Original subtitles

[Spring of The Blade]

[Episode 12]

I apologize to everyone.

I won't disturb you anymore.

Qingyuan!

Chunzhi, listen to me.

I've heard enough from you!

Chunzhi!

You give her your whole heart,

but you don't even know she's leading you on

while fooling around with Yan Rui behind your back!

Stop making a scene.

I'm not!

Chunzhi,

do you know

Grandmother has already betrothed her to Yan Rui?

Utter nonsense!

This is unseemly!

Mother...

Qingyuan!

Qingyuan.

What Qingru just said,

don't take it to heart.

She's always been

spoiled like that.

I'll find a time to have a serious

word with her.

You saw the spectacle

that unfolded just now.

I'm seen as the black sheep of the Xie family.

If you're looking to get married,

you should choose someone fitting.

I don't care what others say.

My previous rash proposal

was forced by the situation.

But instead of evading it,

you treated me with sincerity.

That made me

respect you even more.

You're really

good at comforting people.

I feel much better now.

I just wonder

which lucky gentleman will

get to marry you.

There are things I have to do.

When I'm done with them,

I'll leave marriage to fate.

Does that mean...

there's no one in your heart right now?

I'm not looking for love.

But there's one thing

I need your help with.

Sure. What is it?

I want to see the marquis.

My father?

I know he rarely sees outsiders,

but I have an urgent matter.

I can't tell you why right now,

but I promise I'll explain everything later.

Okay.

I will make it happen.

Thank you.

Are you out of your mind?

You must be possessed,

acting crazy in front of the marquis's son!

Is this how I raised you?

Qingyuan has

long belonged to Yan Rui,

yet she still goes out of her way

to seduce my Chunzhi.

I was worried Chunzhi would be fooled.

That's why I told him.

She's the one who did those shameful things.

Mother,

why are you scolding me?

How dare you talk back!

Mother,

stop scolding Second Sister.

She didn't do anything wrong.

Shut up.

If I don't

discipline you properly today,

who knows

what kind of trouble you might cause down the line?

Nanny Liu.

Punish her with

20 lashes of the cane!

Mother!

Yes.

Hit her!

Go on!

Mother, just beat me to death!

Hit me!

These can go on the shelves.

Okay.

It's rare to see you so lost in thought.

Are you thinking of

Young Master Li or Lord Yan?

Of course I'm thinking of...

you, Eldest Sister.

Do you think marriage is

some kind of joke?

Right now, be it Young Master Li or Lord Yan,

you have to make a choice.

Young Master Li comes from a prominent family

and has a pure heart.

He won't marry anyone but you.

What's holding you back?

He and I are on different paths.

What about Lord Yan?

Are you on the same path?

Yan Rui is an old fox.

I can't figure him out at all.

You got involved with Lord Yan

because of that estate incident.

Grandmother had no choice.

Now that Father's back,

you should pull out to protect yourself.

He's been driving up grain prices

and swindling army provisions throughout Hengtang.

He'll run into trouble sooner or later.

I'll get back to work.

The porridge is so watery.

How can we eat it?

You pervert the law!

Corrupt official!

How dare you, you unruly pleb!

Arrest him!

What are you doing?

Let me go!

Corrupt official!

Let me go!

Corrupt official!

Please don't be mad, My Lord.

Let me go!

My Lord,

to be honest,

these displaced victims

survive on this little relief grain day after day.

They're at their breaking point.

The county office is also running out of grain.

I didn't expect there to be so many disaster victims.

Yes, indeed.

No doubt, the grain is insufficient.

We need to collect more.

My Lord,

if we collect more,

the grain price will likely go up again.

It's even better if it goes up.

Hengtang's been hit so hard by this disaster;

the relief grain is nowhere near enough.

We'll have to collect sooner or later.

Think about it, Lord Wei.

As long as we have the grain,

the higher the price,

the higher we can sell it to the imperial court.

Both inside and out,

there's a lot of money to be made here.

You're absolutely right, My Lord.

But there is one thing I don't get.

Where should we get the money for collecting grain?

The imperial court.

The relief silver allocated by the court is on the way.

When the time comes, we'll split the grain

and the money equally.

The grain is in our hands,

and so is the money.

Please forgive my slow brain.

That's why you've been checking the army provisions everywhere

since you arrived in Hengtang.

Your Lordship

is truly a brilliant strategist

with great foresight.

So, Lord Wei,

please pay extra attention

to the relief grain.

It's an honor to share your burdens.

I'd gladly lay down my life for you, My Lord!

Good.

By the way,

I've decided that the grain collection

will be on the eighth of next month.

Noted.

Take care, My Lord.

That's a risky move you're making.

Holding out until the supplies come is easy.

The hard part is keeping control

and dealing with their inevitable retaliation.

It is risky.

So we must have enough troops

to ensure that nothing goes wrong.

Where will you get the troops?

You mean,

after the case was concluded,

Yan Rui hasn't made any moves?

That's right, My Lord.

Please have a look at

this bowl of Purple Bamboo Shoot Tea I've whisked.

Isn't it vibrant and aromatic?

No wonder the Tea Sage, Lu Yu, called it

the crown jewel of all teas.

Please enjoy, My Lord.

It's only been a few days,

and you've suddenly become so cultured.

Well, your sudden visit

couldn't be just to whisk a bowl of tea for me.

You're mistaken, My Lord.

In just a few days since you got back,

you've made Yan Rui move out of the Xie Residence

and drop the grain swap investigation.

What absolute genius

and incredible foresight.

This bowl isn't just tea.

It is a show of my

admiration and respect for you.

Elegance cannot be learned.

Do you know this tea has another name

called Jicheng?

"Ji" as in "urgent,"

and "cheng" as in "journey."

It means

this tea is very urgent.

Since the tea leaves leave the tea tree,

every extra moment of delay

reduces its freshness.

So, while you appear to be elegantly whisking the tea

at your own pace,

you are, in fact, ruining it.

You seem to be

implying something.

I'm dull-witted.

Please speak plainly.

I wouldn't dare.

I just think

things are

in reverse.

All thanks to your care,

my son survived this disaster.

I should be the one toasting you

with this bowl of tea.

My dear lord,

everything I've done was

purely for the agenda of the person who pulls the strings.

Second Young Master aside,

you and I are like fish in this water.

If one fish suffers,

the whole school perishes.

It's not enough that you ruined the good tea.

Now you're harming my fish.

Let's get down to business.

The grain swap matter,

I've settled it for you.

But Yan Rui is too unpredictable

[Ledger] [1st Month of the 8th Year of Jingxi]

[Ledger] [20 grain-transport boats; 3,000 dan collected]

a person.

If he stirs up trouble again,

you'd better hold onto your sedan chair.

I can't help with everything.

[7 water ships borrowed from the Xies, not officially registered]

Have you forgotten?

Who granted me this sedan chair,

and who is carrying it for me?

Ultimately,

Yan Rui is still after fame and fortune.

He wants to use disaster relief as an excuse

to earn political merit

and then make a windfall.

In that case,

we should play along

and help him secure the grain.

Once the money and grain are in our hands,

we can eliminate him without getting

our hands dirty.

Then we'll submit a petition to His Majesty against him,

pushing all the blame

onto him alone.

By then,

My Lord,

you and I will

both be worry-free.

Where'd we get so much grain?

Looks like

we'll have to put on a good show.

Yum!

It's delicious.

This plum blossom pastry

not only nourishes the skin and enhances beauty

but also really smells like plum blossoms.

This four-herb lotus seed cake is also quite exquisite.

Its subtle, pleasant sweetness perfectly

complements its therapeutic benefits of

soothing the mind, strengthening the spleen,

and dispelling body dampness.

Have a taste.

Sure.

I hope our herbal snacks

will be crowd-pleasers,

so our efforts won't be in vain.

Don't worry, Qingyuan.

Such tasty snacks will

definitely sell well.

They're so good.

Good thing we're opening a shop.

Otherwise,

I'd polish off everything.

-Have some more. -My Lady.

A guest outside

wants to see you.

Army Inspector of the Northern Frontier,

I, the fourth daughter of the Hengtang Xie family,

pay my respects to Your Lordship.

So you are the Fourth Lady,

Xie Qingyuan.

Since you know my name,

you must be no stranger to the Xie family.

Grandmother gave us this shop

to practice with.

I stayed a bit late today.

Since we're fated to meet,

why don't you

come in and try our snacks?

My son insists on marrying you.

So I came

specially to see

what kind of woman you are.

You're easy on the eyes,

but not particularly special.

I'm curious.

You're a lady of noble birth,

yet you show your face in the streets

and engage in petty commerce.

What kind of spell

did you put on my son?

My Lord,

if you're visiting our snack shop

for tea and snacks,

please deign to step out of your sedan

and come in to taste them.

We will host you well.

If you're only here to act superior

and heap scorn and insult on me,

then I'm sorry,

but our measly shop

is too insignificant

to host a distinguished guest like you.

Sharp-tongued

philistine.

A marriage between you and my son

is absolutely blasphemous.

Let's head home.

Take care, My Lord.

Qingyuan,

that was the Marquis of Danyang.

He wields massive military power

and has a twisted personality.

Why'd you provoke him?

I can't worry about that right now.

I need you to do me a favor.

Let's eat.

Congxin.

Congxin!

Alright. Come on.

There are tons of great ladies around.

Why fixate on one woman?

Isn't Qingru a catch too?

And you.

How could you be so mean

to the woman our son likes?

My Lady—

Your fuse is getting shorter and shorter.

My Lady!

When you came begging my family

for my hand in marriage when you were younger,

weren't you just like this?

Is it really that difficult to

put yourself in our boy's shoes?

-My Lady. -Be more understanding.

No matter what,

that woman cannot

cross the threshold of our household.

I'm done eating.

I'm full too.

You father and son are unbelievable!

One is more stubborn than the other!

I'm done eating too!

Who needs a family

like this anyway!

My Lord.

Young Master.

Madam.

Miss Qingyuan had someone

bring a box of herbal snacks.

How exquisite.

She's so thoughtful.

It's delicious.

My Lord,

they're really well made.

Count me out.

Come here.

Come on. Try it.

It's hot.

Delicious, right?

Mm, yes. Delicious.

I knew

you must still be thinking of me.

How about

the two of you

meet each other halfway?

My Lady,

I'm fine.

That's better.

Don't just look at it.

Eat up.

It's delicious.

By the way, Madam,

Miss Qingyuan also said

these snacks are an apology to the marquis.

What a sweet girl.

Grandmother.

Let me have a taste.

Mother.

So pretty.

Really good.

Delicious.

Sweet but not cloying,

soft and tasty,

and even good for your health.

Qingyuan's shop will

surely be a success.

Opening this shop

is a good thing,

but Qingyuan is not yet married.

Doing everything herself

must be exhausting.

Constantly being in the public eye

will inevitably invite gossip.

Why not get someone in the residence

to manage it for you

and share your burden?

It wasn't easy for Qingyuan to get this shop

up and running.

Of course it wasn't easy.

Regardless, it's still inappropriate for a lady

to always show her face

in public.

What is more crucial for a lady

than a blessed and smooth marriage?

Alright.

The girl is grown up

and has her own ideas.

Let her do what she wants to do.

It's not as if a lady from the Xie family...

would ever struggle to find a husband.

Mother,

you're spoiling Qingyuan too much.

I actually think our household

is doing much better than before.

In terms of management,

you should learn from Mei Yinghua.

You're right, Mother.

I have a lot to learn.

I'll look to seek advice from Concubine Mei.

But Mother,

because of Zhengjun's matter,

the Xie family was besieged,

causing quite a stir outside.

Although the incident has passed,

I can't help...

but feel sorry for Eldest Lady.

Not one person from

the Founding Count's household has shown up since.

It wouldn't look good

if word got out that she is

working in the shop.

The Founding Count's household values Eldest Sister.

Preparing for

a perfect wedding

naturally takes time.

Fret not about my little shop, First Madam.

You're busy as it is,

what with all the household affairs.

Sure.

As long as you know what you're doing.

I trust that you will

evaluate the priorities

and make mindful choices.

Your shop is a small matter...

but your eldest sister's marriage

is a big deal.

Enough talk.

Let's all taste what Qingyuan made.

Qingyuan,

since you've decided on it,

commit and do it well.

I understand.

Dear locals and distinguished guests,

[Yunji Snacks]

our Yunji Snacks

is officially open!

Our original snacks are

uniquely handcrafted

by combining traditional Chinese herbal formulas

[Cherokee Rosehip & Jade Dew Ball] [Coix Seed & Poria Cake]

with various culinary techniques.

With 36 distinct herbal snacks,

there's surely something for everyone.

Next,

please follow me into the shop to make your pick.

So many kinds!

I didn't expect our herbal snacks

to be so popular.

It's a pity that we're both unmarried

and have to miss out on the fun.

What kind of pointless rule is that?

If you want to go,

I'll go with you.

Madam Pei has arrived!

Contrary to Concubine Lian's worries

that Madam Pei would waver about your marriage

because Xie Residence was besieged,

Madam Pei has come here in person.

But why are you hiding instead?

I'm not ready yet.

Are you afraid that Madam Pei

is here to break off the engagement?

I doubt that's the case.

To break off the engagement,

a letter would be enough.

Madam Pei coming here in person

means that things have taken a turn for the better.

Don't be scared.

I'll go with you.

How ingenious of the women of the Xie family

to come up with such a brilliant idea.

Madam Pei.

Let's go.

The business is booming, huh?

I almost couldn't spot you.

Greetings, Madam Pei.

Madam Pei,

long time no see.

Come,

let me have a look at you.

My wonderful daughter-in-law.

It's been a while, and you've

become even more beautiful.

Come,

shop with me.

Let's pick some snacks.

We're going to be family soon.

Don't be so formal around me.

Got it, Madam Pei.

You know what?

Your business sure is booming.

Why are you here?

It's your opening day.

How could I not come and show support?

Is my tiny shop

befitting of your attention?

With your financial power,

you could buy out my shop in a flash.

You're getting sweeter and sweeter with your words.

I wonder if Young Master Li knows.

If you want to ask about the progress

of the task you gave me,

just get to the point.

Why beat around the bush?

I see.

Judging from your reaction,

I take it the task hasn't been completed yet.

What,

are you going to make me

wait until you and Young Master Li have a child?

Qingyuan!

Qingyuan.

Qingyuan!

Qingyuan.

Young Master Li.

Chunzhi heard that you opened today.

He insisted on coming,

saying that not even the end of times could stop him.

Qingyuan,

I'm here to deliver an invitation.

My parents would like to invite you to watch an opera.

[From the Marquis of Danyang family]

The marquis?

The marquis rarely sees outsiders.

Today he's actually inviting you to an opera.

Do I hear some wedding bells ringing?

Lord Yan, a lot of free time lately?

You are everywhere.

Of course.

Good thing I'm here,

or I'd have missed out on this joyous event.

You aren't invited to the opera.

That's not joyous.

However,

when Fourth Lady and I get married,

I can invite you for a drink

and share some of my good luck with you.

Is the banquet already booked?

Why aren't I aware?

Fourth Lady, are you aware of it?

Lord Yan, you don't have to worry about this.

Fourth Lady's heart and my heart are

perfectly in tune.

Marriage is a major event

decided by one's parents.

Please stop putting my sister on the spot.

Yes,

that's right.

It's not up to me anyway.

Please, Your Lordships,

enough teasing me.

It's Yunji Snacks' opening day.

Pick whatever

you want.

It's on me. How does that sound?

Qingyuan,

can you recommend some snacks for me?

Have a seat.

This is

our notoginseng sticky rice cake.

Notoginseng stops bleeding and disperses blood stasis.

Sticky rice flushes out toxins and reduces swelling.

♪ Spring comes to the long gate, green grass sprouts ♪

♪ Red plums bear dewdrops, bright and serene ♪

Eldest Brother, you're upright,

and Second Brother did nothing wrong to get hurt.

Since we're like-minded, it only makes sense

♪ Year by year, time drifts along ♪

to get closer.

♪ Warmth and chill of mortal meet and part ♪

Thank you, Qingyuan.

♪ No need to heed the wind's soft whisper and ask about your return ♪

Chunzhi,

let's go.

We've bought the snacks

and delivered the invitation.

We shouldn't keep Mr. Lanshan waiting.

♪ Wild geese soar through deep clouds, waiting for the moon to rest ♪

Qingyuan,

see you at the southern opera.

♪ Old memories lie heavy, haunting every dream ♪

As you saw,

♪ Rises and falls take turns ♪

I've gotten the invitation from Marquis of Danyang.

Which means I've completed

♪ Phases of the moon, unplanned to wax and wane ♪

half of what you asked me to do.

Yes,

the task I entrusted to you is half done.

But isn't your blessed big day

halfway here as well?

I'm blessed to be able

to share your burden.

The silly look on your face

really resembles a harmless little rabbit.

Unfortunately,

someone is about to bark up the wrong tree.

What do you mean by that?

I thought

you were just good at taming horses.

To think you're also good at taming people.

Even the most capable heroes couldn't get an audience

with the marquis,

yet you received an invitation

in just a few days.

Don't you think the marquis's son deserves huge credit?

Strange.

Why do you smell

so sour today?

Did someone

spill vinegar all over you?

I'm just happy.

I'm happy that I, the fox,

didn't capture a little rabbit,

but a veritable immortal with profound cultivation.

It was just a joke.

The way you reacted,

you might just have let your true feelings slip.

Since I'm a weapon

who is valuable to you,

shouldn't you take good care of me?

Otherwise, it'll be a pity.

♪ If the wind softly whispers your name ♪

Then you should be careful.

Don't show your true form so soon.

♪ If my heart softly hears your voice ♪

♪ I'm still here, holding on to our memories ♪

What's wrong?

Are you scared?

♪ Quietly waiting in the passage of time for a reply ♪

As for what you asked,

I'll get it done

♪ Listening to every word, every line, everything about you ♪

within 3 days.

Speaking of which, have you fulfilled

my request?

Where is Cui'er?

♪ Your gentle breath, the traces left by longing ♪

In your big shop, I wonder if

you have my favorite perilla candy.

♪ No sight could ever compare to you, forever in my heart ♪

You can have

whatever you like.

♪ My every joy and sorrow has become part of your journey ♪

Hopefully it isn't poisonous this time.

My Lord,

♪ A lifetime, devoted only to you ♪

have you found Cui'er or not?

♪ Giving you all the love in my heart ♪

Alright.

When you fulfill your end of the promise,

I'll take you to the person you want to see.

♪ Our paths have never truly parted ♪

Goodbye.

Delicious.

Slow down on the snacks.

Do you really think that girl cares about your recovery?

Mother,

this is quite tasty.

The main thing is that after eating it,

my butt doesn't hurt as much.

[Notoginseng Sticky Rice Cake]

This is an opportunity.

What opportunity?

I could

do First Madam a favor

and have someone look into Qingyuan's snack shop.

I just don't believe

that you can

polish a turd.

Old Madam.

The Marquis of Danyang household had a bit of a slip-up.

The invitation meant for our family

wasn't sent to our residence.

Instead, it ended up in Qingyuan's hands.

Fortunately,

the nanny found out early,

so I could get to the bottom of it.

[From the Marquis of Danyang family, respectfully presented to the Xie family]

Marquis of Danyang's family

never hosts guests.

I don't know whether to celebrate or worry

about this sudden invitation.

[From the Marquis of Danyang family, respectfully presented to the Xie family]

Mother,

the Marchioness of Danyang is the host,

and their son will be present.

They invited our family's children

and the young ladies.

The opera must be an excuse to discuss marriage.

It's a cause for celebration.

At my age,

do I need you

to remind me about such things?

Right.

Qingyuan,

tell me the truth.

Do you have feelings for

the marquis's son?

Mother,

I didn't grow up in a noble family,

but I do know the importance of gratitude.

I'm taken care of by you in this home.

As your daughter,

of course I want what's best for you.

Therefore,

I won't touch the man

Second Sister is in love with.

That is one reason.

The second being...

that I have someone else I love.

So how could I

have any feelings for the marquis's son?

Child,

who is the person you love?

What's there

to be confused about?

Who else could it be?

Qingyuan,

do you really have

zero feelings for the marquis's son?

If so,

you don't have to go to

tomorrow's southern opera.

Stay at home.

You can help me massage my legs.

Yes, Old Madam hasn't been feeling well.

It'd be great if you stay

and nurse her back to health.

Yes,

I'm willing to stay home and serve you, Grandmother.

Is that so?

Then it's settled.

Yan Rui is nothing but a short-lived nuisance

who won't last long.

He's even made an enemy of our Xie family.

Are you really willing to give up

the marquis's son for him?

I...

I...

Even if the marquis's son is fond of me,

how could I dare to compete with Second Sister?

The mascot

and the blood-written poem...

were that girl's scheme?

You haven't been with our family

for long,

and I haven't had the chance to

pass any wisdom down to you.

Today, allow me to tell you

about your father.

Twenty years ago,

Shu was

just a petty official.

He got to where he is today

not by keeping the peace

and always yielding,

but by

fighting his way through a situation

with wolves at the front and tigers at the back.

He fought with tigers and snakes.

He snatched food from wolves.

He climbed the political ladder the hard way,

navigating a bloody

and brutal competition.

Sailing against the current,

you fall back if you don't advance.

Now that you're a part of the Xie family,

you should know that we're different from those centuries-old noble families.

Our family fought hard to get where we are today.

The only way to

eliminate disrespect

is to fight back.