Original subtitles

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by ❀ The Good and The Beauty Team ⚔ @Viki.com

It's done.

Fourth Master, our side has succeeded.

Good!

Good.

Do you know what this is called?

It's called karmic retribution.

My dear Third Brother.

He could cruelly ruin his own brother's future.

Then don't blame me for making him taste...

the agonizing pain of losing his beloved.

But, Fourth Master, that man surnamed Xie said they can't get out of the city.

They had no choice but to hide in the capital for now.

What?

That...

W-What else did he say?

He said...

Losing his beloved? Agonizing pain?

Third Uncle's beloved?

Everyone in the residence is still here.

Could it be Gu Jin Zhao?

For the next couple of days, don't do anything else.

Keep a close eye on Fourth Uncle.

No.

He won't show himself.

Keep a close eye on Chen Zhong. See what his next move is.

News from Mr. Jiang. The culprits' tracks have been found.

They're suspected to be heading toward the capital.

You're just keeping them locked in there?

With people passing by, what if someone finds out?

You don't understand. It's called hiding in plain sight.

Don't worry.

I've arranged for a slave trader to check the goods tomorrow morning.

Once she's in their hands,

they have plenty of ways to erase her traces.

Chen Yi, take my visiting card

to the Five City Command. Tell them I'll be there soon.

And go back home to get my seal. Quick!

Yes.

- Third Master. Are you going to... - Seal the city.

Since they are in the capital, then lock the city down tight.

Close the gates and search!

I'll take both of them.

Forty taels of silver. Not a penny more.

Follow them.

What are you doing? Let us go!

Mister, give me some water to drink.

You talk too much.

- Forget it then. - Sir, sir!

This is really too disgusting to eat. I can't swallow it.

How about this? Take this thing off my wrist.

Take it to a pawnshop. It's worth at least a hundred taels.

Look at what this is.

You've really made it.

Of course.

Wait. Seize this woman!

You... You...

What are you doing?

This pink pearl was brought back from the Western Sea.

There's only one in the whole capital.

Our Old Madam gave it to our Eldest Miss as part of her dowry.

Speak! How did it end up in your hands?

I...

I don't know.

Nanny. It's this young gentleman.

You may leave now.

I heard that you want someone who is beautiful,

literate, and from a good, respectable family.

I do have one like that.

However, it won't come cheap.

Name your price.

Two hundred taels it is.

Why are there only 150 taels here?

This jade pendant of mine is worth at least 50 taels.

But... you have to let me see her first.

Then, I'll give it to you.

You want to check her out first?

Fine. Then come with me.

She's right inside.

Let's go.

She's already been dosed with a drug.

That'll make it easier for you

to take her away on the road later.

The drug is harmless.

Move aside!

That's Third Uncle's voice.

Don't run!

Don't move.

It's all right now.

- Third Master. - It's all right.

I was so scared.

It's all right now.

It's all right now. It's all right.

How do you feel?

Third Master.

Jin Zhao!

Jin Zhao!

Stop!

Stop!

Don't pull me!

Get off me!

Die!

Die!

Young Master.

She saw our faces.

I know.

Young Master, don't be afraid.

It was Yun Ting who killed her.

Don't be afraid.

Don't be afraid, Young Master.

Gu Jin Zhao was kidnapped by thugs?

Yes. Lord Chen, in his desperation,

contacted the Five City Command and locked all the city gates.

Claiming he was hunting bandits, he searched every house.

In the end, she was found in a residence in the south city.

Gu Jin Zhao, this is the man you chose.

You, take a few men,

and go to the Five City Command with my warrant.

Bring back the culprits who kidnapped Gu Jin Zhao.

Tell them this case will be handled by the Mystic Flame Guard.

Yes.

Bring out the prisoner we arrested yesterday.

Yes.

My Lord.

You don't need to follow me.

Why aren't they back yet?

Hu Po, go check the gate.

Yes.

Mother, why don't we go back inside and wait?

Tell me. Isn't Old Third's wife too willful?

When a bride returns home, shouldn't it be to her paternal family?

But she insisted on visiting her maternal family.

Now, look! Something terrible happened!

Mother, please calm down.

Old Third's wife is indeed a bit willful.

But... she didn't know she would be kidnapped.

Fortunately, she was rescued. Right?

But still... she was missing for a day and a night.

Who knows what happened?

And she is a cabinet minister's wife.

There will surely be gossip going around.

That's exactly what I'm afraid of.

If people gossip about her, Old Third will be dragged into it, too.

Goodness!

- Master. - How is it?

They've all been arrested.

I took a shortcut to let you know.

Master, before Third Master finds out it was us, let's run away.

If we don't leave now, it'll be too late.

We're done for.

We're completely finished.

They're here! They're here! They're here!

Master, Third Sister-in-law is back. Let's go and see her.

You go ahead. I...

I need to go out for a while.

Go out? Where to?

Chen Zhong just brought news.

The Nanzhili Office is issuing two million salt licenses next month.

I must go there immediately.

Chen Zhong, get the carriage ready.

Yes, Fourth Master.

Wait, is it really that urgent?

Can't you leave tomorrow morning?

What do you know?

Mother, this...

This...

You should put me down. I can walk.

Mother, Jin Zhao was just frightened.

And she sprained her ankle. I'll take her back to her room first.

Head back to your room.

Yun Ting.

Young Master.

Don't you think... I'm like a joke?

How can they act like that?

Truly shameless.

Mother, Third Brother clearly did that on purpose.

On purpose?

Is all that scheming really necessary?

Gosh. A fine gentleman has been led astray.

About what happened today,

no one is allowed to mention it again. Understood?

Yes.

If anyone dares to gossip,

and I hear of it, there will be no trial.

Beat them to death on the spot.

- Yes. - Yes.

It's getting late. Everyone, you may leave now.

Sit up.

Let me help you with your shoes.

How are you feeling?

I'm sorry you had to suffer.

Since you were kidnapped this time, there's bound to be gossip.

I carried you in like this on purpose.

If anyone still refuses to take the hint,

then don't blame me for not warning them.

Third Master.

I'll be right back.

Miss, let me help you bathe.

Let Nanny Zhao do it.

Go back and rest now.

If you feel unwell anywhere, just tell me.

I'm fine. Don't worry.

Listen to her. Go back and rest.

I'll take care of her.

It's okay, Nanny Zhao. We'll do it together.

I have some urgent matters to handle.

Have them help you bathe, then get a good night's sleep.

Don't wait up for me. I'll be back soon. Okay?

I'll be right back.

Take good care of Madam.

Yes.

I clearly warned you.

But you did it again and again.

This time, you even went after your sister-in-law!

It's because I hate you!

Because I hate you.

Why?

Why? Just because I killed Old Fifth?

But I didn't know any better back then. I didn't know anything!

You're my elder brother. You could have guided me.

Why did you ruin my future?

I also put in years of studying, yet now I can only do menial chores.

Do you know how much I hate you?

So you do remember that you killed Old Fifth.

You deserve it!

I deserve it?

I deserve it?

Chen Yan Yun, you say I deserve it?

No. You're just jealous of me.

You're jealous that Mother always favored me.

That's why you ruined my life!

I won't let you live in peace either.

I want you to taste my pain.

A pain worse than death.

I could tell by the way you look at her.

I knew she was your Achilles' heel.

I wanted her to suffer.

I wanted to kidnap her. I wanted to sell her to a brothel.

I wanted the world to trample her!

Given your numerous crimes, exile of 3,000 li is completely justified.

Go to Shaanxi and find Second Brother.

I've already written to him about everything you have done.

He will deal with you.

Your son and wife are innocent.

The family will look after them.

Chen Yan Yun!

Chen Yan Yun.

Go and sleep in the study.

Are you mad at me?

Yes, I'm mad.

Leave now. I don't want to see you.

Don't talk to me. I'm going to sleep.

I'm not leaving.

If I leave, I'm afraid you won't let me come back.

You are a dignified cabinet minister. You're afraid of that?

That's right. A dignified cabinet minister fears nothing, except for this.

Where did you learn such sweet talk?

At Wenyuan Library?

I've learned quite a lot.

Fine, fine, fine.

I admit my mistake, all right?

Just now, I sent Fourth Brother to Shaanxi.

He likely won't be coming back.

Why?

He was the one who bribed the kidnappers to take you.

To get revenge on me, he put a lot of thought into it.

Why would he do that?

It's a long story.

Do you remember I had a fifth brother who passed away?

He drowned by accident at the age of six.

But many years later, I found out that it wasn't an accident.

He was pushed by Fourth Brother.

Because of that, I banned him from the imperial exams for life.

But at that time, he had passed the exam.

So he hated me to the bone.

If... I had known he would take his revenge out on you,

I would have...

You would have what?

I would have done worse.

But he has suddenly disappeared.

If Mother finds out, won't it be hard to explain?

We'll just tell the family

that Fourth Brother went to Shaanxi on business.

For the next few days, you should rest well.

No need to pay respects to Mother in the morning.

I'll just tell her you're feeling unwell.

You're making decisions on your own again.

Linxia House is opening soon.

I was thinking of going there tomorrow to check on it.

I know. You're worried

Mother and my sisters-in-law will pester me with questions.

But I have nothing to hide.

Rather than avoiding things, it's better to face them openly.

Fine. Tomorrow morning, I'll go with you to pay your respects to Mother.

I'll give her advance notice.

Otherwise, she won't let you out.

Don't do that.

That would make it seem like I'm using your influence to force her approval.

Then, even if she agrees to my face, she'll still resent me inside.

I'll handle it my own way.

Fine, fine, fine. Whatever you say, my lady.

It's getting late. So now, let's sleep. Okay?

Come on.

I can't believe Old Fourth. Leaving just like that.

What kind of business is so urgent?

It's a long journey, yet he didn't take anyone with him.

I said I'd go along to look after him, but he wouldn't allow it.

He said he's heading all the way to Yulin Pass, so it's too hard a journey.

Old Fourth must have learned from Old Third.

He's learned how to dote on his wife.

Old Third dotes on his wife a bit too much.

Third Madam is here.

Greetings, Mother.

Have a seat. Have you recovered?

Thank you for your concern, Mother. I am fine now.

Where is Old Third?

Early this morning, he went to Wenyuan Library.

He's back at Wenyuan Library to handle official business?

That's right.

Well, that's good news.

Now that Old Third has been reinstated as a cabinet member,

as his wife,

you must maintain proper decorum in everything you do.

Yes.

By the way, Mother...

The Linxia House under my name is preparing to reopen.

So I had the chefs make some new styles of pastries.

This morning, I had them delivered here.

I hope Mother, Second Sister-in-law, and everyone else will give them a try.

That's very thoughtful of you.

The pastries from Linxia House are naturally excellent.

However, just let the rest of us eat them.

Mother has always avoided sweets.

You're right. My grandmother already reminded me of this.

She said Mother has diabetes, and cannot eat sweets.

So these pastries were specially made.

A separate batch was made for Mother, and no sugar was added.

Licorice and dates were used to enhance the flavor.

I also had Mother's usual physician examine them.

He said these pastries are safe to eat.

That's why I brought them over.

It's kind of your grandmother to be so thoughtful.

Since they're made with such care, I must have a taste.

Not bad.

I'm glad you like them, Mother.

I have another humble request.

My shop, Linxia House, has been short-staffed.

I've heard that Mother's maternal family is a large clan.

If you could recommend a few people, it would be a great help to me.

Is that so?

Mother, please rest assured.

For anyone you recommend, I will ensure they are well-paid.

All right then. Tomorrow, I'll write them a letter.

- Third Sister-in-law is quite something. - I'll ask if there's anyone available.

She knows Mother dotes on her maternal family,

so she's using this method to win Mother's favor.

Third Daughter-in-law.

- She was kidnapped on her way home. - Since you'll be so busy...

It's just being brushed aside like this?

you're excused from the morning and evening respects.

Yes, Mother.

Since Third Sister-in-law's Linxia House

will only serve female guests,

I expect that in the future,

all the cabinet ministers' wives will be your regular customers.

The wives of Wenyuan Library hold a tea party on the 7th of every month.

Third Sister-in-law is also a cabinet minister's wife now.

The day after tomorrow is the 7th.

I wonder if you've already received an invitation?

I've never heard of this tea party.

It's no surprise that you didn't receive an invitation. After all, you're still young.

The other ladies are older than you, and they come from noble families.

Naturally, you wouldn't have much in common.

Yes.

Old Madam.

Third Madam.

Grand Chancellor Wang's residence just sent over an invitation.

They would like Third Madam to join them for tea the day after tomorrow.

I got it.

How is your injury?

It's fine now.

Have they caught the person behind your kidnapping?

Third Master is still investigating. I haven't asked much about it.

That was a close call.

If Third Uncle had arrived any later, you might have met a tragic end.

I really didn't expect that you would choose to marry him.

Is it because of his power and status?

But in my heart, you weren't that kind of person.

I don't know what you're talking about.

I have things to do. I'll be going.

Are you really that unwilling to talk to me?

What are you saying?

I'm just in a hurry to leave.

By the way, since I've married Third Master, you should call me Third Aunt.

You...

I'm sorry. I accidentally stepped on it.

Forget it. I don't want it anymore.

Young Master, let's go back.

Tomorrow, take this earring to the jewelry shop.

Have them make an identical pair. Give them to Gu Jin Zhao.

Young Master, you can't do that.

We... can't make any more mistakes.

Just do as I say. For her sake, I've already...

How can she still act so nonchalant?

There's actually such a tea party?

Well? You want to go?

You don't want me to go?

That's not it. I'm just afraid the Wang family will try to harm you.

Does it have to do with the scholars blocking the way last time?

Yes.

That Wang Xuan Fan... How could he be like this?

Last time during the relief grain case,

he deliberately tried to frame you and got you imprisoned.

Why is he at it again?

Since that incident, I told Teacher

that to implement the equal-field reform,

we must start with ourselves.

Cabinet members must take the lead in auditing themselves,

clearing their own tax records.

Only then can we justify auditing lower officials.

Once those officials have cleared their records,

they can justify auditing the local gentry.

So he required all officials of the third rank and above

to self-audit and return illegal gains.

Wang Xuan Fan is a famous landowner in Daming Prefecture.

He had to cough up tens of thousands of taels in one go.

No wonder. Cutting off someone's money is like killing their parents.

No wonder he hates you.

That's why he came up with a scheme to incite the scholars to harass me.

Regardless of the outcome, he wants to pin

that "unfair equal-field reform" label on me.

What a cabinet member fears most is a stain on their reputation.

A stain like this...

If someone holds it against me,

then it's very likely I'll be sent home in disgrace.

I see.

The invitation's been sent to the Chen residence.

Madam Chen said she'll definitely come.

Which Chen residence?

Third Master Chen's?

There's a tea party in two days.

I invited Gu Jin Zhao.

Why did you invite her?

Have you nothing better to do?

She's also a cabinet minister's wife.

Isn't it only right to invite her to the tea party?

Did you get upset somewhere else?

Why are you venting your anger on me?

Where else could I get upset?

It's all because of that stupid idea you came up with.

Fine, fine. All of you, get out!

You told me to incite those scholars

to stop Third Master Chen's carriage and fuss about the unfair reform.

And now I've gotten myself caught up in it.

Third Master Chen found out?

And what's there to be afraid of?

What those scholars said was right.

The equal-field reform is inherently unfair.

What the heck do you know?

Do you know what slogans those scholars are chanting now?

"Audit the Imperial Estates."

Count His Majesty's private assets.

I told them to complain about the unfair reform.

I never told them to audit His Majesty's lands!

So you got an earful from Fu Hai Lian?

Of course!

He chewed me out right in front of Third Master Chen.

And you... Now you're inviting Gu Jin Zhao?

Aren't you ashamed?

Why should I be ashamed?

You're the one who should be ashamed.

Now that you've come out on the losing end against Third Master Chen,

I definitely have to invite her.

You...

You really want to go that badly?

You noticed?

I'm afraid they'll be mean to you.

I'm not that easy to bully.

That's true. I'm more worried that you'll clash with them.

What's wrong? Afraid you can't protect me?

Trying to provoke me? I am a dignified cabinet minister.

Though I lack seniority, I'm more than capable of protecting you.

Then it's fine. I want to attend the tea party, but not just for fun.

It's because it's the tea party for the cabinet ministers' wives.

If I don't go, I'm cutting myself off from that circle.

That would bring shame to you.

I know. These cabinet ministers' wives are all senior to me.

Even Madam Shen comes from a prestigious family of deep scholarly roots.

Don't worry. I won't offend them.

All right, then. I'll help you find out about those ladies,

their personalities and preferences.

Where are you going to find that out from?

They are noble ladies of the capital.

If people find out, they'll laugh at you behind your back.

I have my own ways.

Madam Chen, this way, please.

Madam Fu.

Madam Wang.

Madam Yao.

Madam He.

My greetings to you, ladies.

Madam Chen, it's good to see you. Please have a seat.

Miss Qing Pu, please come with me to rest.

Look at this new bride.

Your jewelry is so simple, yet you look so radiant.

And your skin is so fresh and dewy.

Youth is truly a blessing.

You flatter me, Madam He. I don't deserve such praise.

If we're talking about looks, all of you ladies here

are far more distinguished and elegant.

I was merely born a bit later; that's all.

By the way, today is my first time at this tea party.

I have prepared gifts for all of you.

Please, no gifts.

This is a tea party: we aren't outsiders trying to curry favor or attract business.

The husbands of the ladies here are either cabinet members

or high-ranking court officials.

And we ourselves all hold noble titles.

If we start exchanging gifts, and the word gets out,

at best, it would make one a laughingstock.

At worst, it'll be used against us.

When Madam Fu set this rule, I thought she was being overly cautious.

I didn't expect someone would actually bring gifts.

That was rash of me.

Since it's my first time at the tea party, I thought more courtesy couldn't hurt.

I didn't know about the rules here. It's also my fault.

As soon as I received Madam Wang's invitation,

I should have consulted Madam Wang first.

Since you sent her the invitation, you should have given her advance notice.

Yes. That was my oversight.

Is everyone here?

Yes.

The garden is ready.

Let's all head over together.

It's no big deal. Don't worry.

I heard that the position of Left Vice Minister of Rites is vacant.

After two rounds of court nominations, no one has been chosen.

In my opinion, Lord Zeng Ruo Yu is a prudent man

and a renowned Confucian scholar.

He is perfect for the position.

Madam Yao, what do you think?

My husband has also praised Lord Zeng many times.

In this round of court nominations, he will likely recommend Lord Zeng, too.

That's good.

My husband said Wenyuan Library is short of several clerks.

I recall you have a nephew on your mother's side

who passed the exam in the 35th year of Jingning.

Why not have him try for a position?

Then I shall thank you on my nephew's behalf, Sister.

Madam Shen.

You seem a bit distracted today.

Madam.

You know my husband's temper.

It flares up and dies down quickly.

Go back and tell Ke Qian not to worry too much.

He only gets this angry at those he truly trusts.

I understand. Thank you, Madam.

- Let go of me! - Let go of me!

- Let go of me! - Let go of me!

- I am a court official! - Let go of me!

- Have you no respect for the law? - Let go of me!

- Let go of me! - Let go of me!

Reporting to the Commander.

At the West City Inn, we captured An De Yu and his wife.

We found an official seal. Please take a look, Commander.

Where is the arrest warrant? The Three Judicial Offices are deliberating.

How could His Majesty issue an edict?

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by ❀ The Good and The Beauty Team ⚔ @Viki.com

Ye Xian?

An De Yu, Investigating Censor of the Censorate.

His selling of official posts and his dereliction of duty corrupt the rule of law.

By Imperial Decree, he is to be taken to the imperial jail.

Nonsense! This is slander!

Master!

"Starry Night" - Zhou Shen

♫ I once held a brush to paint the seasons ♫

♫ But I fell into the chasm of time ♫

♫ Every shade of light and dark became a bitter wine ♫

♫ Every inch of longing turned to sorrow ♫

♫ I've seen through the sunrise and sunset ♫

♫ I can only lament that light and shadow can not coexist ♫

♫ A single mistake casts old friends away like drifting seagulls ♫

♫ With each step we drift further, then one glance back ♫

♫ The heart's burdens turn to rust ♫

♫ I send you on a thousand-mile trip under the Milky Way ♫

♫ A single thought, ceaseless and unyielding ♫

♫ You have a cherished companion to share your days ♫

♫ I, alone with my shadow, drift through the twilight hours ♫

♫ Memories of the past fill up every wrinkle of time ♫

♫ With each step we drift further, then one glance back ♫

♫ The heart's burdens turn to rust ♫

♫ I send you on a thousand-mile trip under the Milky Way ♫

♫ A single thought, ceaseless and unyielding ♫

♫ You have a cherished companion to share your days ♫

♫ I, alone with my shadow, drift through the twilight hours ♫

♫ Memories of the past fill up every wrinkle of time ♫

♫ Memories of the past fill up every wrinkle of time ♫