

I'm not so bad myself

Prime Minister

Yes, Your Highness?

Indeed you have quite an eye

in brining me this husband

It's your own good fortune

He is quite an interesting character

Interesting?

Interesting...

He told me a story last night

An original story

You did something original last night?

Can you tell us

so we may learn something?

What's between them...

is unspeakable!

What I'm saying is

I heard an original story last night

A story?

I love stories

Please tell His Majesty

Please listen!

A young scholar

and a young lady

were engaged at a young age

But her parents disliked him

And framed him for burglary

He was sent to prison

To save her fiance

The young lady came to the capital in disguise

In disguise?

What happened afterwards?

Afterwards...

She tried to locate her brother

But to no avail

There was a special exam

And she came in first

A woman became the top scholar?

The chief examiner must be blind

He has eyes but he does not see

He's blind indeed

Not only did she become the top scholar

She was asked to marry the Princess

Chosen by the Emperor himself

And the chief examiner served as match maker

Minister Xia

Yes, sir!

The chief examiner is preposterous!

The Emperor is a fool too!

Yes, what a fool!

What happened...

after she was chosen?

The Princess was furious when she found out

And wanted her father to execute the imposter

Was she beheaded?

Make a guess, father!

This took place in which dynasty?

What if it happened now?

If that's the case

I'll spare her

Then what?

Can't possibly let her stay!

A woman like that is rare indeed

So virtuous and knowledgeable

I'll adopt her

And make her a Princess

That's no use!

She'll still be all alone in the Palace

That's easy!

I'll issue an edict

to release her fiance

and preside over their wedding ceremony

And they'll live happily ever after

Are you sure, Father?

You have my word as the Emperor

That's right!

Thank you, Your Majesty!

What?

She's the 'Female Prince'

Your Majesty, my name is Qin Feng Xiao

I posed as Li Ru Long

And took the state exam

I beg your pardon for deceiving you

Qin Feng Xiao?

I thought she was ill!

Minister Xia

Yes!

How did you know she was ill?

This is a mess, Father!

You're the chief examiner and match maker

You're as good as blind

I don't believe it!

Indeed she has pierced ears!

I'm blind indeed!

Qin Feng Xiao

How dare you deceive the Emperor!

Guards!

Yes!

Take her away! Execute her at noon!

Yes, Your Majesty!

You gave your word, Your Majesty!

Word or no word...take her away!

Princess...

Help me!

Wait, Father!

If you execute her

I'll become a widow

You'll still be a widow if I spare her!

My wedding was known throughout the land

People will query why the Prince is beheaded

You hand-picked him

And you gave your word

Even if you don't mind the scandal

I cannot face being a laughing stock

A Princess does not re-marry

There's no candidate even if I want to!

You are quite right

This is indeed a dilemma

Minister Xia

You have caused this disaster

I should die a thousand deaths

Please have mercy on me

I do have a solution

See if this will work

What is it?

She did all this for Li Ru Long

This fellow must have a good character

Set him free

And let him marry the Princess

And no one will know the difference

This is a seamless plan

What about Qin Feng Xiao?

Give her a life sentence

And let her rot in jail

Prime Minister

Yes, Your Highness

Where is your conscience?

Father, this is not a good plan

In your opinion...

You gave your word

You should adopt her

And make her a Princess

Release Li Ru Long

And let them get married

The Princess marrying the top scholar

This is seamless indeed

They are made for each other

If you help them

What about you?

Me?

Your Majesty

Qi Zai Sheng requests an audience

The morning meeting is over, what does he want?

Alright! Send him in!

Yes, Your Majesty!

His Majesty summons the Imperial Inspector!

Greetings, Your Majesty!

Rise!

Thank you!

What is it you wish to tell me?

My name is actually Qin Feng Sheng

I was robbed on my way to the state exam

General Qi rescued me and adopted me

So I changed my name to Qi Zai Sheng

What's your point?

Get on with it!

Yes, Your Majesty!

My sister Qin Feng Xiao

deceived you by disguising as a man

I'm willing to trade my post for her life

I beg your mercy

I have yet another plan

What is it now?

Please take a look

He's a handsome scholar

And I know he's still single

What do you think?

I bet the Princess just gave her consent!

I'm bound to get a drink from this

Minister Xia

Your Majesty

Look again, don't get me another lady Prince

I won't make the same mistake

Are you sure?

Yes, I am!

You took a good look?

I did!

Very well! Qi Zai Sheng

Your Majesty!

I'll make you my son-in-law

What do you think?

Thank you, Your Majesty!

Rise!

Your Majesty!

About my sister...

Chamberlain!

Yes!

Summon Qin Feng Xiao

Yes, sir!

This is truly an all rounded solution

I wouldn't say that

It was a mess

I've been made a fool

We'll just have to make do

Yes...

Qin Feng Xiao is here!

Summon her!

Yes!

Summon Qin Feng Xiao!

Greetings, Your Majesty!

On account of your intention to save your fiance

I'll pardon you but depose your top scholar title

And make you a Princess instead

As for Li Ru Long

I'll release him

And both Princesses will be married today

Thank you, Your Majesty!

The spring moon shines on the Palace

The wedding candles aflame

As happy as in paradise

The Imperial Palace is no less

The Princesses and their husbands

are perfectly matched

Doubling the joy of a wedding

Filling the Imperial Palace with happiness