1
00:01:31,640 --> 00:01:32,700
=The Road to Splendor=

2
00:01:32,700 --> 00:01:34,760
(Adapted from China Literature author
Zhizhi's novel of the same name)

3
00:01:35,133 --> 00:01:37,960
=Episode 4=

4
00:01:38,149 --> 00:01:39,429
Once you've finished this bowl,

5
00:01:39,670 --> 00:01:41,190
we'll put you in the bridal sedan.

6
00:01:41,630 --> 00:01:42,789
Then Zuo Junjie

7
00:01:43,069 --> 00:01:44,869
won't get anything out of you either.

8
00:01:45,030 --> 00:01:46,349
He can be a widower instead.

9
00:01:46,789 --> 00:01:47,642
The family

10
00:01:47,830 --> 00:01:49,509
will make offerings at your grave.

11
00:01:49,949 --> 00:01:50,910
Let go!

12
00:01:50,990 --> 00:01:51,869
Yuwei!

13
00:01:53,730 --> 00:01:54,310
I...

14
00:01:54,630 --> 00:01:55,789
I won't drink it!

15
00:01:56,830 --> 00:01:58,990
Old Madam really does know you best.

16
00:01:59,470 --> 00:02:01,589
The two of us
have never served you before.

17
00:02:02,270 --> 00:02:03,509
Perhaps we're not close enough.

18
00:02:04,429 --> 00:02:05,630
Bring in someone else,

19
00:02:05,630 --> 00:02:07,069
and maybe you'll drink it.

20
00:02:17,510 --> 00:02:18,629
My Lady.

21
00:02:24,270 --> 00:02:25,110
Yuwei.

22
00:02:25,469 --> 00:02:26,469
They told me,

23
00:02:27,350 --> 00:02:29,550
if I fail to get this done,

24
00:02:31,149 --> 00:02:33,510
everyone in my household will die.

25
00:02:35,990 --> 00:02:36,519
I...

26
00:02:36,519 --> 00:02:38,189
I had no choice.

27
00:02:45,429 --> 00:02:45,990
No!

28
00:02:46,270 --> 00:02:46,950
No!

29
00:02:47,429 --> 00:02:48,110
No!

30
00:02:48,189 --> 00:02:49,189
No!

31
00:02:49,629 --> 00:02:51,189
Don't do this, Yuwei!

32
00:02:51,550 --> 00:02:52,469
Let me go!

33
00:02:53,110 --> 00:02:54,510
Yuwei!

34
00:02:54,869 --> 00:02:56,149
Let me go!

35
00:02:57,909 --> 00:02:59,149
Yuwei!

36
00:03:01,230 --> 00:03:02,189
Yuwei!

37
00:03:03,709 --> 00:03:04,670
My Lady.

38
00:03:06,270 --> 00:03:07,230
Do not be afraid.

39
00:03:08,083 --> 00:03:08,513
I...

40
00:03:08,556 --> 00:03:09,469
I'll face death

41
00:03:09,830 --> 00:03:10,990
by your side.

42
00:03:13,469 --> 00:03:14,629
Do not fear.

43
00:03:17,429 --> 00:03:18,429
Yuwei.

44
00:03:29,709 --> 00:03:31,070
(We are)

45
00:03:31,070 --> 00:03:33,950
(a family of standing.)

46
00:03:34,429 --> 00:03:36,990
(And with those three arches
at our gate,)

47
00:03:37,270 --> 00:03:39,629
(I will make certain you marry
above your station.)

48
00:03:40,510 --> 00:03:42,550
(Would the girl I raised)

49
00:03:42,550 --> 00:03:44,670
(end up wasted within these walls?)

50
00:03:46,629 --> 00:03:47,629
My Lady.

51
00:03:50,029 --> 00:03:51,149
My Lady.

52
00:03:51,909 --> 00:03:53,350
My Lady.

53
00:03:56,070 --> 00:03:58,029
I had no other choice.

54
00:04:09,189 --> 00:04:10,909
My Lady.

55
00:04:11,790 --> 00:04:12,670
Yuwei.

56
00:04:15,909 --> 00:04:16,550
Yuwei.

57
00:04:17,470 --> 00:04:18,150
Yuwei.

58
00:04:20,470 --> 00:04:21,309
Yuwei.

59
00:04:24,990 --> 00:04:26,389
Why?

60
00:04:28,670 --> 00:04:29,829
Yuwei.

61
00:05:14,990 --> 00:05:15,910
Yuwei.

62
00:05:41,437 --> 00:05:44,723
(Biyun Nunnery)

63
00:06:21,710 --> 00:06:22,543
What happened to you?

64
00:06:31,790 --> 00:06:33,150
I was drugged.

65
00:06:34,470 --> 00:06:35,550
Save me please.

66
00:06:37,030 --> 00:06:38,590
I don't want to die.

67
00:07:00,629 --> 00:07:01,429
Whatever.

68
00:07:01,910 --> 00:07:02,710
Spit it out.

69
00:07:03,629 --> 00:07:04,389
Spit it out!

70
00:07:17,710 --> 00:07:18,550
Listen closely.

71
00:07:19,350 --> 00:07:20,670
Only you can save yourself.

72
00:07:21,590 --> 00:07:22,629
I cannot help you.

73
00:07:24,389 --> 00:07:25,509
If you wish to live,

74
00:07:26,030 --> 00:07:27,230
spit out that potion.

75
00:07:27,949 --> 00:07:29,509
If you waste all your strength weeping,

76
00:07:29,910 --> 00:07:31,150
no one can come to your aid.

77
00:07:33,350 --> 00:07:34,269
Stop crying!

78
00:07:34,710 --> 00:07:35,590
Spit it out!

79
00:07:36,990 --> 00:07:38,829
I can't.

80
00:07:51,790 --> 00:07:52,749
What are you doing?

81
00:08:11,920 --> 00:08:14,826
♪The faint incense fades from boughs♪

82
00:08:15,693 --> 00:08:18,173
♪Lone wild geese know not
late autumn's woes♪

83
00:08:19,246 --> 00:08:22,739
♪If heaven's will, none can implore♪

84
00:08:23,186 --> 00:08:26,159
♪Mortal world's all absurd lore♪

85
00:08:26,202 --> 00:08:28,987
♪Dying candle burns all light away♪

86
00:08:29,030 --> 00:08:30,790
(I've studied poetry and classics
since childhood,)

87
00:08:30,990 --> 00:08:31,749
(learned to manage the household,)

88
00:08:32,190 --> 00:08:33,190
(and mastered
etiquette and social conduct)

89
00:08:33,909 --> 00:08:34,830
(I never wished to be)

90
00:08:34,830 --> 00:08:36,389
(a puppet manipulated by others.)

91
00:08:37,789 --> 00:08:39,029
(What I long to be)

92
00:08:39,549 --> 00:08:41,470
(is someone who masters her own fate.)

93
00:08:41,529 --> 00:08:45,115
♪Fate writes its tale,
never asking who I am today♪

94
00:08:45,529 --> 00:08:49,349
♪Spend all my remaining years,
yet no right can I claim♪

95
00:08:49,622 --> 00:08:51,741
♪All is ash upon the altar,
bearing guilt's shame♪

96
00:08:51,784 --> 00:08:56,902
♪Atone for my sin♪

97
00:09:01,552 --> 00:09:04,699
♪Shattered into dust thin♪

98
00:09:08,690 --> 00:09:14,853
♪When wind stirs, all drifts away,
no path back to win♪

99
00:09:15,693 --> 00:09:21,626
♪Blossoms sink and sway,
whose dreams linger to stay?♪

100
00:09:23,306 --> 00:09:27,813
♪Endless night stretches wide,
no need for tears to cry♪

101
00:09:42,669 --> 00:09:43,869
Spare my life, Old Madam!

102
00:09:43,869 --> 00:09:44,669
Old Madam!

103
00:09:44,669 --> 00:09:45,470
Where is she?

104
00:09:45,629 --> 00:09:47,070
We forced the potion down her throat.

105
00:09:47,230 --> 00:09:48,629
We went out

106
00:09:48,710 --> 00:09:49,869
to ask others to help carry her.

107
00:09:50,070 --> 00:09:52,549
When we came back,
she was already nowhere to be found.

108
00:09:52,549 --> 00:09:52,990
Mind

109
00:09:53,509 --> 00:09:55,190
your words before you speak.

110
00:09:55,389 --> 00:09:55,855
I understand.

111
00:09:55,898 --> 00:09:57,869
The Ninth Young Lady had terrible luck.

112
00:09:58,389 --> 00:09:59,269
She fell ill

113
00:09:59,430 --> 00:10:01,029
and died.

114
00:10:01,190 --> 00:10:01,830
Old Madam.

115
00:10:01,950 --> 00:10:03,710
The Ninth Young Lady died of illness.

116
00:10:03,710 --> 00:10:04,909
Since she has passed from illness,

117
00:10:05,029 --> 00:10:06,470
seal her coffin at once.

118
00:10:06,789 --> 00:10:08,950
Let her rest in peace.

119
00:10:09,350 --> 00:10:09,950
Understood.

120
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(Tingyun!)

121
00:10:29,830 --> 00:10:32,749
(Tingyun!)

122
00:10:36,549 --> 00:10:37,190
Miss Fan,

123
00:10:37,789 --> 00:10:39,230
this is a gift from Mr. Yu.

124
00:10:39,749 --> 00:10:40,310
Look

125
00:10:40,310 --> 00:10:41,269
how considerate he is.

126
00:10:41,549 --> 00:10:43,990
Who would've thought this marriage
would come to pass?

127
00:10:44,470 --> 00:10:45,110
Miss Fan,

128
00:10:45,269 --> 00:10:46,749
you are truly blessed with great luck.

129
00:10:49,950 --> 00:10:50,549
Miss Fan!

130
00:10:50,749 --> 00:10:51,310
Miss Fan!

131
00:10:51,830 --> 00:10:53,310
Why are you in such a fluster?

132
00:10:54,070 --> 00:10:54,669
Miss Fan.

133
00:10:55,149 --> 00:10:56,310
The Ninth Young Lady of the Fu family

134
00:10:56,749 --> 00:10:57,509
has died of illness.

135
00:10:58,629 --> 00:11:00,190
Master has a message for you.

136
00:11:00,549 --> 00:11:02,710
He says you should prepare
condolence gifts in advance,

137
00:11:02,990 --> 00:11:03,869
and funeral money.

138
00:11:04,230 --> 00:11:05,070
She's dead?

139
00:11:09,470 --> 00:11:10,710
Dead...

140
00:11:12,230 --> 00:11:13,629
How could she be dead?

141
00:11:15,470 --> 00:11:16,269
Tingyun...

142
00:11:17,830 --> 00:11:19,350
When Tingyun left for Biyun Nunnery,

143
00:11:19,350 --> 00:11:20,470
she was perfectly well, was she not?

144
00:11:22,029 --> 00:11:23,269
Everyone thinks

145
00:11:24,629 --> 00:11:26,070
she went there to recuperate.

146
00:11:28,190 --> 00:11:29,710
But we know the truth.

147
00:11:29,830 --> 00:11:31,590
She fled there to avoid misfortune!

148
00:11:32,070 --> 00:11:33,029
Do not fear, Miss Fan.

149
00:11:33,549 --> 00:11:34,830
Even if she died an unnatural death,

150
00:11:35,070 --> 00:11:35,669
it was...

151
00:11:35,830 --> 00:11:37,190
it was the Fu family that harmed her.

152
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The Fu family...

153
00:11:39,590 --> 00:11:40,110
Right.

154
00:11:40,830 --> 00:11:41,549
If anyone's to blame...

155
00:11:41,549 --> 00:11:42,310
The Fu family...

156
00:11:42,389 --> 00:11:44,629
It's the Ninth Young Lady's lofty pride.

157
00:11:44,789 --> 00:11:45,990
If she'd married Zuo Junjie,

158
00:11:45,990 --> 00:11:46,909
none of this would have come to pass.

159
00:11:47,190 --> 00:11:47,869
Surely.

160
00:11:48,110 --> 00:11:49,590
She'd rather have died
than consent to the marriage.

161
00:11:50,310 --> 00:11:51,830
Other ladies marry
beneath their station.

162
00:11:51,950 --> 00:11:53,110
Why could she not?

163
00:11:54,470 --> 00:11:55,149
Right.

164
00:11:57,149 --> 00:11:57,710
Exactly.

165
00:11:58,470 --> 00:11:59,789
Others could accept such a match.

166
00:12:01,629 --> 00:12:02,909
Why couldn't she?

167
00:12:03,950 --> 00:12:05,029
Why could others accept it,

168
00:12:05,029 --> 00:12:06,149
but not her?

169
00:12:06,549 --> 00:12:07,710
It's all her own doing.

170
00:12:08,190 --> 00:12:08,749
All...

171
00:12:08,749 --> 00:12:10,029
All her own fault!

172
00:12:12,476 --> 00:12:13,796
(Madam Zuo, respectfully)

173
00:12:13,839 --> 00:12:16,409
(Letter to the Fu Family
Regarding the Late Fu Tingyun)

174
00:12:21,959 --> 00:12:23,907
(Letter to the Fu Family
Regarding the Late Fu Tingyun)

175
00:12:23,950 --> 00:12:24,549
The...

176
00:12:26,549 --> 00:12:27,909
The body identification record.

177
00:12:28,710 --> 00:12:30,549
This is the woman you wanted
as your sister-in-law.

178
00:12:31,430 --> 00:12:32,710
The Old Madam has shown mercy.

179
00:12:33,029 --> 00:12:34,269
She lets you leave the Fu family,

180
00:12:34,269 --> 00:12:35,350
return to Ganlin Town at once,

181
00:12:36,110 --> 00:12:38,310
and tend to your chastity memorial arch.

182
00:12:39,509 --> 00:12:42,110
She could even bring herself
to harm her own granddaughter.

183
00:12:49,230 --> 00:12:50,190
Once, there was

184
00:12:51,110 --> 00:12:53,549
only a Zuo who married
into the Fu family.

185
00:12:54,149 --> 00:12:55,149
Now, there is

186
00:12:56,190 --> 00:12:59,110
also a Fu who married
into the Zuo family.

187
00:13:11,629 --> 00:13:12,470
Mr. Zhao, you are so wise.

188
00:13:12,669 --> 00:13:14,310
We can sell that woman for money.

189
00:13:14,509 --> 00:13:15,110
In my opinion,

190
00:13:15,749 --> 00:13:16,710
she's worth ten thousand taels.

191
00:13:17,909 --> 00:13:18,909
If that falls through,

192
00:13:19,190 --> 00:13:20,549
we can sell her by weight.

193
00:13:20,830 --> 00:13:22,350
Find a local slave broker,

194
00:13:22,470 --> 00:13:23,350
and sell her right here.

195
00:13:23,789 --> 00:13:25,350
We'll at least recoup some of our costs.

196
00:13:32,070 --> 00:13:32,749
Mr. Zhao,

197
00:13:32,950 --> 00:13:33,710
what shall we do

198
00:13:34,190 --> 00:13:35,350
with this woman in the end?

199
00:13:36,389 --> 00:13:37,909
The simplest option would be

200
00:13:38,869 --> 00:13:39,950
to pawn her off to the Fu family.

201
00:13:40,549 --> 00:13:41,590
Yet I think

202
00:13:42,590 --> 00:13:44,190
the Fu family is not worthy
of striking a deal with us.

203
00:13:44,430 --> 00:13:45,869
We hold the Fu family in contempt too.

204
00:13:46,509 --> 00:13:48,190
The hypocrites dwelling in noble manors

205
00:13:48,190 --> 00:13:49,430
are far less upright
than us unashamed knaves,

206
00:13:49,430 --> 00:13:50,149
who lay bare our greed plainly.

207
00:13:50,269 --> 00:13:51,190
Exactly.

208
00:13:51,350 --> 00:13:52,509
Yet we have no choice.

209
00:13:52,909 --> 00:13:54,990
A hundred thousand catties
of Ground Snow is being withheld.

210
00:13:55,430 --> 00:13:56,669
This trip to Huaying

211
00:13:56,669 --> 00:13:57,990
has left us with total losses.

212
00:13:58,389 --> 00:13:59,629
We failed to gain any profit,

213
00:13:59,749 --> 00:14:01,029
yet landed ourselves in a terrible mess.

214
00:14:12,909 --> 00:14:13,590
You're awake.

215
00:14:14,669 --> 00:14:15,509
Have some food.

216
00:14:32,389 --> 00:14:33,789
The doctor said you vomited in time.

217
00:14:36,749 --> 00:14:37,869
A couple of days' rest
will set you right.

218
00:14:45,830 --> 00:14:46,950
Last time I saw you,

219
00:14:47,669 --> 00:14:49,590
you had quite a sharp tongue.

220
00:14:51,749 --> 00:14:53,190
You're far quieter
and milder than usual today.

221
00:14:57,669 --> 00:14:58,710
Mr. Zhao,

222
00:14:58,710 --> 00:15:00,990
could you go see my mother for me?

223
00:15:01,749 --> 00:15:03,470
I wish to send word that I am safe.

224
00:15:04,629 --> 00:15:05,830
Tell me.

225
00:15:08,590 --> 00:15:10,749
What terrible mess you've gotten into

226
00:15:12,669 --> 00:15:14,029
that the Fu family would abandon

227
00:15:14,029 --> 00:15:15,149
someone as valuable as you?

228
00:15:20,789 --> 00:15:21,629
If you refuse to speak,

229
00:15:23,389 --> 00:15:25,230
there is no reason for me to aid you.

230
00:15:27,269 --> 00:15:28,869
They framed me falsely.

231
00:15:29,830 --> 00:15:31,110
I never committed adultery.

232
00:15:32,110 --> 00:15:33,029
I didn't.

233
00:15:38,749 --> 00:15:39,430
Adultery?

234
00:15:40,470 --> 00:15:42,149
A young lady of the Fu family
accused of adultery?

235
00:15:42,149 --> 00:15:43,830
How come I've never heard
of such a matter?

236
00:15:43,830 --> 00:15:44,710
I was wrongly accused.

237
00:15:44,710 --> 00:15:45,629
Biao, did you know?

238
00:15:45,629 --> 00:15:46,590
I had no idea.

239
00:15:46,636 --> 00:15:47,222
Hush.

240
00:15:56,629 --> 00:15:57,230
I believe you.

241
00:16:13,470 --> 00:16:14,310
All of you, step outside.

242
00:16:16,269 --> 00:16:17,110
Let's go.

243
00:16:33,789 --> 00:16:35,230
Even I find this hard to believe,

244
00:16:35,710 --> 00:16:37,070
so how could your own family believe it?

245
00:16:39,549 --> 00:16:40,710
They don't believe it either.

246
00:16:44,470 --> 00:16:47,149
But for the sake
of the arches at the gate,

247
00:16:52,029 --> 00:16:53,110
they cannot protect me.

248
00:16:55,789 --> 00:16:56,950
All under heaven bustle,

249
00:16:58,389 --> 00:16:59,470
chasing profit.

250
00:17:00,669 --> 00:17:01,789
This is human nature.

251
00:17:03,269 --> 00:17:04,150
Now you hold no use

252
00:17:04,150 --> 00:17:05,470
for them any longer.

253
00:17:06,910 --> 00:17:08,069
You've become their castaway.

254
00:17:30,269 --> 00:17:31,470
I do have a plan.

255
00:17:32,749 --> 00:17:34,549
It will let you avenge your wrongs,

256
00:17:35,349 --> 00:17:36,670
and send word to your mother

257
00:17:37,509 --> 00:17:38,269
that you still live.

258
00:17:45,269 --> 00:17:46,829
Would you dare step
into a bridal sedan chair?

259
00:17:53,910 --> 00:17:55,230
Well, I am

260
00:17:56,549 --> 00:17:57,749
holding a wedding

261
00:18:00,710 --> 00:18:01,589
tomorrow.

262
00:18:02,230 --> 00:18:03,509
A wedding?

263
00:18:05,029 --> 00:18:06,349
It's all just a show for others.

264
00:18:06,670 --> 00:18:07,829
Tomorrow's wedding ceremony

265
00:18:08,269 --> 00:18:09,190
must be grand

266
00:18:09,630 --> 00:18:10,430
and lavish.

267
00:18:10,950 --> 00:18:11,990
A luxurious bridal sedan,

268
00:18:12,150 --> 00:18:13,230
with the accompaniment
of gongs and drums.

269
00:18:14,269 --> 00:18:15,829
In short, its splendor

270
00:18:16,710 --> 00:18:18,630
shall outshine
the Fu family's funeral rites.

271
00:18:20,230 --> 00:18:21,910
I intend to make those of the Fu family

272
00:18:23,190 --> 00:18:25,109
pay a steep price.

273
00:18:30,710 --> 00:18:32,910
May your spirit roam beyond.

274
00:18:33,150 --> 00:18:35,710
Farewell, Ninth Young Lady.

275
00:18:36,430 --> 00:18:38,549
May your spirit roam beyond.

276
00:18:38,870 --> 00:18:41,296
Farewell, Ninth Young Lady.

277
00:18:41,339 --> 00:18:42,133
(Spirit Tablet of the Late Lady Fu
of the Zuo Family)

278
00:18:42,176 --> 00:18:44,390
May your spirit roam beyond.

279
00:18:44,829 --> 00:18:47,470
Farewell, Ninth Young Lady.

280
00:18:49,670 --> 00:18:51,950
May your spirit roam beyond.

281
00:18:52,269 --> 00:18:54,990
Farewell, Ninth Young Lady.

282
00:18:55,789 --> 00:18:58,109
May your spirit roam beyond.

283
00:19:03,290 --> 00:19:08,350
(Double Happiness)

284
00:19:15,941 --> 00:19:18,815
(Spirit Tablet of the Late Lady Fu
of the Zuo Family)

285
00:19:28,869 --> 00:19:30,349
(Grace Lost, Virtue Enduring)

286
00:19:58,749 --> 00:19:59,630
Old Madam.

287
00:19:59,630 --> 00:20:01,150
A wedding procession ahead

288
00:20:01,150 --> 00:20:02,269
is blocking the road.

289
00:20:02,789 --> 00:20:05,630
A wedding always gives way to a funeral.

290
00:20:05,672 --> 00:20:06,547
(Spirit Tablet of the Late Lady Fu
of the Zuo Family)

291
00:20:06,589 --> 00:20:07,829
Tell them to move aside

292
00:20:08,390 --> 00:20:09,509
and let us go first.

293
00:20:15,060 --> 00:20:16,760
(Spirit Tablet of the Late Lady Fu
of the Zuo Family)

294
00:20:21,549 --> 00:20:22,390
Old Madam!

295
00:20:22,829 --> 00:20:23,630
Old Madam!

296
00:20:28,589 --> 00:20:30,069
My respects, Madam.

297
00:20:30,670 --> 00:20:32,109
I trust you have been well.

298
00:20:37,230 --> 00:20:38,269
What a fortunate coincidence.

299
00:20:39,309 --> 00:20:41,630
My bride happens
to be an old acquaintance of yours.

300
00:20:44,910 --> 00:20:46,509
Why not come and see her?

301
00:20:50,069 --> 00:20:51,670
Indeed, I should.

302
00:21:15,789 --> 00:21:16,749
Tingyun.

303
00:21:35,069 --> 00:21:36,269
Mr. Zhao,

304
00:21:37,630 --> 00:21:39,589
you address me as your elder,

305
00:21:39,789 --> 00:21:40,630
and today,

306
00:21:40,710 --> 00:21:42,430
you've wed a lovely lady.

307
00:21:43,190 --> 00:21:45,710
I ought to present a wedding gift.

308
00:21:47,470 --> 00:21:49,069
What would you like?

309
00:21:52,470 --> 00:21:54,870
Ten thousand taels of silver
is no small sum to gather,

310
00:21:55,829 --> 00:21:57,710
so grant me a few days' grace.

311
00:21:58,029 --> 00:21:59,549
I am blessed with abundant wealth.

312
00:22:00,870 --> 00:22:01,829
On this occasion,

313
00:22:04,870 --> 00:22:05,829
I seek no monetary gain.

314
00:22:13,870 --> 00:22:15,309
What do you want?

315
00:22:18,029 --> 00:22:19,150
I demand the Fu family

316
00:22:19,509 --> 00:22:21,549
return the one hundred thousand catties
of Ground Snow

317
00:22:23,269 --> 00:22:24,910
to its rightful owner.

318
00:22:25,710 --> 00:22:27,230
That contraband was seized long ago.

319
00:22:27,829 --> 00:22:29,789
The county yamen
has taken it into custody.

320
00:22:31,870 --> 00:22:33,829
The matter has been reported
to the imperial court.

321
00:22:34,269 --> 00:22:36,230
The county yamen is practically run
by your family.

322
00:22:36,670 --> 00:22:38,349
It would take but one word from you

323
00:22:38,950 --> 00:22:40,309
to release one hundred thousand catties
of Ground Snow.

324
00:22:42,470 --> 00:22:44,309
If you refuse me,

325
00:22:44,990 --> 00:22:46,230
my bride

326
00:22:46,349 --> 00:22:47,670
will not stay seated any longer.

327
00:22:48,390 --> 00:22:50,109
She will step out of the sedan chair.

328
00:22:51,349 --> 00:22:53,390
Then every soul in Huaying will learn

329
00:22:53,549 --> 00:22:54,870
that you have a granddaughter

330
00:22:55,549 --> 00:22:58,069
who came back from the dead
on her funeral day,

331
00:22:59,630 --> 00:23:01,269
and even married a man like me.

332
00:23:13,029 --> 00:23:14,749
Surrender her to me,

333
00:23:16,390 --> 00:23:17,470
and I will add

334
00:23:17,470 --> 00:23:18,630
ten thousand taels of gold,

335
00:23:18,950 --> 00:23:20,029
guaranteeing

336
00:23:20,390 --> 00:23:22,910
your safe departure from Huaying.

337
00:23:24,390 --> 00:23:26,150
Old Madam, you may misunderstand.

338
00:23:26,589 --> 00:23:28,150
It is not that you lack funds.

339
00:23:33,589 --> 00:23:35,309
It is your fortune itself

340
00:23:37,789 --> 00:23:39,470
that is tainted through and through.

341
00:23:43,509 --> 00:23:44,150
In this world,

342
00:23:44,150 --> 00:23:46,269
there are far too many folk like you,

343
00:23:46,710 --> 00:23:48,549
which leaves common folk
unable to afford salt.

344
00:23:49,950 --> 00:23:51,230
I would sooner scatter all the salt

345
00:23:51,230 --> 00:23:52,670
across the streets,

346
00:23:53,230 --> 00:23:54,749
than hand it over to you.

347
00:23:56,470 --> 00:23:57,430
I refuse to let it become

348
00:23:57,430 --> 00:23:59,789
another merit
to fuel your meteoric rise in status.

349
00:24:12,630 --> 00:24:13,670
Tingyun,

350
00:24:15,950 --> 00:24:17,789
are you going to turn your back
on your grandmother?

351
00:24:18,950 --> 00:24:20,950
I raised you for eighteen years.

352
00:24:21,269 --> 00:24:22,630
Just this once,

353
00:24:23,029 --> 00:24:24,549
I have wronged you.

354
00:24:24,950 --> 00:24:26,509
For the sake of our family,

355
00:24:27,470 --> 00:24:28,789
I failed to let you

356
00:24:29,190 --> 00:24:30,789
become a phoenix

357
00:24:31,950 --> 00:24:32,829
and find

358
00:24:33,069 --> 00:24:34,390
a worthy branch to rest upon.

359
00:24:38,190 --> 00:24:38,910
Grandmother,

360
00:24:41,710 --> 00:24:43,150
am I truly a phoenix?

361
00:24:45,390 --> 00:24:46,349
Or am I merely

362
00:24:50,870 --> 00:24:52,670
the branch meant only

363
00:24:53,230 --> 00:24:54,670
to lure phoenixes for you?

364
00:24:56,749 --> 00:24:57,910
You love me,

365
00:24:59,430 --> 00:25:01,789
yet you cherish the benefits
I bring you far more.

366
00:25:02,349 --> 00:25:03,710
You love this family too,

367
00:25:04,870 --> 00:25:06,430
yet you care far more for the power

368
00:25:06,430 --> 00:25:07,950
this family brings you.

369
00:25:19,190 --> 00:25:22,230
This is the girl raised by myself.

370
00:25:40,269 --> 00:25:41,749
Even if I hand over the salt now,

371
00:25:42,349 --> 00:25:44,069
will you ever get out of Huaying?

372
00:25:44,789 --> 00:25:46,069
And even if you do escape,

373
00:25:46,269 --> 00:25:48,870
where will you go?

374
00:25:54,509 --> 00:25:55,470
You need not

375
00:25:59,150 --> 00:26:01,470
trouble yourself over this, Old Madam.

376
00:26:13,470 --> 00:26:14,870
I agreed.

377
00:26:18,430 --> 00:26:19,710
I will give you the salt.

378
00:26:29,710 --> 00:26:30,670
There is one more thing.

379
00:26:34,630 --> 00:26:36,190
Let the mother and daughter meet.

380
00:26:41,109 --> 00:26:42,029
Tingyun.

381
00:26:42,470 --> 00:26:43,430
Mother.

382
00:26:43,549 --> 00:26:44,829
My girl,

383
00:26:45,829 --> 00:26:47,589
I can't imagine
how much you'll have to endure.

384
00:26:51,069 --> 00:26:51,602
No.

385
00:26:52,990 --> 00:26:54,589
You died in Huaying.

386
00:26:55,430 --> 00:26:56,910
Do not let anyone spot you.

387
00:27:01,589 --> 00:27:02,789
I long to know

388
00:27:03,029 --> 00:27:04,549
what path you will take hereafter.

389
00:27:08,349 --> 00:27:10,029
Zhao Ling is a righteous man,

390
00:27:10,870 --> 00:27:12,710
but is he truly a worthy match for you?

391
00:27:18,309 --> 00:27:19,470
Rest assured, Mother.

392
00:27:21,190 --> 00:27:22,710
He merely saved my life,

393
00:27:23,589 --> 00:27:25,150
and I have no intention of marrying him.

394
00:27:26,230 --> 00:27:27,990
This ordeal has opened my eyes.

395
00:27:28,950 --> 00:27:31,269
Once, all I craved
was a prestigious marriage.

396
00:27:33,749 --> 00:27:35,269
But whether it was Grandmother,

397
00:27:36,509 --> 00:27:37,630
or Madam Yu,

398
00:27:38,109 --> 00:27:40,029
they only saw me as a bargaining tool.

399
00:27:40,910 --> 00:27:42,390
That path can never lead to happiness.

400
00:27:43,710 --> 00:27:45,630
Since I was raised
to be a phoenix's perch,

401
00:27:46,829 --> 00:27:47,950
those drawn to me

402
00:27:48,430 --> 00:27:50,109
would surely be noble birds.

403
00:27:54,029 --> 00:27:55,109
Whoever I wed

404
00:27:55,749 --> 00:27:57,029
shall be my perfect match.

405
00:27:58,589 --> 00:28:00,230
All my wish for you

406
00:28:01,109 --> 00:28:03,150
is that you never grow as weak as I am,

407
00:28:04,430 --> 00:28:06,990
nor as cold-hearted as your grandmother.

408
00:28:07,870 --> 00:28:08,710
Mother.

409
00:28:10,230 --> 00:28:11,390
Today, I shall plan

410
00:28:13,109 --> 00:28:15,349
for your future.

411
00:28:31,710 --> 00:28:34,069
I beg you, Mr. Zhao,
to grant me a favor.

412
00:28:35,430 --> 00:28:37,470
My birth family is a wealthy family
in Jiangnan,

413
00:28:38,430 --> 00:28:40,549
and owns several shops in the capital.

414
00:28:41,630 --> 00:28:42,990
Please

415
00:28:42,990 --> 00:28:44,549
escort her to the capital.

416
00:28:44,870 --> 00:28:45,630
Once she arrives,

417
00:28:45,630 --> 00:28:46,950
I will travel to the capital

418
00:28:47,029 --> 00:28:48,390
to reunite with her.

419
00:28:50,549 --> 00:28:52,269
I am willing to reward you

420
00:28:52,710 --> 00:28:53,910
ten thousand taels of silver

421
00:28:54,150 --> 00:28:55,390
for your trouble.

422
00:28:57,870 --> 00:29:00,789
Please accept these silver notes
worth five thousand taels upfront.

423
00:29:01,269 --> 00:29:02,309
I earnestly beg you

424
00:29:02,470 --> 00:29:04,109
to agree to my request.

425
00:29:04,269 --> 00:29:05,589
Once you reach the capital,

426
00:29:05,829 --> 00:29:08,029
you may collect the rest
from her uncle.

427
00:29:15,910 --> 00:29:17,150
I accept your request.

428
00:29:19,470 --> 00:29:20,470
Take this

429
00:29:20,950 --> 00:29:22,269
as our token.

430
00:29:24,230 --> 00:29:25,269
I will surely keep

431
00:29:27,710 --> 00:29:28,710
the promise I made to you.

432
00:29:44,116 --> 00:29:49,463
♪Once a bird in a cage,
longing for the boundless sky♪

433
00:29:50,543 --> 00:29:56,036
♪To break through a thousand barriers
and cast off a life of illusion♪

434
00:29:56,989 --> 00:30:03,355
♪Bearing wings through stormy tides,
wash away stain of false accusation♪

435
00:30:03,438 --> 00:30:08,811
♪May all common folk share one roof,
every lantern rest in peace♪

436
00:30:09,717 --> 00:30:15,270
♪Let this humble name
carry me through a life adrift♪

437
00:30:15,957 --> 00:30:21,556
♪With wit and strategy,
I enter this game without regret♪

438
00:30:22,251 --> 00:30:24,979
♪Let the past remain beyond recall♪

439
00:30:25,022 --> 00:30:29,328
♪Trade it for boundless blue
skies to fly free and far♪

440
00:30:29,721 --> 00:30:34,722
♪I seek no mercy lent by mortal world♪

441
00:30:36,244 --> 00:30:43,050
♪I crave no clarity
from outside my soul♪

442
00:31:02,309 --> 00:31:03,069
Five thousand taels.

443
00:31:04,069 --> 00:31:04,950
Not a single tael missing.

444
00:31:08,017 --> 00:31:09,790
(One thousand taels)

445
00:31:14,829 --> 00:31:16,150
We shall meet again someday.

446
00:31:17,549 --> 00:31:18,390
What should I call you?

447
00:31:27,789 --> 00:31:28,990
Mr. Jin,

448
00:31:29,269 --> 00:31:30,470
may your business thrive

449
00:31:30,630 --> 00:31:31,789
and wealth flow endlessly.

450
00:31:35,190 --> 00:31:36,349
Mr. Zhao,

451
00:31:37,789 --> 00:31:38,990
may you enjoy a long life,

452
00:31:40,670 --> 00:31:41,829
your days endless as the firmament.

453
00:32:04,150 --> 00:32:04,829
Hurry up.

454
00:32:05,190 --> 00:32:06,109
I'll take you to get the salt.

455
00:32:08,870 --> 00:32:09,910
Officer,

456
00:32:10,630 --> 00:32:11,990
spare some salt for us.

457
00:32:11,990 --> 00:32:12,710
Officer.

458
00:32:12,990 --> 00:32:14,470
Have mercy on us, Officer.

459
00:32:14,470 --> 00:32:14,990
Get out of my way.

460
00:32:18,470 --> 00:32:19,069
Are you alright?

461
00:32:20,069 --> 00:32:20,749
I'm fine.

462
00:32:24,390 --> 00:32:24,990
Hey,

463
00:32:25,230 --> 00:32:25,990
are you alright?

464
00:32:25,990 --> 00:32:26,549
I'm fine.

465
00:32:28,829 --> 00:32:30,390
Wealthy folk scatter salt to melt frost.

466
00:32:30,390 --> 00:32:30,990
Have some.

467
00:32:31,269 --> 00:32:32,230
Yet poor souls

468
00:32:32,309 --> 00:32:33,670
must lick salt off walls to survive.

469
00:32:34,309 --> 00:32:35,190
This world

470
00:32:35,589 --> 00:32:36,749
is utterly unjust.

471
00:32:54,150 --> 00:32:55,630
We went through so much trouble

472
00:32:55,749 --> 00:32:57,069
and nearly lost our lives.

473
00:32:57,870 --> 00:32:59,150
Are we really giving all of this
to the common folk?

474
00:32:59,990 --> 00:33:01,269
So long as the hull stays watertight,

475
00:33:01,589 --> 00:33:03,069
we fear no waves crashing the bow.

476
00:33:03,670 --> 00:33:04,910
As long as we hold this token,

477
00:33:05,309 --> 00:33:06,710
we shall never lack fortune.

478
00:33:08,029 --> 00:33:09,269
Huaying

479
00:33:09,269 --> 00:33:10,630
is the Fu family's territory.

480
00:33:11,029 --> 00:33:12,749
The moment we hand out the salt,

481
00:33:12,990 --> 00:33:13,749
the very next instant,

482
00:33:13,749 --> 00:33:16,069
the Fu family will send their man
to seize it

483
00:33:16,150 --> 00:33:17,190
and take every last bit back.

484
00:33:19,509 --> 00:33:20,589
Send word around.

485
00:33:21,029 --> 00:33:23,269
Tell every household
to place their water vats out front.

486
00:33:24,190 --> 00:33:25,430
We'll hand out salt brine instead.

487
00:33:26,190 --> 00:33:27,990
I want every corner of Huaying

488
00:33:28,870 --> 00:33:30,710
stripped clean of Ground Snow entirely.

489
00:33:45,549 --> 00:33:46,349
Salt!

490
00:33:46,430 --> 00:33:48,150
We've got salt, finally!

491
00:33:49,190 --> 00:33:50,390
No more worries now.

492
00:33:50,390 --> 00:33:52,029
We'll have salt to eat.

493
00:33:52,990 --> 00:33:54,430
It'll last us a good long while.

494
00:33:54,430 --> 00:33:55,789
How pure white this salt is!

495
00:33:56,069 --> 00:33:57,990
We're saved. This is wonderful!

496
00:33:58,150 --> 00:33:59,390
Salt dissolves into water,

497
00:33:59,589 --> 00:34:01,269
so greedy lords have nothing to seize.

498
00:34:01,630 --> 00:34:02,789
The brine flows to common folk.

499
00:34:03,029 --> 00:34:03,829
Those in power

500
00:34:04,309 --> 00:34:05,430
can never cut it off.

501
00:34:05,950 --> 00:34:07,109
(Master Zhao)
We've just made inquiries.

502
00:34:07,870 --> 00:34:08,990
Word goes there's a righteous man,

503
00:34:09,069 --> 00:34:10,109
who refuses to leave his name

504
00:34:10,390 --> 00:34:11,549
dissolving salt into brine

505
00:34:11,790 --> 00:34:12,790
to aid the famine-stricken folk.

506
00:34:15,430 --> 00:34:16,830
Interesting.

507
00:34:18,229 --> 00:34:19,390
Dissolve salt into brine.

508
00:34:19,549 --> 00:34:20,270
What bold spirit.

509
00:34:20,509 --> 00:34:21,270
What unrestrained grace.

510
00:34:21,990 --> 00:34:22,910
Someday,

511
00:34:23,270 --> 00:34:24,270
I want to learn this from you.

512
00:34:26,790 --> 00:34:28,029
Learn some good things.

513
00:34:28,390 --> 00:34:29,750
That's Ground Snow we're talking about.

514
00:34:30,270 --> 00:34:31,430
Do you have any idea how valuable it is?

515
00:34:35,430 --> 00:34:36,549
Still, fortune's on my side.

516
00:34:40,430 --> 00:34:41,750
If I escort her back to the capital,

517
00:34:41,910 --> 00:34:43,069
I'll earn five thousand taels in return.

518
00:34:45,990 --> 00:34:46,589
Mr. Zhao,

519
00:34:47,790 --> 00:34:49,229
dry rations and water are all prepared.

520
00:34:49,350 --> 00:34:49,950
Besides,

521
00:34:49,950 --> 00:34:51,310
I've brought cotton cloth
and medicinal herbs for you.

522
00:34:51,589 --> 00:34:53,270
Refugees crowd every corner
of the Western Capital region right now.

523
00:34:53,270 --> 00:34:53,990
On this journey,

524
00:34:53,990 --> 00:34:55,069
you'll surely brave the elements.

525
00:34:55,149 --> 00:34:56,790
If any other troubles arise,

526
00:34:56,870 --> 00:34:57,750
you must act

527
00:34:57,750 --> 00:34:58,750
as circumstances demand.

528
00:34:58,750 --> 00:34:59,109
Don't worry.

529
00:35:01,669 --> 00:35:02,990
How long

530
00:35:03,910 --> 00:35:04,669
will it take

531
00:35:04,669 --> 00:35:05,709
to reach the capital?

532
00:35:05,990 --> 00:35:07,470
Will we travel by land the whole way?

533
00:35:07,470 --> 00:35:08,549
Or will we take river routes as well?

534
00:35:08,830 --> 00:35:09,549
Just follow us.

535
00:35:10,229 --> 00:35:11,310
Quit chattering so much.

536
00:35:15,990 --> 00:35:16,430
Let's go.

537
00:35:25,057 --> 00:35:29,690
(Huaying)

538
00:35:32,770 --> 00:35:34,503
(Betrothal Letter)

539
00:35:50,853 --> 00:35:54,743
(Fu Family Academy)

540
00:35:58,109 --> 00:35:58,950
Yake,

541
00:36:00,910 --> 00:36:02,509
is this truly what you desire?

542
00:36:03,430 --> 00:36:04,750
Marriage is a lifelong matter,

543
00:36:06,589 --> 00:36:07,830
bound by parents' will,

544
00:36:09,270 --> 00:36:10,509
and arranged by matchmakers' words.

545
00:36:10,710 --> 00:36:12,227
(Betrothal Letter)

546
00:36:12,270 --> 00:36:14,270
Since Madam Yu herself
proposed this marriage,

547
00:36:14,790 --> 00:36:16,189
and you have given your consent,

548
00:36:18,310 --> 00:36:21,029
I'll sincerely uphold this marriage,

549
00:36:21,750 --> 00:36:23,270
and never bring shame upon you, Father.

550
00:36:25,509 --> 00:36:26,270
Yake,

551
00:36:27,870 --> 00:36:28,990
you may fool everyone else,

552
00:36:28,990 --> 00:36:30,390
but you cannot fool me.

553
00:36:30,990 --> 00:36:32,629
(Betrothal Letter)
You knew they are at odds.

554
00:36:32,629 --> 00:36:34,830
why involve yourself in this marriage?

555
00:36:35,189 --> 00:36:36,470
The Yu family holds great power,

556
00:36:36,750 --> 00:36:38,589
yet a powerful family
makes an ill-suited match.

557
00:36:38,709 --> 00:36:41,229
You are the one
who will live out every day to come.

558
00:36:41,990 --> 00:36:43,830
Since I brought this marriage to pass,

559
00:36:44,029 --> 00:36:45,589
I shall tend to it faithfully.

560
00:36:46,430 --> 00:36:48,870
Father, do not underestimate me
like everyone else.

561
00:37:05,029 --> 00:37:05,870
All right.

562
00:37:08,870 --> 00:37:09,589
Yet,

563
00:37:10,350 --> 00:37:11,470
(Fu Family Academy)
I can no longer bear

564
00:37:12,270 --> 00:37:14,229
to stay here.

565
00:37:14,870 --> 00:37:15,709
I own

566
00:37:16,549 --> 00:37:18,629
a residence in Yongning Prefecture.

567
00:37:19,390 --> 00:37:20,589
It is plain and humble,

568
00:37:21,549 --> 00:37:23,029
but sufficient to prepare your dowry.

569
00:37:24,790 --> 00:37:26,109
Your mother passed away long ago,

570
00:37:26,549 --> 00:37:28,470
leaving us to rely on each other.

571
00:37:29,149 --> 00:37:30,189
I know

572
00:37:31,709 --> 00:37:33,310
you have endured many grievances.

573
00:37:33,910 --> 00:37:35,830
I am not fit to teach you any lessons.

574
00:37:36,950 --> 00:37:37,950
But Yake,

575
00:37:40,669 --> 00:37:41,990
you must bear this in mind.

576
00:37:43,629 --> 00:37:45,029
No matter what the future holds,

577
00:37:45,709 --> 00:37:47,310
do not regret the choice you make today.

578
00:37:51,709 --> 00:37:52,870
Fate is decreed by heaven.

579
00:37:53,589 --> 00:37:54,589
Since this is my destined lot,

580
00:37:56,109 --> 00:37:57,629
I shall follow its course willingly.

581
00:37:58,470 --> 00:37:59,189
Father,

582
00:38:00,069 --> 00:38:01,069
all these years,

583
00:38:01,870 --> 00:38:03,350
you've run our household
with frugality and diligence.

584
00:38:04,189 --> 00:38:06,029
I've never told you this,

585
00:38:06,709 --> 00:38:08,750
but I loathe leftover cold rice.

586
00:38:10,069 --> 00:38:11,790
Living on leftovers day after day,

587
00:38:12,669 --> 00:38:15,069
a musty, shabby scent
clings to the skin.

588
00:38:18,310 --> 00:38:19,910
That odor never fails to remind me

589
00:38:22,709 --> 00:38:24,509
that I am beneath others.

590
00:38:29,143 --> 00:38:31,703
(Next Episode)

591
00:38:31,870 --> 00:38:32,870
Thanks to you,

592
00:38:33,029 --> 00:38:34,509
we're being chased
by all sorts of people.

593
00:38:35,310 --> 00:38:36,629
I promised your mother,

594
00:38:36,870 --> 00:38:37,990
I'd take you back to the capital.

595
00:38:38,390 --> 00:38:39,310
If I head to the capital

596
00:38:39,310 --> 00:38:41,270
without clearing things up,

597
00:38:41,629 --> 00:38:43,549
won't I be admitting to adultery?

598
00:38:49,990 --> 00:38:51,709
I beg you! Spare his life!

599
00:38:53,029 --> 00:38:54,430
Let him go!

600
00:38:54,870 --> 00:38:56,629
I'm begging you!

601
00:38:58,549 --> 00:39:00,029
Don't kill him!

602
00:39:14,520 --> 00:39:18,840
♪The past brushes by
like a falling leaf♪

603
00:39:22,440 --> 00:39:26,800
♪So light, yet my steps still pause
for you♪

604
00:39:28,920 --> 00:39:33,560
♪Through every rise and fall,
our memories remain without regret♪

605
00:39:33,800 --> 00:39:36,600
♪Carved into the rings of time♪

606
00:39:37,760 --> 00:39:42,400
♪How I wish I could stay
a little longer, but I can't♪

607
00:39:45,600 --> 00:39:52,440
♪I turn away, afraid goodbye will fill
my eyes with tears♪

608
00:39:53,320 --> 00:39:59,840
♪Etched deep within my heart,
yet buried without a word♪

609
00:40:00,800 --> 00:40:04,240
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

610
00:40:04,760 --> 00:40:08,960
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

611
00:40:09,240 --> 00:40:14,920
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪

612
00:40:27,040 --> 00:40:30,920
♪For one fleeting moment, I found you
in the crowd♪

613
00:40:34,840 --> 00:40:38,840
♪Without a word, you lit up
half my life♪

614
00:40:40,560 --> 00:40:45,240
♪In silence, a love too deep for words♪

615
00:40:45,560 --> 00:40:48,240
♪Kept close within my heart♪

616
00:40:49,320 --> 00:40:54,160
♪From now on, no one else
is worth waiting for♪

617
00:40:57,680 --> 00:41:04,600
♪I turn away, afraid no one
will ever come home to me again♪

618
00:41:05,480 --> 00:41:11,960
♪If we can build our future together,
no storm can chill my heart♪

619
00:41:12,840 --> 00:41:16,360
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

620
00:41:16,800 --> 00:41:21,160
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

621
00:41:21,360 --> 00:41:27,080
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪