Original subtitles

(The Lament of Autumn)

(Episode 5)

Please.

-Take care, Fifth Young Master Yu. -Take care, Fifth Young Master Yu.

Let's go.

Where did they go last night?

Do you even need to ask?

Only Fifth Young Master Yu could pull that off.

Second Young Lady Tao.

Second Young Lady Tao.

Why are you crying?

You two talk.

I'll wait for you in the car.

Is this about Fifth Young Master Yu?

Come.

Let's talk over here.

Don't you think Fifth Young Master Yu's been acting strange?

In the end,

it's all because of you.

Just say what you want to say.

Okay.

Look,

girls like Miss Ye,

who are unpretentious

and obedient,

are the best at capturing a man's heart.

What do you mean?

Asking me to be submissive?

I could never do that.

That's not what I mean.

It comes in many forms.

For example,

catering to his interests.

That's a higher form of tenderness.

Make the man believe

that you are the woman

who understands him better than anyone in the world.

Look,

at Fifth Young Master Yu's birthday party yesterday,

he said he liked

Miss Ye's gift the most.

Actually, he didn't like

anyone's gift.

Think about the Yu family—

vast fortune, great power.

What good things doesn't he have?

But,

if there's something

that truly touches his heart,

the effect will definitely be different.

Then tell me,

what kind of gift

can touch his heart?

I have to think about this.

What could it be?

There really is one thing.

He really likes it,

but it hasn't been realized yet.

Tell me quickly.

I-I also happened to hear

him mention it in passing.

He thinks this place is too small.

He wants to build

a far more luxurious racecourse,

ten times the size of this one.

Somewhere like Shuangqiao Town,

Yanxi Lake,

or Changping Mountain.

Push harder, we're almost there.

Move!

Move away!

The soldiers are coming. Make way.

Mother!

Hurry up.

Commander-in-Chief Yu is waiting for me.

Hya! Hya!

Hya!

-Hya! -Hya!

-Hya! -Hya!

(Nanhuai Army Headquarters)

Third Master Cheng has convened (Nanhuai Army Headquarters)

a multi‑province alliance conference in Huaijing.

Soon we will know

whether he or Premier Rui

(Yu) whether he or Premier Rui (Yu)

will take control of the Presidential Palace. (Yu)

(Yu)

The date for our allied forces (Yu)

with Military Governor Chu has been set. (Yu)

We will fully support Third Master Cheng.

But

Military Governor Chu is deploying

our Yu Army's

elite Ninth Army for this mission.

Since it's already decided,

let's just do our best.

Commander.

Brigade Commander Feng has arrived.

(Yu)

Zhongquan!

(Yu) Feng the Bold. (Yu)

Feng the Bold.

Zhongquan.

-I've been waiting for you. -I've missed you so much.

Long time no see. You look even more robust.

Bandits that others couldn't crack

in two or three years,

Brigade Commander Feng wiped them all out

in just half a year.

You've worked hard and achieved a lot. Zhongquan.

Guess

what good stuff

I brought you.

What? Look.

Top-grade Fenjiu.

Good stuff.

Tonight let's drink until we drop.

Okay. At my place,

-or here? -Brigade Commander Feng.

The Commander is having a meeting with us.

You people keep pestering my brother

with meeting after meeting.

I wonder,

can meetings and paperwork

pacify the realm?

If you were sent to the battlefield,

I think

you'd be so scared

that you'd shit your pants.

Feng the Bold.

Zhongquan.

This brother of mine, Feng,

has followed me for over twenty years,

through life and death.

His body bears countless scars and bullet wounds.

But he just can't get rid of

that bandit streak.

Please forgive him.

You should go change your clothes.

I can already smell a stench.

Let's go.

All right.

Our Fifth Young Master

is finally awake.

You didn't wake up even with such a loud noise.

You slept like a log.

Morning, Mother.

Changxuan, you are awake.

Try this freshly made walnut cake.

No military duties today?

You're making fun of me, Jinxuan.

Father only sent me

to gain experience with the Ninth Army.

Right now, no important matters

fall on my shoulders.

Going there is pointless.

For this birthday party,

you invited the Second Young Lady Tao.

How are things progressing

between you two?

Everyone I invited were just friends.

The Fifth Young Master's friends

are like actors putting on a grand show.

As one leaves the stage, another enters.

One is sent away,

and another is about to come.

Mother, you don't need to worry about him.

Look at Young Marshal Xiao

from Beixin.

He personally led the troops

and won the battle at Huyang Pass.

He even won with fewer troops,

taking Yuhua and Tonglin.

Three battles, three victories— his fame shakes the north.

Now look at yourself.

You are only a year or two younger than him,

yet the gap between you

is enormous.

It seems our sixth sister

has fallen for this guy

named Xiao.

Since you like him so much,

why don't we arrange a marriage

with the Xiao family?

That would be great.

But I heard

that within their residence

lives a young lady.

I wonder if he'd even fancy you.

Yu Changxuan.

You really know how to touch a sore spot.

Alright, alright.

Whenever you two meet,

you start bickering.

Changxuan.

If you

truly have feelings for Second Young Lady Tao,

it's better to settle it early.

(Huai Daily)

No wonder people say (Huai Daily)

(Huai Daily)

that any female relative (Huai Daily)

(Huai Daily)

loves to play matchmaker. (Huai Daily)

They can't stand the sight of a bachelor.

Sounds like

you haven't settled down yet.

Changxuan,

have you taken a fancy to some other girl?

Could it be

that she was right?

Early in the morning,

you sisters are so sharp-tongued. (Huai Daily) you sisters are so sharp-tongued.

you sisters are so sharp-tongued.

I'm leaving. Where are you going?

The staff department.

You're going to the staff department dressed like that?

Who are you fooling?

None of your business.

Then you'd better remind

your driver

not to accidentally drive to

some Xiangxi Hotel or Yuchun Troupe again.

We'd have quite the laugh then.

(Yuchun Theater)

Have you heard?

Feng Daya wiped out

over two thousand bandits in one fell swoop.

That old guy

is the toast of the army again.

The commander held a celebration for him yesterday.

My dad took me along too.

That guy is so arrogant.

My dad offered him a toast,

and he pretended not to see it.

Isn't he always like that?

Fortunately my father is wise, he did not even go.

Yesterday,

I went riding in Qingshui Town.

On the way back,

a crowd of refugees swarmed my car,

begging for food. I didn't bring any guards.

It scared me to death.

Are you still listening to the opera?

I have to say,

that little girl Ye Pingjun

has proven quite useful.

But you really should thank her properly.

She suffered a lot because of your mess.

What do you mean?

I just came from Master Jin's place.

I heard they are sending medicine over

for Ye Pingjun.

It seems

she's running a high fever and took leave.

If you hadn't kept her on that boat with you

the whole night,

would she have fallen ill, right?

Bravo!

Bravo!

Well sung!

(Voluntary Pledge: Ye Pingjun)

I will cooperate with you, (Voluntary Pledge: Ye Pingjun)

but our contract period (Voluntary Pledge: Ye Pingjun)

can't just be reduced by half a year.

After it's done,

you must return the contract to me.

Seven.

Eight.

Nine.

Ten.

She's just a little girl.

Hello.

Is this Ye Pingjun's house?

Yes, I'm her mother.

May I ask who you are?

Good day, Mrs. Ye. My surname is Yu.

I'm Pingjun's colleague.

I heard she was sick,

so I came to visit her.

Thank you for taking care of Pingjun.

It is only natural.

The boss instructed us—

these cordyceps and ginseng,

whether boiled or steeped in water,

can nourish the lungs.

I heard from Pingjun

that your lungs haven't been well.

You could drink some occasionally.

You are too kind.

But these gifts are too valuable.

We can't accept them.

Please take them back. It's okay.

Just a token of the boss's regards.

Pingjun.

Why are you here?

The boss is very concerned about

how you're doing with your illness,

so he sent me to pay a visit.

The boss is really thoughtful.

If he didn't like to cause trouble,

I wouldn't have gotten sick.

Watch your mouth.

Mr. Yu,

please don't mind her.

It's okay.

I appreciate Miss Ye's

straightforward personality.

I'd love to invite you to stay for tea,

but honestly,

we don't have any good tea to offer.

It's okay.

I happen to be a little thirsty.

Pingjun.

Go brew a cup of tea

for Mr. Yu. Quickly. No, I...

Go quickly.

Go.

Go.

Well,

Mr. Yu, please come in.

Come.

Please have a seat, Mr. Yu.

Thank you, Miss Ye.

Pingjun.

Sit down.

It's just that we're a humble household.

I'm afraid we can't host you well.

Mr. Yu, please have some tea.

Not at all.

I can tell your family is one of scholars.

You even sent Miss Ye

to Mingde Girls' School.

It's obvious that you place great importance

on your daughter's education.

So hypocritical.

Mrs. Ye.

I smelled something delicious as soon as I walked in.

Are you cooking?

Yes, it should be ready soon.

It's just a simple meal.

Mr. Yu, if you don't mind,

please stay

and join us for a casual meal.

With your busy schedule,

Mr. Yu,

I imagine you hardly have time to stay here.

What a coincidence.

I have no other engagements today.

I came specifically to see Miss Ye.

I never expected such a treat.

Thank you for having me.

Not at all.

It will be ready soon.

You—

think of an excuse now.

Say you can't stay for dinner.

Get out.

You're kicking me out?

Isn't it obvious?

Then it seems Miss Ye

doesn't want this anymore.

(Voluntary Pledge: Ye Pingjun)

(Apprentice or Trainee: Ye Pingjun)

I don't believe you'd be so kind.

I saw you were sick

and came specifically to bring it to you.

If you don't want it, I'll take it back.

I keep my word.

From today on,

Xiangxi Hotel has nothing to do with you.

Since I've got the agreement,

Fifth Young Master Yu,

please take your leave.

Pingjun, come help me serve the food.

Mrs. Ye, let me help you.

Uncle.

What brings

our little princess here today?

Uncle,

every time you see me,

you just make fun of me.

Tell me.

This time,

what good stuff have you set your eyes on

that you want me to buy for you?

Really, Uncle.

Can't I just miss you?

I even came all the way here to see you.

In that little head of yours,

I know exactly

what's going on.

I have watched you

grow into a young lady.

Actually,

I have come to ask you

for something.

Is it rubies, emeralds,

or a mink coat this time?

Neither.

I have my eye on your land

in Changping Mountain.

Changping Mountain?

That will be tricky.

I've already agreed

to sell it

to Tongbao Company.

An agreement is not yet a signed contract.

Just tell them

you're not selling it anymore.

Please say yes.

Uncle, uncle, uncle.

These are just some light dishes.

Mr. Yu,

please don't mind.

It's already quite a feast.

Besides,

only light food

can bring out its original flavor.

Then have a taste.

After you, Mrs. Ye.

Okay.

So delicate and delicious,

the flavor lingers on and on.

Mrs. Ye, you're such a great cook.

Eat more if you like it.

Then try that one.

That is... Mother,

let me serve you a bowl of soup.

Mr. Yu.

Actually, that one is also delicious.

It has glutinous rice on the outside,

with minced meat filling inside.

-Most importantly... -Mother.

Drink it while it's hot. Okay.

Then serve Mr. Yu

a bowl of soup too.

Thank you, Miss Ye.

Finish it and leave quickly.

No wonder my mother said

daughters are very caring.

Seeing the loving bond between you two

really warms my heart.

Pingjun is so close to you.

She must tell you everything, right?

Yes.

Pingjun and I have depended on each other since she was little.

Big or small,

she tells me everything.

By the way,

I still don't know

what made Pingjun fall ill.

I heard

she didn't come back all night.

Pingjun told me about this.

A few days ago, the costumes weren't ready,

and the troupe changed the program at the last minute.

They urgently needed the lyrics.

She had to work through the night.

That really wasn't easy.

She worked so hard.

This steamed bun smells so good.

What is it made of?

Is this your first time seeing this?

This is not a steamed bun.

It's a wotou, steamed from cornmeal.

Seeing Pingjun enjoy it so much,

I'd like to try one too.

Go ahead.

Mr. Yu, are you choking?

Quick, have some soup.

Feeling better?

Well, Fifth Young Master Yu?

Still choking?

What do you want to say?

What I want to say is,

since we are from different worlds,

it's better not to associate with each other.

But I actually think

experiencing new environments

and meeting new people

is quite interesting.

Today's conversation

has made me reluctant to part.

Since things between us

have been clearly settled,

I still hope you

can keep your promise

and stop disturbing my life.

Nanhuai City isn't big.

We will meet again.

Please don't.

Fifth Young Master Yu,

I still hope we can

go our separate ways,

and that there won't be

the slightest connection between us in the future.

Oh, I'm sorry, sir.

(To Ye Pingjun, personally)

For Ye Pingjun? (To Ye Pingjun, personally)

Look at the stamp.

It's from abroad.

This letter is from her fiancé,

Jiang Xueting.

They have exchanged letters for four full years,

one every fortnight,

never missing a single one.

Fiancé?

Don't mention you saw me.

Just deliver your letter.

(I am doing well in Japan, with no worries about food or lodging.)

(I get along with my classmates. Teachers also offer guidance and support.)

Pingjun.

What did Xueting say in his letter?

He said everything is fine

and you don't need to worry.

He also said he'll be back in autumn.

Really?

That's great.

Pingjun.

That Mr. Yu just now,

he must be quite an important figure, right?

That surname, Yu,

which Yu is it?

There aren't many people surnamed Yu in Nanhuai City.

The only one of note

is that family.

Could it be...

Yes.

It's the Yu you're thinking of.

How did you get involved

with the Yu family?

Mother, don't overthink it.

I was working

at Xiangxi Hotel before.

That's where I happened

to meet Fifth Young Master Yu.

Pingjun.

For humble families like ours,

what we seek in life

is stability

and peace of mind.

People like the Yu family,

we can't afford to provoke them.

It's best not to have

even the slightest connection,

or we'll bring trouble upon ourselves.

Mother, I understand.

Now that I've quit my job,

from now on,

I won't have anything to do with him.

Please don't worry.

(Opera World Tales)

(Melodies That Live On)

This letter was sent by her fiancé,

Jiang Xueting.

They have exchanged letters for four full years,

(Cloud high notes) They have exchanged letters for four full years, (Cloud high notes)

one every fortnight, (Cloud high notes)

never missing a single one. (Cloud high notes)

Since things between us

have been clearly settled,

I still hope

you can keep your promise

and stop disturbing my life.

Fifth Young Master.

Why

are you drinking alone?

Speak if you have business, otherwise get out.

I do, I do.

I have business, good news actually.

Look what this is.

Second Young Lady Tao's

belated birthday gift.

All the paperwork has been completed.

(Land‑Ownership Deed) All the paperwork has been completed.

(Land‑Ownership Deed) Starting from today, (Land‑Ownership Deed)

you are the owner of this land.

How about it?

(Seller: Tang Jiqiu) (Buyer: Yu Changxuan)

You...

Do you really just want to build a racecourse?

Guess.

I guess... I guess it's...

I won't guess.

(Resounding Arias)

(Yu Mansion)

Commander.

Look at your frown.

No more reading.

Soak your feet and relax.

Come.

(Allied Forces Route Map)

The allied forces matter involves many parties.

Didn't we agree?

No talking about business here.

If you bring up allied forces

or official documents again,

I'll ignore you.

Okay.

I won't.

That's right.

Nothing is more important

than letting you

have a peaceful sleep.

Here, this one.

There we go.

Take care.

(The actual route follows the Weiling Mountain path)

I knew you'd still be here.

Third Madam, this crabapple—

it's only been a few days since you took it from me,

and you're already sending it back?

Don't make fun of me.

It was fine yesterday,

but it wilted this morning.

Too much water.

The roots are suffocating

and can't breathe.

Good thing you brought it in time.

Leave it with me for now.

When it's recovered,

you can come get it.

Newspapers!

Newspapers for sale!

Let us cut to the chase.

You have obtained the land

at Changping Mountain.

Your goal is achieved.

From now on,

stop pestering Ziyi.

Why would you say that, Mr. Tao?

I genuinely want to be friends with Ziyi.

Everyone knows Fifth Young Master Yu

is a regular at pleasure houses and opera theatres.

Your sweet talk

might fool

my naive daughter,

but talking sincerity with me—

do you even have any?

Sincere or not,

words alone mean nothing.

Take a look at this first.

(Account Records) (Purpose: Special Military Procurement Fund) (Amount: 200,000 Silver Dollars)

(Account Records)

(Purpose: Ministry of Finance Temporary Revolving Fund) (Actual Use: Converted to USD and wired to Jincheng Bank)

(Account Records)

Where did you get this?

Where it came from doesn't matter.

What matters is

the same documents exist

in Mu Linsen's hands as well.

Mr. Tao, your business

has grown so much over the years,

so mistakes are inevitable.

But this Mu Linsen

has been secretly collecting

evidence that could cost you your life.

Do you think he intends to help you,

or to hold you at his mercy?

Yu Changxuan.

You're impressive.

I've underestimated you all along.

You flatter me, Mr. Tao.

You have helmed the financial world for decades.

I speak plainly today,

seeking long‑term cooperation.

Mu Linsen and I have been associates for years,

yet he still stabbed me in the back.

How can I trust you?

Friendships change.

Interests endure.

Dongze and Beihai,

the two largest docks,

will be fully managed by the Tao family.

All profits go to you.

As long as it's within the territory

under Yu Army's jurisdiction,

whether banks, docks,

or postal services,

the Tao family will have the highest priority

and the most favorable operating rights.

And this?

Take it.

You really understand mutual benefit.

From now on,

no matter how the Yu and Mu families clash,

you can balance both sides

and keep yourself out of trouble.

The younger generation is formidable.

However, there is one thing

that must be

the foundation of our cooperation.

Go ahead.

My daughter Ziyi

has been the apple of my eye

since she was a child.

She's never suffered any grievance.

You must not

let her down in the future.

Of course.

The Chu and Yu families have set

the date for the official allied forces.

Yu Zhongquan

will depart on schedule.

Which route will he take?

(Take the Weiling Mountain path)

Weiling Mountain path? (Take the Weiling Mountain path)

This old fox is indeed cautious,

taking a unique path.

Be careful.

Last time, Liao Dongfeng

took the fall for us.

Next time,

we might not be so lucky.

Don't worry.

Nothing will go wrong this time.

Second Young Lady.

When the servants told me,

I didn't believe it.

What brings Fifth Young Master Yu

to stand guard at my door today?

I came specially to thank you.

A bouquet of flowers and you think that's enough?

Do you know how much that land at Changping Mountain

is worth?

And with this?

Fifth Young Master Yu,

one moment "darling," the next "sweetheart."

Your gifts are quite simple,

either pearls or gems.

I picked this out especially for you.

You and your little lover

spent the night together on a boat,

just the two of you.

I won't let that go so easily.

How was it just the two of us?

Wasn't the boatman a person?

Sophistry.

You think a few words

can make me forgive you?

Forgive me?

The way you say that

sounds like you're already exercising

your rights as my girlfriend.

Forget it.

Fifth Young Master Yu,

one moment it's

a famous female star,

the next it's

a well-behaved schoolgirl,

and then it's

the White Snake and Green Snake on stage,

those clingy female demons.

I can't handle all that.

Second Young Lady Tao,

why belittle yourself?

Mayor Zhang's son

waltzes beautifully.

The bank director's nephew

studied abroad,

skilled at both piano and violin.

These men—

aren't they all your

devoted admirers?

All these young lords and gentlemen—

Second Young Lady Tao,

you handle them all very well.

You see,

I spend my days surrounded by women.

And you?

You spend your days surrounded by men.

Tell me, in this Nanhuai City,

is there a better match than us?

So you're saying

we are evenly matched?

We're two of a kind.

Oh no! Ambush!

(Yu)

Back up quickly!

Protect the Commander!

Commander!

Ruitong, why are you here?

Changxuan sent me to reinforce you.

Go quickly! I'll cover you.

Commander, come with me. Go!

Throw the grenades!

Commander,

Fifth Young Master is waiting for you in the tent.

Please.

Let's go.

Commander, please.

Brigade Commander Kuang,

please rest outside for a moment.

Ruitong.

Are you trying to stop me?

Fifth Young Master ordered:

No one enters

except the commander.

Bingwen,

wait for me here.

Father.

This is your favorite

Phoenix Dancong tea.

Changxuan.

I must thank you for saving me

and arranging everything so well.

It was Mu Linsen.

He arranged for people

to ambush you on the road today

and tried to kill you.

Son of a bitch.

How did you know?

There's one more thing

I'd like to ask you, Mr. Tao.

Mu Linsen tried to assassinate me

to obstruct the cooperation

between the Chu and Yu families.

But now,

the allied forces remain.

I want to know his next plan.

No wonder the land in Changping Mountain

went to you.

The racecourse

is just a cover for you

to win over Tao Xili.

Nothing escapes your eyes, Father.

What about those men

in black outside?

They are soldiers from the Cheng Army.

The Cheng Army?

They came from bandit roots,

always driven by profit.

They even fought with us over Dongshan Mountain.

Why would they help you?

I provided the intelligence,

and Yang Shiying of the Cheng Army provided the troops.

The two of us

hijacked the smuggled arms

of the Mu and Tao families.

We split them equally.

I did him such a huge favor.

In return,

he gave me some troops.

As long as interests align,

each side gets what it needs.

Whether it's the Cheng Army or the Northwest Army,

we can cooperate.

It seems

I've been a failure

as a father.

I've never

truly seen my own son clearly.

Tell me.

What is your purpose

in bringing me here?

First,

I hope you cancel the allied forces.

Cancel the allied forces?

Reason?

You agreed to the allied forces with Chu Wenfu

hoping to leverage his strength

to gain prominence before Third Master Cheng,

and thereby

enter the power core

of the central government.

Since you see it so clearly,

you should know

that this allied forces is imperative.

But what you don't realize is

that the seat in the central government

is nothing but an empty promise

from Chu Wenfu to you.

What makes you say that?

This is the Huai Mountain

operation plan

and the military reorganization plan

(Suijing Headquarters Draft) and the military reorganization plan (Huai Mountain Operation Plan)

written by Chu Wenfu for Third Master Cheng. (Huai Mountain Operation Plan)

Not a single word (Huai Mountain Operation Plan)

(Huai Mountain Operation Plan)

mentions the Yu Army. (Huai Mountain Operation Plan)

He's been deceiving superiors and subordinates alike,

pulling strings behind the scenes.

This way,

he can justifiably

mobilize our elite troops

and claim them as his own.

When the time comes, he will send you

to the front lines to charge into battle,

while he

hides behind the scenes

and reaps the rewards. (Military Reorganization Plan)

Chu Wenfu's puppet soldiers

cannot help you

realize your political ambitions.

Only by

growing our own flesh and blood

can the Yu Army avoid being crushed

and swallowed.

If I refuse to agree,

are you planning

to keep me here forever?

Yes.

This is the agreement to cancel the allied forces, (Nanhuai Army General Command Directive) This is the agreement to cancel the allied forces,

ordering all officers and soldiers to return to their original posts. (Nanhuai Army General Command Directive) This is the agreement to cancel the allied forces,

ordering all officers and soldiers to return to their original posts.

And this is

(Nanhuai Army General Command Directive) the appointment letter for the new commander of the Ninth Army. (Nanhuai Army General Command Directive)

(Letter of Appointment) the appointment letter for the new commander of the Ninth Army.

(Letter of Appointment)

Please, Commander-in-Chief.

Appointing Yu Changxuan as

the Ninth Army's

Commander.