Original subtitles

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

You're here, Master Chen.

Eldest Miss is talking in the main hall. I'll take you there.

All right.

Eldest Miss. Eldest Miss!

Master Chen, maybe the ladies have returned to their yards.

Please wait. I'll find her for you.

All right.

Sister Wan Xue, actually I've been wanting to tell you something.

Go ahead.

Third Aunt.

Third Master, isn't that Madam?

Third Aunt is an elder. I'd like you to witness my words to Sister Wan Xue.

In fact, I've always had another woman in my heart.

Don't talk nonsense! You're betrothed to Wan Xue.

Who?

Who is she?

Chen Xuan Qing, you're no longer a child.

You should know what to say and what not to.

Tell me.

I can't tell you.

I just want you to know that this is the case and there is such a person.

If you're not willing to marry me, our betrothal can be called off.

Shut up! Do you have any idea what you're saying?

What do you mean by "called off if she's not willing"?

If you have someone else in your heart, why are you embarrassing her?

This is simply outrageous!

Wan Xue, rest assured. The Chen family will give you an explanation for this.

- Let's go. - Wait.

Since you have someone else in your heart, why did you propose to me?

- Was it after your proposal– - Before my proposal,

I had already fallen in love with her.

Then why?

Because I can't be with her.

I'm afraid I'll never be able to be with her in my life.

Are you out of your mind?

In that case, I don't want our betrothal to be called off.

I accept that you have someone else in your heart, and I still want to marry you.

Why put yourself through this?

Because... I've liked you since childhood.

Ever since my dad told me he'd betroth me to you, I'd been looking forward to that day.

Every time I was bullied by my stepmother, I'd comfort myself,

"Wan Xue, bear with it a bit more. You'll marry Brother Xuan Qing soon.

This suffering will end soon."

I don't want our betrothal to be called off.

I don't! I don't!

Wan Xue, you...

Fine.

Since you're willing, everything will proceed as planned.

Third Aunt, please don't tell anyone what happened today.

The less trouble, the better. Right?

Since Wan Xue has decided,

I naturally won't meddle.

But I expect you to treat her wholeheartedly.

Third Master, this...

No need to mention this to anyone.

Yes.

Third Master, shall I look into what's going on between them?

No need. Between Jin Zhao and me, there's no need to use such tactics.

She'll tell me.

Yes.

Good. Give the orders.

Madam.

What brings you here?

I passed by from the Ministry of Revenue.

I thought I'd take the chance to wish Third Miss a happy housewarming.

Perfect timing. I was just about to head back.

All right. Let's go home.

I need to go to Wenyuan Library again. You go home and rest first.

All right then.

I always thought he was a gentleman.

I never expected that he would say such things.

Miss, shall we tell Third Master this?

We should. But once we put this in the open, considering his temper,

I'm afraid the betrothal between Chen Xuan Qing and Wan Xue will be called off.

Yet Wan Xue is determined to marry Chen Xuan Qing.

Listen—give my orders. Without my permission,

even in my absence, Chen Xuan Qing isn't admitted to our place.

And you're to pay more attention.

Whether in greetings or meals, so long as he attends, I won't go.

Let's avoid him.

Yes.

Put Old Madam's favorite stir-fried bamboo shoot tips here, hurry.

- Yes. - Yes.

Check the kitchen and bring out all the hot dishes.

Yes.

Quick. Make sure they're arranged well.

Xuan Qing, have you been busy with your government errands lately?

Grandmother, with the Imperial Academy compiling the Dayan Empire Code,

I've been slightly busier lately. But I can handle it.

Good, good!

Madam Yu came by the other day for your betrothal to Wan Xue.

Old Madam, maybe because of fatigue, our madam is unwell now,

thus she won't come for dinner.

Since she's unwell, she should rest well.

She doesn't need to come and greet me tomorrow morning.

Yes.

Let's eat.

What time is it?

Is it time to attend the morning court?

Not yet.

You've been busy lately.

Indeed. With summer floods approaching,

rivers shall be dredged and precautions taken.

Officials come to the capital from all around for funds.

At this rate, you will barely get a few hours of sleep.

Why don't you just sleep in the Wenyuan Library?

That'll save you the commute.

What's wrong?

Why are you suddenly angry?

You want me to sleep in the Wenyuan Library?

Of course I don't.

I'd rather you stay at home every day.

Since our wedding, except for the return to my parental home,

we haven't had a chance to go on a stroll together.

I said that because I worried that you'd be tired.

Let's go for a stroll now then.

What should be the punishment for frolicking after curfew on the street?

I have an imperial decree.

What a big honor, Third Master.

Are you indignant?

More than indignant. I want to impeach you.

Impeach me for what?

For waking me early in the morning and getting angry.

You still won't let that go?

Of course not. I'll remember it for long.

Then remember it well. Never forget it.

♫ Watery reflections waver, heartbeats resound in unison ♫

♫ The candlelight weaves destiny's web ♫

♫ The shadows of the flower trace the contours of your face ♫

♫ These mottled sketches trace the image of our destiny ♫

♫ Our footsteps are light; cannot hide our affection ♫

♫ Looking back, a few lines of our heart slipped away ♫

♫ I ask the fleeting light if it has forgotten the moonlight of our first encounter ♫

♫ Year after year, I etch your likeness ♫

She looks carefree and joyful.

If she doesn't want to mention it, let her keep it to herself.

♫ I finally witness the starlight river, reflecting the gaze of you and me ♫

♫ From dusk till dawn, I watch over you, gazing toward you ♫

♫ Together we cherish these beautiful moments ♫

♫ May our affection endure for eternity ♫

Miss!

Miss! Where have you been this morning?

I knocked for hours, but no one answered.

I pushed the door, only to see no one inside.

You scared me to death!

This morning, Third Master and I...

He's so unconventional.

Listen to yourself. When isn't he unconventional?

Miss, that man left this morning.

Come. Let's go and greet Old Madam.

You mean as soon as I left, Gu Jin Zhao went to greet Grandmother?

Yes, Young Master.

Also, your betrothal to Miss Yu has been handed over to Third Madam.

What?

It used to be handled by Second Aunt.

Why is she in charge now?

I don't know either. I heard Third Madam volunteered for it.

She did it on purpose.

I think so. Young Master, Third Madam has made it clear that she's avoiding you.

You should keep your distance, too.

We don't want a scandal arising after Miss Yu marries into the family.

Gu Jin Zhao...

Young Master, where are you going?

Young Master, please wait.

If you're seeking Third Master, go to the study in the front yard.

These are the inner quarters. Please avoid suspicion, Young Master.

I'm seeking Third Aunt for her advice.

As a scholar of the Imperial Academy, what could you possibly need Madam's advice for?

She's been busy with your betrothal, and ordered that no one is to be admitted.

Please leave, Young Master.

Fine.

Fine.

♫ Who lies within the ripples ♫

♫ Exchanging the warmth of their palms ♫

♫ Setting the gears of fate in motion? ♫

♫ A single curtain separates two worlds ♫

♫ Winter and spring exchange secrets ♫

♫ Sparks dance and fly, lighting up the curtains of this dark night ♫

♫ Drunk alone in this dream ♫

♫ The yearning in my dream is beyond what words can express ♫

♫ My hand gently brushes across the scroll, sweeping away the dust ♫

♫ After twists and turns, love quietly grows silent ♫

♫ Time cannot be retraced ♫

♫ I can only regret missing those brief moments together ♫

♫ If this longing bears no fruit ♫

♫ I would rather we both simply fade away ♫

2,000.

500.

Why hasn't Commandery Prince Ning'an's debt been collected?

We've pressed them several times.

They're so poor that the concubines and their kids

are fighting fiercely for the scant estate he has.

Commandery Prince spends lavishly and lives beyond his means.

So I don't think they can pay off the debt anytime soon.

But as a Commandery Prince family, they might still prove of some use.

Of what use?

At your last tea party, Cabinet Minister Chen's wife offended you.

I'm angry for you, too. I want to avenge you.

How do you plan to avenge me?

Master is back.

What are you murmuring sneakily?

Chancellor.

We're discussing how to trouble Third Master Chen.

Troubling is good. Great. Go on discussing.

Keep going.

Linxia House reopens today.

Why didn't you wait for me there, instead of picking me up from the residence?

By the way, the 8th is the wedding day of Lian Jie'er and Yao Wen Xiu.

Do you want to go there in the morning or on the eve?

I'll go on the wedding day. Anyway, they won't be happy about my presence.

Sister, I have a favor to ask.

Go ahead.

The Mu family wants to propose marriage.

What? Speak up.

The Mu family wants to propose marriage.

I don't want them to go to our home in Daxin.

Can they go to the Chen Residence and discuss with you instead?

Sure.

What? You don't mind Young Master Mu's naivety now?

After spending time together, I feel he's not bad.

So you came for this.

Will Sister Wan Xue marry soon, too?

Yes. We will discuss the date with the Yu family soon.

The wedding is likely to be this year.

Miss. Madam Chen. Commandery Prince Ning'an's Chief Secretary

has surrounded our yard with troops.

Mr. Luo is blocking them outside.

Commandery Prince Ning'an? We've never had any ties with them.

Listen—you and Uncle Ping go check, and I'll look into it nearby.

All right.

Our shop has always obeyed the laws and paid taxes timely.

We do only legitimate business. It must be a misunderstanding.

- Third Miss. - Uncle Ping.

This is Commandery Prince Ning'an's Chief Secretary, Lord Lai.

Lord Lai, this is our owner, Third Miss Gu.

Greetings, Lord Lai.

Third Miss Gu?

But I heard Linxia House is owned by Cabinet Minister Chen Yan Yun's wife.

Third Miss Gu is...

Madam Chen is my elder sister.

If you have anything to say, you can tell me.

I see. Well, we have an actor who plays female roles in operas.

He's called Xia Xiao Han. He performs well and is quite clever,

hence he is favored by our master.

But for some reason, he disappeared lately.

I inquired about and found his whereabouts.

He is in Linxia House now.

Please hand him over, Third Miss Gu, so that I can answer to my master.

Isn't Xia Xiao Han a man?

- They've hidden a man? - What's going on?

My Lord, our shop only serves women.

Even the entire staff is female.

This Xia Xiao Han you speak of can't be hidden here.

You must be mistaken.

What? Third Miss Gu, are you hiding a man on purpose?

I dare not.

However, you just so happened to come looking for him right on our opening day.

That's too much of a coincidence.

How could I know it's your opening day today?

I work under orders.

If you refuse to hand him over, I'll do what I have to.

Come, search the place!

Wait!

Lord Lai, even if we put aside my sister's status

as Cabinet Minister Chen Yan Yun's wife,

our opening day will be doomed by your search.

If you find the actor, fine, I'll follow you and admit to my wrongdoing.

But if you don't find him, your master will owe Linxia House an explanation,

and all the costs today shall be borne by your family.

Everyone present can be our witness.

Lord Lai, dare you agree?

They dare not, but I dare. Move aside!

Shuntian Prefecture on duty! Clear the way!

Shuntian Prefecture is searching for a fugitive.

Everyone, clear the way! Go!

Sister, people from the Shuntian Prefecture are here.

Shall we inform Lord Chen?

Third Miss.

Uncle Ping, at any cost...

invite the leader to a private room across the street.

I have something to ask.

Yes.

Thank you for your hard work. This way.

- You may leave now. - Yes.

Since you've shown me such respect...

I'd be a scoundrel if I kept beating around the bush.

Actually, I don't know much either.

Miss, why don't you think over whether the owner has offended anyone?

Considering her status, few people would dare go against her.

Uncle Ping.

I'm busy with my duties, so I won't disturb you any longer.

Farewell.

Once you see such situations often, you won't be surprised.

Jin Zhao.

Why are you here?

How could I not come?

Chen Yi has told me everything.

Let me accompany you to Shuntian Prefecture.

No need. I already have a lead on this.

Besides, the root lies not in Shuntian Prefecture.

Hurry back to Wenyuan Library. Don't worry about me.

What are you talking about?

How could I not worry?

I know you're used to business treachery.

Yet this involves Commandery Prince Ning'an and Shuntian Prefecture.

I certainly should step in.

There's really no need. I've always dealt with officials on my own.

Trust me.

Besides, if I rely on you whenever I'm in trouble,

isn't it like running a business under your name?

If the censors know, it's not good for you either.

Actually, you needn't worry so much.

I know.

All right, do it your way.

I'll be going then.

Third Master, the Shuntian Prefecture is so bold.

How could they pick on Madam so openly?

The Shuntian Prefect Zheng Xiao You, a Senior 3rd Rank official,

serves as Wang Xuan Fan's running dog so willingly.

Good. Let's start with him then.

Teacher. I must take my leave now.

My wife's shop opens today.

But she was framed unexpectedly

and her shop was sealed by Shuntian Prefecture.

Which scoundrel did this?

Shuntian Prefecture is so shameless.

Indeed. I also think Shuntian Prefecture actually

dares to be so utterly contemptuous.

Fortunately, justice will prevail.

As for the backer...

Why are you looking at me?

What do you think, Chancellor Wang?

He's quite interesting. His wife was treated unfairly outside.

Yet what does that have to do with me?

Third Master is a cabinet minister, and you're his wife.

It's not worthwhile to be a laughingstock in the capital for petty profits.

Listen.

For the sake of Old Third's dignity,

whether it's Linxia House or other businesses,

just end them altogether, regardless of how much you can earn.

You're right, Mother. That's exactly what I think.

You've got that wrong.

Mother.

You're back early today.

Hearing what happened to Linxia House, I hurried back.

You should not only run Linxia House but also run it well.

Third Master.

It was such a mess today. Don't you fear disgrace?

Mother, what caused my disgrace is not Linxia House

but those who try all means to bully my wife.

If Jin Zhao ends all her business now, wouldn't that signal my fear of them?

That'd be a real disgrace.

That's true.

Even after marrying me, you still like to peek.

You're good at playing the good guy.

No wonder you prefer to play Lord Guan. (A 2nd century general)

Of course. I'm always the good guy.

Chen Yi, tell Madam what you've found out.

Yes.

Madam, the Commandery Prince Ning'an family did lose an actor.

- But it has been... - Miss.

Third Master.

- I found out. - What?

As you suspected, the one behind all this is Wang Xuan Fan's wife.

I followed Lord Lai to the Commandery Prince Ning'an residence.

Soon Madam Wang's dowry maid entered the residence.

Lord Lai hurried out. So I followed him.

He ended up going to a pawnshop.

I paid someone to inquire.

To my surprise, he redeemed an immunity certificate.

Immunity certificate?

It was bestowed by the late emperor.

Commandery Prince Ning'an must be tired of living.

- Actually, I found... - If that's the case, it makes sense.

As a Commandery Prince, even if he owes money, he needn't serve as someone's tool.

I didn't expect him to pawn an immunity certificate.

If Madam Wang offers to waive his debt

and lend him money to redeem the immunity certificate,

they'd naturally follow her every order.

So the Commandery Prince's family also took usury loans from Madam Wang.

You know Madam Wang is a lender?

How did you find out?

She obstructed me at the tea party.

I naturally had someone look into her.

As soon as they investigated, they discovered she had been lending out money

—and at usurious, predatory rates.

- I found out... - Commandery Prince Ning'an

owes Madam Wang 20,000 taels.

It's due to compound interest.

They can't pay off the debt.

And Madam Wang knows they pawned an immunity certificate.

So they're at her mercy.

She happened to hold a grudge against me for exposing her misappropriation of tributes.

So she asked the Commandery Prince to frame me for revenge.

You're right, Madam. That's exactly what I found out.

As an honorary lady, it's illegal for Madam Wang to be a lender.

To actually use usury to coerce members of the military nobility —that is truly audacious.

I can have Wang Xuan Fan impeached.

How far can you go?

How far do you want me to go?

If you can't bring him down in one go, don't rush to do anything for now.

Try my way first.

What is it?

A woman's way.

You're quite strong-willed.

I'll be strong-willed all my life.

Qing Pu.

Third Master, I didn't expect Madam

to investigate everything so quickly and thoroughly.

It seems your men in the capital are a waste of money.

Third Master.

We have a lead on the 100,000 pieces of winter clothing from the War Ministry.

The Armaments Office carried out a spot check

and found half of the 100,000 winter clothes transported

to the Nine Borders is made of moldy, blackened cotton.

Unfortunately, it's handled by the Dai family

the maternal family of the Grand Secretary's wife.

As a result, the Armaments Office dared not report it

or transport the clothes to the Nine Borders.

They're in a dilemma now.

Chen Yi, disclose this to Qing Pu,

but don't let her know it's my intention.

Yes.

Mr. Jiang, what does this have to do with Madam?

It has nothing to do with her.

But if she can solve it,

the Grand Secretary's wife will owe her a favor,

and it'll be of much benefit.

Think it over.

The key is not to let Madam realize

it's Third Master who told you to disclose this.

Why... Why's that?

You wouldn't understand. Just do as told.

Since that incident, many people say Linxia House

is no place for ladies, but a den of filth.

That's why I said your idea was brilliant.

The plain satin is nice. It's yours now.

Thank you, Madam.

It was an overt plot from the start.

I was prepared to be discovered by Gu Jin Zhao.

But so what if she finds out?

Can she curse me, beat me, or bite me?

For Third Master Chen's sake, Linxia House will be unsealed sooner or later.

But it's useless, since their reputation has already been ruined.

If she claims it serves women only, no one will believe it.

Every husband will fear that there is a hidden actor or a man.

That's so-called unspeakable suffering.

No one is wiser than you, Madam.

Lately, another 12,000 taels have been lent out.

We don't have much capital left.

Shall we add some more?

We lent out so much again?

Since last month, a dozen more families have come to us by word of mouth.

They've been coming one after the other.

Though the court has collected quite a lot of taxes,

those born poor will always be poor.

I'll give you another 5,000 taels of capital.

Madam, this is an invitation from the Chen family.

She's walking into our trap.

Why is she asking to meet outside?

Gu Jin Zhao is full of tricks.

Why did you ask to meet me in private?

I'm here to return your money.

What? What money?

Some of my servants in Linxia House had no income after it was sealed,

but they needed to support their families, so they had no choice but to take usury loans.

I didn't know they borrowed from you. I only just found out.

I told them not to take usury loans and to hurry up and repay you.

For 13,000 taels borrowed, 11,700 taels received,

0.3% of daily interest, borrowed for 7 days, counted as 10,

the mere interest adds to 390 taels.

This is really a devilish scheme.

If they fail to pay it off, they'll even lose their lives.

So I hurried here to return your money.

What usury loan? What does this have to do with me?

Is that so? But I heard it was lent by your dowry maid.

So you didn't do that under Madam Wang's orders?

Of course not. You sure know how to slander people for someone so young.

How could I possibly be a lender?

I knew it. Given your status, how could you possibly dare to engage in usury?

That's a severe taboo. So it's not yours?

Absolutely not.

Then I won't return this money to you.

Qing Pu, relay my orders.

Whoever comes to collect money shall be brought to me.

I'll take the lender to Shuntian Prefecture.

As the Dayan Empire Code stipulates:

For privately lending money at usurious interest rates: Punishable by 300 blows.

Madam Wang, we'll take our leave now.

Madam, I really didn't expect that

the dozen borrowers were arranged by Madam Chen.

I deserve death! I deserve death!

Miss, Madam Wang denied it as expected.

I never expected her to confess.

I just warned her that I'm not someone to be trifled with.

To topple Madam Wang and restore Linxia House's reputation,

I need another helper.

Miss Qing Pu, you have time to practice swordplay today?

I practice it every day.

It's summer, but it's still quite cool out, isn't it?

Do... Do you feel it's getting colder year after year?

If that's the case in the capital, it'd be even colder at the Nine Borders.

So the soldiers' winter clothes mustn't be delayed.

Second Master Yao?

Miss, Yao Ge'er is here!

Qing Pu!

Miss Qing Pu...

Zhao Jie'er.

Second Brother, why did you come so late?

I came to see you upon entering the capital.

Does he treat you well?

That's good.

Have a seat.

You mean half of the 100,000 pieces of winter clothing are made of moldy cotton?

Yes.

That can't be.

The Dai family won the tender by Madam Fu's favor,

yet ended up with such a blunder.

This must be giving Madam Fu quite a headache lately.

That's why I came to see you.

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 ♫