Original subtitles

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

This is slander!

Master!

Take him away.

- Yes. - You...

I'll report this to His Majesty!

- Move. - I'll report this to His Majesty!

Let go of me!

- On to the next one. - My Lord.

We've caught quite a few people today.

Perhaps you should head back and get some rest.

I can't rest.

This bird's nest soup is really good.

Have you guys heard about Ye Xian?

Yes, I have.

His Majesty transferred all cases related to the inner court

to the Mystic Flame Guard.

He arrested several censors in a row.

And all of them once impeached Marquis Changxing.

It's said that he's sickly,

and a simple mountain climb could kill him.

So, how come he's so fierce when handling cases?

That's because his beloved was taken from him.

Speaking of which, there's something I'm really curious about.

Madam Chen, you may not be from nobility,

but the Gu family is still a scholarly house.

How on earth did you get mixed up

with both Third Master Chen and Ye Xian?

Especially Third Master Chen.

For your sake, he even refused Madam Fu's matchmaking.

Madam Wang, are you saying that Madam Fu

once played matchmaker for my husband?

You didn't know?

No, I didn't.

All I know is that my husband

invited the Grand Secretary and Madam Fu to officiate our wedding.

Madam Fu was willing to do that.

So clearly the matchmaking thing is behind us.

Madam Wang, my husband and I have been married for a good while.

But you brought this up on purpose today.

Those who know you might think you're just chatting.

But those who don't might think

you're deliberately trying to embarrass Madam Fu

and drive a wedge between her and me.

Don't slander me.

Enough.

I didn't mean it that way.

Madam Chen is right.

It was just a small matter. I've already put it out of my mind.

We're here today to enjoy tea and relax.

Let's not get into things that don't matter.

Yes.

The refreshments today are wonderful.

Indeed. Especially this blood bird's nest.

The texture is silky and tender, and the flavor is just right.

But it looks a bit like the tribute

sent over from Nanyang some time ago.

This isn't some tribute goods. You're mistaken.

I bought the plain bird's nest from a shop.

That can't be.

Some time ago, someone brought some fine blood bird's nest

to my shop on consignment, saying they were surpluses from tribute.

I saw the items myself.

They looked exactly like the blood bird's nest you brought.

But I was afraid of causing trouble and didn't dare take them.

Madam Wang, you should also be careful.

Don't get it wrong.

If these really are tribute, that would be bad.

I... I...

Is the court holding back the Wang family's pay?

How could you be pocketing these things?

- No, it's not... - That's enough.

Everyone, let's just take this as an accident.

After you go back, don't cause any more trouble.

Madam, Lord Chen has arrived.

He says he's here to take Madam Chen home.

Then I'll take my leave.

Tribute?

I didn't want to call her out at first.

But Madam Wang kept picking on me.

So of course I wasn't going to just sit there and take it.

I'm absolutely sure I wasn't wrong.

Those were the tributes from Nanyang.

Sorry you've suffered.

I really have.

You were right to expose her.

What's wrong?

I was thinking national affairs never stop.

From land reforms to tribute supplies, it's all a mess.

There's something wrong with everything.

Wang Xuan Fan was so careful in everything, yet he slipped up, and you caught him.

Just wait and see. This time he crossed Teacher's line.

I bet he's panicking right now.

Idiot! A total idiot!

You...

What were you thinking?

Do you have any brains?

Why serve them blood bird's nest?

You're sick of your comfortable life, right?

So, now you're trying to push me into a corner?

I didn't know that even after it's cooked and in a bowl,

someone could still tell it was a tribute.

What kind of tongue does that Gu Jin Zhao have?

She could even taste that.

She's from a rich family.

And she's used to good food.

I know you've always looked down on merchants.

But they've eaten more salt than you've had rice.

You think I look down on merchants?

What about you?

I look down on everyone.

But I have respect for money.

Quick, go and get back...

the consigned tribute goods before it's too late.

No way it's that bad.

Madam Fu said it was just an accident,

and she told everyone not to cause any more trouble.

That was just talk. You still take it seriously?

Good guy, bad guy, it's been the same act with her and

the Grand Secretary for years. Don't you get it yet?

The Grand Secretary is upset with me over the scholars' protest.

I was hoping you'd go sweet‑talk his wife

and get her to say something nice about us.

But you made a mess of it.

Were you sent by heaven to ruin me?

I was sent to ruin you?

Wang Xuan Fan, watch your words.

My family paid your way to the capital for the exam.

Without me, would you have made it this far?

Fine, just fine. When you need me, I'm your precious.

When you don't, I'm a curse sent by heaven.

Did you forget you're a cabinet minister?

Have you no shame? Now you're no better than a peasant.

All right, all right. Don't be angry.

Now listen. You go handle the tribute mess right now.

I... will go to the Grand Secretary's residence.

For what?

What else can I do but apologize?

Third Master Chen and his wife are really annoying.

Lord Wang Xuan Fan...

thinks highly of a man called Zeng Ruo Yu, right?

Lord Zeng is the head of the Imperial College.

He's Wang Xuan Fan's fellow townsman.

Why did you bring him up?

I know that Wang Xuan Fan wants to make Lord Zeng Minister of Rites,

and Lord Yao has promised to vote for him.

How do you know that?

I also know

that Cabinet Minister Shen was scolded by the Grand Secretary.

That happened last month.

Where did you hear about it? At the tea party?

I used to think those ladies just chatted about girly things at the tea party.

But in fact, they discussed court affairs.

Also, I observed that Madam Fu even comforted Madam Shen,

saying that the Grand Secretary still trusted Cabinet Minister Shen,

so she shouldn't worry.

I never knew tea parties could be so useful.

Interesting.

Right! I find it even more interesting than doing business.

The ladies sitting there are just like so many cabinet ministers.

A Cabinet of Ladies?

I never said that. That's out of line, Lord Chen.

I know you enjoy the tea parties.

But do you know what would happen if the censors got wind

of this Cabinet of Ladies business?

Are you trying to stop me from taking part again?

Of course not. I'm just reminding you to be careful.

I know. I've already looked into it.

The tea party began years ago.

And the cabinet ministers rely on their wives to stay informed.

After all these years following the Grand Secretary,

you never even heard of this tea party?

No, not once. I've really been missing out.

Good thing I learned about it today.

That's why I was in such a hurry to marry you.

Gu Jin Zhao!

Look at my lips. I'm going to Linxia House tomorrow.

- Third Uncle. - Why are you here?

Has something happened?

It's about those scholars.

I've heard some rumors that might harm you.

I'll be right back. You go in first.

Come with me.

Miss.

This is...

Get this out of here. Throw it as far away as possible.

Yes.

What's the matter? Did someone come to ask you for a favor?

Yes. I wouldn't dare hide it from you.

Several of the scholars' families and teachers did come to me.

I've refused them all.

But there's a rumor that you detained those scholars

at the Shuntian Prefecture not for justice

but to take out your personal anger.

Personal anger?

Even if that's the case, it's not completely wrong.

I'm afraid the censors will impeach you.

So you came to ask me to release those scholars?

Please understand this, Third Uncle.

Those scholars did such a thing out of a moment of anger.

You call that a moment of anger?

They knew exactly where to stop my carriage.

That's not just some impulsive move.

Not to mention those flags and banners.

Without one or two days of planning, it could never be done.

You jump to conclusions about things you never saw with your own eyes.

Is that a momentary confusion, or is there something more behind this?

I was wrong. I should not have believed others' nonsense.

Please forgive me, Third Uncle.

You're a young man with ambition.

For someone with big dreams, nothing is worse than being incompetent.

If you become self-righteous and believe every rumor you hear,

do you think you'll still get into the Cabinet? Not a chance.

Get up.

Stay out of this matter from now on.

If you have so much free time at the Imperial Academy,

think about your marriage.

The Yu family has urged us many times.

You will marry Wan Xue before the year is out.

Yes.

Then I'll take my leave.

Go ahead.

Xuan Qing, you are here.

Third Master.

What happened?

Xuan Qing came to me just now

to plead for those scholars who blocked my carriage.

But he seemed at a loss for words, like it was an impulse.

Anyway, let's drop it.

How is it going?

We've found out the truth about Wang Xuan Fan's embezzlement of the tribute.

Here.

Every year, tribute from various regions first goes to the Wang Residence.

The Wang family opened a southern goods shop in the capital.

They say it sells surpluses of tribute. But it's actually the real tribute items.

This man is truly audacious.

Should we arrange for someone to impeach him?

Same as last time. Just do the impeachment.

Don't go hard, and don't let it drag.

Got it. Just a little warning shot.

Exactly.

Teacher regards Wang Xuan Fan as his right-hand man.

To get rid of him, we'll have to take it slow.

In the relief grain case, Madam Wang took dividends from a grain merchant.

That's one piece lost.

Wang Xuan Fan incited scholars to block my carriage.

That angered His Majesty and messed up the whole land equalization.

Three pieces lost.

Wang Xuan Fan embezzled tribute... Another piece lost.

Looks like he needs to lose another two pieces.

Almost there.

Get out! Did I permit you to come in?

You have no manners at all!

Please calm down, Elder Yuan.

Actually, the Grand Secretary was so blunt

because he treats you like family.

That's what you call being blunt?

That was a humiliation, and more than once.

Last time was in front of Third Master Chen.

This time was before His Majesty.

Just because a few ignorant scholars

shouted about auditing the imperial estates,

he... he scolded me. He called me reckless and ordered me to leave.

Haven't I done enough for the land equalization?

I plugged that huge deficit without even hesitating.

It was all for him.

Actually, I don't really blame the Grand Secretary.

I know he had no choice. Third Master Chen put him in a corner.

Exactly. It's true that the scholars caused a disturbance.

But if Chen Yan Yun really cared about the bigger picture,

he could have settled the matter on the spot.

But instead, he sent the scholars along with their banners

directly to the Shuntian Prefecture.

There's no way I could cover up something this big.

I had no choice but to report it.

All right, all right. I don't blame you either.

I've thought it over carefully.

If I'm not mistaken, Third Master Chen has been after me

ever since I brought Fan Chuan down in the relief grain case.

He's mad at me for making him the fall guy in the grain swap.

What a narrow‑minded man!

Okay, that's enough talking. I'm tired.

Then we'll take our leave.

Zi Liang, wait up. There's something I want to ask you.

I remember that Gu De Yuan, the commissioner of the Censorate,

was involved in the embezzlement case of Zeng Yan Qiu, the Minister of Works.

But nothing ever came of it, right?

A man used to taking bribes can never stop himself.

Now he's Third Master Chen's in-law.

With such a big backer, I bet he'll make his move again.

You're right. But why not leave this to Lord Yao?

The Punishment Ministry would have an easier time looking into it.

Gu De Yuan's daughter married Yao Ping's youngest son.

Eldest Sister, we've picked out a few new teas.

But we can't settle on the final option. Please take a look for us.

Lan Jie'er, I know you've been busy with all the preparations for Linxia House.

Thank you for your hard work.

I didn't go back to Daxin after the wedding.

Did they give you a hard time?

Not really. Grandmother didn't even mention it.

Only Second Aunt and Lian Jie'er said something.

I paid them no mind.

But I do have something to ask of you.

Go ahead.

I want to move back to Sili Alley.

You've married into the Chen family.

Father is away at his post.

And Rong Ge'er is always at the school in Qifang Alley.

I'm all alone in the ancestral home. It's so dull.

That could work. But you must think it through.

After all, you're an unmarried young lady.

If you go out and live by yourself, people will talk.

I'm not afraid. I just want to live more freely.

Nothing matters more.

If you've made up your mind, then go ahead and do it.

The deed for the house in Sili Alley is with me.

And you have a share. If you have enough silver, I'll sell my share to you.

Then you can have a property of your own.

That's great. Thank you so much for your help.

Sit down.

By the way... do you still remember Young Master Mu Zhi Di?

The one who looks a bit simple‑minded?

His father, Lord Mu Shi An,

has been a good friend of your brother‑in‑law for years.

He talked about you once more.

I told your brother-in-law

that you said no to their marriage proposal two years ago.

But he knew that already.

What does Brother‑in‑Law think?

He said Young Master Mu is a good man,

and the Mu family has a good reputation.

But marriage is for a lifetime.

You must consider it carefully for yourself and not force it.

Since Brother-in-Law said so,

could you arrange for Mu Zhi Di and me to meet?

Of course. I'll find a good time for you two to meet.

And we'll talk about it then.

By the way, I heard Ye Xian has been acting wildly lately,

and a lot of officials are really angry.

Is that true?

If it's passed to him, can he even wield it?

Look at his frail frame.

He'll never wield a blade in this life.

Fu Hai Lian seems determined

to kill me this time.

By staying with me,

you think you are being filial?

Foolish!

Think of a way to get out of here

to protect your mother and your sister.

It's fine if our residence is gone.

You never wanted to take over my title anyway.

Miss, thank you for caring about my master

and bringing a famous physician along.

But he's becoming more and more withdrawn.

If he says something unpleasant, please don't take it to heart.

I know what he's like. Don't worry about that.

My Lord, Miss Xue is here.

- And she brought a famous doctor. - Ye Xian!

My Lord!

Doctor, my lord has finished the medicine.

Why isn't he getting better?

What exactly is going on? Just come out and say it.

His illness is deep‑rooted and hard to treat.

I'm afraid he won't live much longer.

What?

Doctor, please save my lord.

I'm begging you, Doctor.

- Please get up. - Physician Zhou,

if I ask you to do everything you can to treat him,

how much longer will he live?

Three years... at most.

Three years?

Don't cry here!

Rui Xiang, take Physician Zhou to get the prescription written.

Yes.

You're awake?

Actually, what Physician Zhou said may not be right.

We need to ask several more physicians.

I heard there's an imperial physician in Songjiang Prefecture...

Don't tell anyone.

I only have three years left.

I hope you'll keep that to yourself.

Didn't I just say?

- Physician Zhou's diagnosis might not be right. - He's right.

Three years.

That's enough.

Where are you going?

Shut up!

You were just about to say "None of your business," weren't you?

I just saved you. You'd better be a little grateful.

I'm going to Zhending Prefecture.

On official business?

How can you go on business like this?

I'll go with you.

Didn't you ask me to keep your secret?

Then take me with you.

If not, maybe one day I'll drink a lot and let it slip by accident.

You're back?

You're late today.

I was just about to get off work

when Teacher suddenly remembered something about the riverworks

and insisted on discussing it.

And then four hours just went by.

The way you look reminds me of a saying.

Which one?

Stand by and do nothing.

Looks like someone is complaining that I'm not a good wife.

I'll wait on you right now, Lord Chen.

Please allow me to serve you.

- Please sit down, Lord Chen. - That's more like it.

Let's see where you can run.

What a shame. Third Master, you didn't marry a virtuous wife.

No need for that. You're more than good enough.

I like you this way.

Besides, you have other things going for you.

Like what?

Take a guess.

You're rich.

Hey!

Don't move. I want to hold you.

What's the matter? Are you tired today?

Sort of. Just holding you fixes it.

By the way, Mother got sick today, but she didn't ask for a physician.

Do you want to go and see her?

No need. Last night I told her the truth.

That explains it.

I don't get it. How could Old Fourth...

How could he do such a thing?

Since he was a child, I hired the best teachers for him.

He got the same upbringing as Old Second and Third.

Please don't blame yourself.

Not all children are the same.

Fourth Master went astray. That's not your fault.

Besides, everyone in the capital knows

that no one is better at raising children than you.

Third Master is a cabinet minister.

Second Master is a high-ranking official.

Among the next generation, Xuan Qing Ge'er

is a distinguished Third Place Scholar.

And he may well become a cabinet minister someday.

As long as you let go of this and don't dwell on it,

your life will definitely be happy and harmonious.

I know.

Actually, Mother has long suspected that he caused Fifth Brother's death.

She just didn't want to believe it.

Yesterday, when I told her that he hired someone to kidnap you,

Mother understood everything.

She even asked if Fourth Brother would never come back again.

Don't worry. I know Mother.

In just a couple of days, she'll be able to walk out gracefully

and go on as the matriarch of the family.

I guess every family's got its own struggles.

We're not included.

Eldest Sister.

Lan Jie'er, congratulations on moving into your new home.

Thank you, Sister.

Sister Yan Ying also wanted to come.

But for some reason, she's had a stomachache since this morning.

Maybe she was greedy last night and ate too much cold food.

So she asked me to bring her gift to you.

There'll be many more chances. I'll invite her again next time.

Where's Sister Wan Xue?

She should be here soon.

Here I am.

Just as I was about to set out,

my stepmother suddenly asked about my embroidery.

Good thing I was ready for that.

If not, I'm afraid I'd have missed lunch today.

Dear Sister, congratulations on your new home.

Thank you, Sister.

With her around, it'll be much more fun.

Young Master Mu will be coming today too, won't he?

What are you afraid of? You're the one in charge now.

He's just here to congratulate you on your new home.

You should go welcome him with confidence and grace.

Eldest Sister, please go with me.

Fine.

Miss, Young Master Mu has arrived.

Brother Xuan Qing.

Mu Zhi Di has bowed to you so many times. What a poor man.

You're the one who invited him.

You can't just shut him out like this and not speak to him.

I... I don't know what to say.

Sister Wan Xue, this is your first time here, right?

Let me show you around.

That's good.

In that case, I'll go for a little walk, too.

Young Master Mu, how about we also go and take a walk?

S-Sure.

Young Master Mu, I asked you to come here,

not because I wanted to get to know you.

I just didn't want to turn down my Eldest Sister and Brother‑in‑Law's kindness.

Actually, I've already made up my mind. I'm never getting married.

Why?

You should know how things are with me.

My father was demoted to Pingyang Prefecture.

My mother made mistakes and is still confined.

I also made many mistakes in the past.

Good thing my eldest sister didn't take it to heart.

Anyway, if I marry up... people would look down on me.

And I don't want to force myself to please them.

If I aim low, I won't be happy about it.

I'd rather live a quiet life alone.

Now I just want to learn how to do business from my eldest sister and save up some money.

Later, when my mother gets old,

I'll go beg Old Madam Ji to let her out so I can care for her well.

Then I'll be satisfied with this life.

Why aren't you saying anything?

I... I'm not good with words.

You've been through so much.

If I were you, I'd want to live alone, too.

I really...

feel sorry for you.

So... So I don't know how to put it.

I... I brought some people over. They're waiting outside.

Why did you do that?

I want to...

give you a koi pond.

Give me a koi pond?

After I received your invitation the other day, I went to Rong Ge'er.

I asked him what you liked.

He said you grew up pampered and don't lack anything.

But after Madam Chen came to the capital,

your mother kept a koi pond in her yard,

and you envied her for a long time.

That's why I had the idea of making a pond in your yard

and raising some koi in it.

Then you can watch them when you're free.

Maybe it'll cheer you up a little.

So... I called some craftsmen over.

I was afraid of being too forward and scaring you, so...

I didn't let them in.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Then ask them to come in.

Good.

But...

I'll show you the way.

Okay.

Is Lord Chen good to you?

Yes.

That's good. I'm so happy for you.

To be honest, I'm quite nervous about getting married.

But now you're at the Chen Residence. That makes me worry less.

Wan Xue, you like Xuan Qing very much, don't you?

Yes, but I don't know what's in his heart.

Why would you say that?

You do not know.

Ever since he returned to the capital, he's only come to my house once.

He talked with my father for a while, then said a few words to me and left.

Sister Wan Xue.

Third Aunt.

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

"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 ♫