Original subtitles

[Spring of The Blade]

[Episode 5]

My Lord.

These are the clothes you asked me to buy

for Fourth Lady.

Send them over.

Impressive, My Lord.

You could tell Fourth Lady's measurements just by looking at her.

I misspoke.

Please forgive me, My Lord.

I'll send them over right away.

My Lord.

The Xie Residence

sent this over in the middle of the night.

Read it.

"Respectfully addressed to Lord Yan.

The chill of early spring seeps through the curtains,

and the night rain shows no sign of letting up.

Our Fourth Lady is still weak from her recent injuries

and may not be able to make the journey home.

We humbly ask that she be allowed to spend the night at your residence

to shelter from the cold.

We hear that a newly blossomed plum branch

has appeared in the courtyard there,

its buds glistening with dew.

It would be most fitting

in the celadon vase by your bedside.

We'd be grateful if Your Lordship could look after her for the night."

The Xie family sure is generous.

Qinghe.

You must copy these sutras carefully.

I just don't understand what Old Madam was thinking.

Why would she betroth Qingyuan

to Lord Yan?

Mother.

What did you just say?

Did you just say

that Qingyuan would be betrothed

to Yan Rui?

Stop right there.

Where are you going?

You haven't even finished copying the sutras

Old Madam asked you to copy yet.

Mother!

Fourth Sister is about to be thrown into the lion's den!

How much longer are you going to pretend you don't see what's happening?

If it weren't to protect me,

she wouldn't have crossed Second Sister and Third Sister,

and she wouldn't have had to take all the blame herself.

-Then she wouldn't... -Enough!

More than a decade ago,

when Fourth Madam was driven out of the residence,

I fought it every step of the way,

just as you're doing now.

And how did that go?

Did it do any good?

Did it change anything?

So this time, there's no need to even put up a fight,

and we'll just let this be the end for Fourth Sister?

Qinghe!

Qinghe!

Old Madam personally sent someone to deliver the betrothal letter.

It's already a done deal!

You look really beautiful

in this outfit.

Is that so?

Which girl was this meant for, Lord Yan?

Do you like it?

No need for the medicine.

Thank you, Lord Yan.

Sit down.

Let me see.

What are you trying to do?

I'd never take advantage of someone in distress.

Or is it because you think this scar is unsightly

and don't want anyone to see it?

If it hurts,

you can hold on tighter.

I would't mind.

Don't move.

Did you have to go that far with playing the victim?

Thank goodness you didn't damage any meridians.

Otherwise,

you could've lost

the use of this hand for good.

At least I won my bet.

I'll be leaving then.

Tomorrow, I'll have these clothes washed and...

Stop right there.

Xie Qingyuan.

So eager to settle accounts with me and be done with it?

Then tomorrow, I'll have Granny Chen

send over some more osmanthus candy

and medicinal dishes

to make up for the cost of this garment.

Alright.

But you're not leaving today.

Mother.

Let's go plead with Old Madam, okay?

Please!

She's a daughter of the Xie family, after all!

I'm begging you!

It's precisely because

you're daughters of the Xie family that,

in Grandmother's eyes,

you must make sacrifices for the Xie family.

This is Qingyuan's fate,

just as it was her mother's

all those years ago.

This is Fourth Madam's fate,

Qingyuan's fate,

and even more so, the fate of the two of us.

Is there...

Is there really no other way

to save Fourth Sister?

No!

Because we're in no position to protect anyone else!

I have no authority over the household,

and you have no powerful husband to stand behind you.

How are we supposed to protect anyone?

I know

I've let Qingyuan down.

But what can I do?

Mother.

Mother,

get up.

Qinghe.

If you feel guilty toward Qingyuan,

then once she comes back from the Yan Residence,

let's treat her well.

All right?

All right.

Come on, get up.

Qinghe.

I know

you're upset

that Qingru threw away

your introductory gift,

but listen to me.

[Hanxiang Parlor]

You mustn't force your way into anything.

The Spring Banquet

is actually being held by the Founding Countess

to choose a bride for her heir.

At a time like this,

you mustn't stir up any more trouble.

As for

Qingrong and Young Master Pei,

their marriage

is already set in stone.

We

mustn't entertain any improper hopes either.

Do you understand?

Fourth Madam

used to teach me how to write.

She said

as long as I copy the sutras 108 times,

it would ward off misfortune for me.

But in this household,

where would we find a Buddha to save us?

Take it slow!

It's flying.

Hurry up.

Coming.

Spring is in full bloom

by Hongyao Bridge.

One branch split in two,

yet sharing one heart.

On the Shangsi Festival,

orchids are worn as adornments,

and peonies are offered as tokens of affection—

such elegant customs.

Madam Hu, your poem

fits the occasion perfectly.

[Madam Pei]

Our Lanshan is also at an age

when we should start thinking about his marriage.

I thought this festival

would be the perfect opportunity

to find him a suitable match.

Excellent.

Although our Third Lady

lost her mother at a young age,

she's always been raised under my name.

She's well-educated and well-mannered,

and I'm sure she'll be just what you have in mind.

Good.

Second Sister,

does this look good?

It's woven pretty well.

Yours is okay as well.

Today, these orchid knots

are meant to be given to the one you love,

in exchange for a peony.

Mine is for Chunzhi.

What do you think?

It's pretty.

That's her.

Look, that's her.

She's our Fourth Lady.

That's her.

She still has the nerve to show her face?

Madam Hu.

I heard

some rumors about your Fourth Lady last night.

Why didn't your family

set the record straight sooner?

As the Head Madam,

I failed to discipline her properly.

So this is the Xie family's Fourth Lady.

She's indeed beautiful.

Yes.

Fourth Sister.

Why are you so late?

Don't tell me you didn't sleep well after spending the night

at Lord Yan's residence.

"Orchids lush and fragrant,

their fragrance rising high."

I got held up by some family matters.

I can brush off idle gossip

from outsiders with a laugh,

but if even my own sisters

spread slander without a second thought,

don't you think you're disgracing yourselves as well?

And worse, of ruining the reputation of our Xie family's daughters?

You...

Today,

I'll teach you a proper lesson on behalf of the Xie family!

What are you doing?

Daughters of a prominent family,

slandering someone's good name with nothing but empty words—

and she's your own blood sister, no less.

-Lady Prefect. -Lady Prefect.

Lord Yan sent Fourth Lady to my residence yesterday.

If spending a single night there means her virtue is ruined,

then what does that make our Prefect's Residence?

Some filthy den of vice?

Please calm down, Your Ladyship.

My sisters are young

and spoke without thinking.

They overstepped their bounds.

I hope you will forgive them.

[Heir to the Founding Count, Pei Guanling, courtesy name Lanshan]

Ladies.

The Chuiwan match is about to begin.

Lady Prefect.

I've heard that back in the day, you could hit

9 out of 10 shots.

Could you treat us

to a demonstration today?

Oh, don't be silly.

Today

is for you young folks to have fun.

What business does an old woman like me have

getting involved?

Still, it wouldn't be the same without you

presiding as the judge.

It's Chunzhi!

Second Sister, wait for me.

Chunzhi!

Qingyuan,

come with me.

Yes.

Qinghe.

Your handkerchief.

Magnolias suit you beautifully.

Chunzhi!

[Heir to the Marquis of Danyang, Li Congxin, courtesy name Chunzhi]

Chunzhi!

Chunzhi!

Chunzhi!

Chunzhi!

Chunzhi!

That was so accurate! Amazing!

Chunzhi.

Chunzhi!

Chunzhi!

Chunzhi, are you tired?

Who said I wanted to marry Congxin?

[Li Congxin] [Xie Qingru]

Then why did you write his name

on your red ribbon?

That's because

he's the one I care about the most.

So it's him.

Li Congxin.

Chunzhi!

Why is Lord Yan still not here yet?

You haven't heard?

Lord Yan had a lady keeping him company last night.

He's probably forgotten all about us by now.

As they say, youth must have its fling.

Miss.

Miss.

Miss, please wait a moment.

You must be

the Fourth Sister the Xie family recently brought back.

Is that the girl you're talking about?

Fourth Lady?

I've heard quite a lot about you lately.

Is that so?

Then do you believe it, Young Master?

Look.

Now that you're standing here with me,

it won't be long

before these rumors

spread all over Hengtang.

This Fourth Lady of the Xie family is really something.

Last night she was all over Lord Yan,

and look at her now—

already chatting with Marquis of Danyang's son.

Is that so?

I don't care.

Last night she was still flirting with Lord Yan,

and today she's already throwing herself at Young Master Li.

Just like her mother—

always resorting to those seductive tricks.

Young Master, you made such a sharp turn and reined in your horse just now.

Quite the display of gallantry,

basking in everyone's admiration

and indulging yourself in the moment.

But have you ever considered

that you could cause the horse irreversible harm?

I can't help but wonder,

do you truly love horses, Young Master?

Lord Yan has arrived!

Lord Yan.

Greetings, Lord Yan.

Greetings, Lord Yan.

This Fourth Lady of the Xie family

certainly seems to be quite popular.

Even the Heir to the Marquis of Danyang seems to have taken a liking to her.

That young man

is the Marquis of Danyang's only son,

and he's always been something of a womanizer.

Nothing like you, Lord Yan—

young, accomplished,

and handsome as ever.

Indeed. Indeed.

Take your seats.

-Lord Yan, please. -Lord Yan, please.

Chunzhi.

Look.

What do you think of the orchid knot I made?

Is it pretty?

It's pretty.

So where's your peony?

Ignore her.

Fourth Sister.

Your Lord Yan is here.

Lord Yan,

you came quite late today.

Could it be that you lost track of time

with a beauty in your arms last night?

Well, I suppose I have

that courtesan from Zuixian Tavern to blame.

You certainly have fine taste, Lord Yan.

-That's right. -You have great taste.

That courtesan. Indeed.

The Chuiwan match is about to begin.

Could you do us the honor of checking the lots, Fourth Sister?

Chunzhi...

It's time to draw lots.

Time to draw lots.

Done.

My turn. My turn.

My turn. My turn.

My turn. My turn.

-Aren't you participating? -Mine's blank, too.

What a bummer.

-Let's go. -What a bummer.

-What a bore. -Let's go.

Why is mine blank, too?

Let's go.

Coming.

Hurry up.

Little fox—

got so many tricks up her sleeves.

My turn. My turn.

Why are they all blank?

Let's go. Come on.

Chunzhi,

we're on the same team.

Okay.

You two drew the same team too?

Then let's see who comes out on top.

Lord Yan, it seems you hold this Fourth Lady in high regard.

Why,

Magistrate Guo?

Do you know my mind so well?

I wouldn't dare.

I've heard that

the Founding Countess promised

as long as Young Master Pei wins this Chuiwan match,

he can marry the woman he loves.

I wonder if

he'll get what he wants today.

So that's what this is about.

The match begins!

[Team Red] [Team Blue]

Chunzhi.

Please.

Let's.

[Team Red] [Team Blue]

Chunzhi,

you can do it.

[Team Red] [Team Blue]

-Team Red scores! -Nice shot!

Nice shot!

[Team Red: 1] [Team Blue: 0]

My turn.

Nice shot!

Team Blue scores!

[Team Red: 1] [Team Blue: 1]

This is really fun.

Qingru,

go get it!

Chunzhi,

I'm a little nervous.

It's okay.

Don't be nervous.

This is so embarrassing.

Chunzhi, I'm not playing anymore.

It's okay.

How about this?

You watch me play,

and I'll teach you.

Okay then.

Come on.

I'm not very good at this.

It's okay.

I'll teach you.

First, hold it like this.

Swing it out.

Then twist your waist.

Give it a push.

And that's it.

Got it?

Give it a try.

Well done!

Team Blue scores!

How nice.

[Team Red: 1] [Team Blue: 2]

Qingru,

watch me.

See how I beat him.

You can do it.

Here it comes.

Go!

Chunzhi, you're amazing!

Team Red scores!

[Team Red: 2] [Team Blue: 2]

I'm feeling unwell.

If you win the Chuiwan match,

you can decide who you want to marry yourself.

Are you okay?

I'm fine. Let's do it.

Then for the last ball,

you go ahead and tee off.

Come on then.

Tie!

Halftime break!

It's okay.

There's still the next round.

Chunzhi,

show me how to play again.

Alright, then...

Come here, I'll teach you.

Raise it

and swing forward.

Lanshan,

are you okay?

I'm fine.

Is he okay?

He said he's fine.

Eldest Sister.

Fourth Sister.

What should I do?

I don't think I can do this.

Madam Pei left again.

Eldest Sister.

Be patient.

Looking at the way things stand,

I'm afraid that even if Young Master Pei

is clever and resourceful,

it may still be hard for him to turn the game around.

Someone!

I bet 50 taels

on Young Master Li to win.

His Lordship the Prefectural Judge bets 50 taels

on Young Master Li to win!

What if Young Master Pei

has someone lending him a hand?

I can't do anything right.

I don't have the right to choose my own path.

Eldest Sister.

Do you trust me?

Lord Yan,

are you saying you want to bet on Young Master Pei?

Come here.

Lord Yan

places a hefty bet of 500 taels

on Young Master Pei to win.

Lord Yan

places a hefty bet of 500 taels

on Young Master Pei to win!

Lord Yan, you're truly generous.

That's right.

The higher you raise it, the farther the ball will fly.

Yes, just like this.

Not bad.

Alright, watch me play.

Just push it like this.

The weather is so nice today.

What were you chatting about

with Young Master Li just now, lady?

I believe it's none of your business.

Let's get ready.

The second half begins!

Nice shot!

Team Red scores!

Nice shot! Brilliant!

You are amazing, Chunzhi!

[Team Red: 3] [Team Blue: 2]

My turn.

Come on.

As for Qingrong

and Young Master Pei,

their marriage

is already set in stone.

We

mustn't entertain any improper hopes either.

Eldest Sister.

Are you really willing

to be a discarded pawn?

Hold on!

We concede defeat.

Why?

Then I will choose

this path myself.

They concede defeat?

They're actually conceding defeat.

Then wouldn't Lord Yan's bet...

500 taels.

What a shame. What a shame.

Your hand's injured. Why didn't you say so?

Truth be told,

when it comes to young people's affairs,

it's best to let them do as they please and be happy.

Pei,

it's just a game.

Why play while injured?

It's nothing.

Let's continue.

Girls really are more attentive.

You,

on the other hand, just love to act tough.

Please forgive me, Madam.

It's my fault that Young Master Pei lost the match.

Eldest Lady,

may I have a look at your orchid knot?

Eldest Lady.

♪ If the wind softly whispers your name ♪

♪ If my heart softly hears your voice ♪

As for your mother,

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

I'll figure something out.

Thank you, Madam.

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

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

♪ Your gentle breath, the traces left by longing ♪

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

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

From the way

he swung the club just now,

I could tell he has an old injury in his right arm.

If you trust me,

♪ A lifetime, devoted only to you ♪

concede the next round

voluntarily.

♪ Giving you all the love in my heart ♪

How can I do that?

Young Master Pei has always been fiercely competitive.

He'd never agree to concede.

♪ Our paths have never truly parted ♪

If you trust me,

I'd never lead you astray.

In this next round,

the only way to win is to concede.

Today's match was truly full of twists and turns.

What a clever scheme, Fourth Lady.

I don't feel wronged at all

for losing these 500 taels.

Lord Yan, you're making a fortune every day here in Hengtang.

What's a mere 500 taels to you?

Alright.

Then I'll have to trouble you, Eldest Lady Xie,

to take our Lanshan

to see a doctor.

His mother often tells me

that when he was little, he was terrified of needles.

Whenever he had to get a shot,

he'd be as scared as a mouse.

Keep an eye on him for me

and don't let him wriggle out of it.

Yes, Madam.

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

Everyone.

Now that the Chuiwan match is over,

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

young ladies and young masters,

you may now give the orchid knots and peonies in your hands

to the ones

you love.

♪ A lifetime, devoted only to you ♪

♪ Giving you all the love in my heart ♪

♪ Our paths have never truly parted ♪

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

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

How about

♪ A lifetime, devoted only to you ♪

giving your orchid knot to me?

♪ Giving you all the love in my heart ♪

Lord Yan.

♪ Our paths have never truly parted ♪

You mean this?

Sorry,

I can't give it to you.

Fourth Sister!

Fourth Sister.

Fourth Sister.

Can you give your orchid knot to me?

Well...

What are you looking for?

When did he steal my orchid knot?

Fourth Sister.

For you.

Chunzhi,

how could you give your peony to her?

She was just all over Lord Yan

a moment ago.

Yan Rui!

You...

You...

Yan Rui,

what right do you have to make decisions for others?

And?

Young Master!

There are so many people here.

Don't let your emotions get the better of you.

Chunzhi,

let's go.

Chunzhi,

we agreed to go play Madiao cards together.

Come on, let's go.

Fourth Sister.

Are you coming with us?

Thank you, Young Master Pei.

It's getting late.

Your mother must be waiting for you.

Please head home first.

And what about you?

I have important matters to discuss with Lord Yan.

I'll return once we're finished.

Chunzhi, come on.

Let's go.