Original subtitles

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

Why do I have a nephew like you?

If you can't handle the job, why did you take it on?

Luckily, we found out early. If these goods had reached the Nine Borders,

not only would the soldiers have frozen, but their morale would also have been shaken!

If the word gets out,

and the court finds out that we've been passing off inferior goods,

embezzling public property, stealing money from the court,

and deceiving the emperor, how many heads do you have to lose?

Aunt, I... I know I made a mistake.

I promise it won't happen again!

Aunt! The most important thing now is to find a way to fill this gap.

Aunt, the court's deadline is in three days.

How can I get 50,000 cotton coats in three days?

Well, I...

I really don't know what to do!

Dear Aunt, please help me!

- Madam. - Aunt!

Madam Chen is here.

Madam Chen?

Madam, I heard you've been troubled

by the cotton coats for the soldiers of the Nine Borders.

Don't get me wrong. I didn't mean to pry.

It's just that my maternal family

also bid for this order from the Ministry of War.

I heard there's still a shortage.

If you don't mind, I happen to have some in stock.

How many do you have?

Qing Pu.

Adding up the stock in several warehouses, there are 35,000 pieces in total.

If that's not enough, I'll work harder over the next few days,

and perhaps I can get some more.

That's so thoughtful of you. Then I won't be formal with you.

Just consider it a business deal from the Dai family.

Name your price, we'll pay it.

Whatever you say.

You just did me a big favor. I should thank you.

Madam, please don't be so formal.

Jiu Heng sees the Grand Secretary as his father, and you as his mother.

And I feel the same way. This is what we should do.

I heard that a few days ago...

you and Madam Wang had a disagreement.

She's an impatient woman. Don't take it to heart.

Okay.

How about this? I'll let you organize next month's tea party.

What do you think?

Thank you, Madam.

I can't believe you messed it up.

Third Master, I didn't expect that I'd be so unlucky.

When I was just about to tell Miss Qing Pu, Second Master Ji showed up,

and he came specifically for the winter clothes.

Well...

Enough, go and receive your punishment.

Yes.

Third Master, you did so much for Madam.

Why didn't you tell her?

Do you remember I once told you that she wanted to do business in Shanxi

as a backup plan for the future?

After she married me, she stayed in the capital,

but she still takes the business of Linxia House very seriously.

If I interfere too much, it might make her feel uncomfortable.

I see... Although you couldn't help her this time,

taking down Zheng Xiao You is indeed a great way of standing up for her.

That's true.

I don't care! Gu Jin Zhao has gone too far!

You have to help me!

What can I do to help?

You've been lending out high-interest loans, and you didn't even tell me anything about it!

Now that you're in trouble, you come to me.

You even went straight to Zheng Xiao You without asking me.

He's the Shuntian Prefect, not your doorman!

You've covered up for him so many times!

Why can't I ask him for a favor?

Madam, this is from the Chen Residence.

Chen Residence again?

Tea party?

It's the tea party!

- What's wrong? - Linxia House...

I can't believe Madam Fu let Gu Jin Zhao host it!

Miss Gu is not easy to deal with.

Looks like she's gained the favor of the Grand Secretary's wife.

Don't!

- This is too much! - This is real silver!

Y-You can't do this!

- I'm so angry! - Don't do this! Don't throw this away!

It's expensive! Stop! Please calm down.

Please calm down.

It's no big deal. I'll find a way to get back at her.

Listen to me. I've already told Zheng Xiao You

to gather evidence against Third Master Chen.

Really?

Once we have something, I'll have someone impeach him. Okay?

Master! Master! Something's wrong!

- What is it now? - I just got the news.

Lord Zheng Xiao You was handling a case at Shuntian Prefecture,

when people from the Supreme Court suddenly came and took him away!

It's said there are several charges, including bribery, selling official posts,

and inciting violence!

Third Master Chen...

Third Master Chen...

It must be him!

Third Master Chen!

Third Master Chen!

Third Master Chen!

Third Master Chen!

Madam, you are so skillful.

With your touch, it has a unique charm now.

I'm just killing time. Stop flattering me.

I heard... Jiu Heng's wife and Wang Xuan Fan's wife

have been at odds lately.

Indeed. They've even brought their fight before me.

Like husband, like wife.

Usually, Jiu Heng and Wang Xuan Fan are always competing.

Isn't that because you used some tactics to turn them against each other?

Darling, you're good at this too.

What brings you here?

I heard Zheng Xiao You was arrested.

Did you do it?

Sort of.

Thank you.

Don't be so polite.

Zheng Xiao You was notorious as the Shuntian Prefect.

I spared him for Wang Xuan Fan's sake.

However, I can't believe he tried to hurt you.

If I let him go again, what kind of man would that make me?

When you were speaking, it suddenly reminded me

of the first time I saw you at the Ji Residence.

What was I like back then?

Decisive and imposing.

Well, now that you've married an imposing husband,

from now on, you don't have to carry the burdens alone.

You've helped me a lot.

If it weren't for you, how could I be so composed?

Madam Wang could've crushed a mere merchant like me with just one finger!

Actually, from the first time I met you, I've been relying on you.

You've helped the Ji family and the Gu family so many times,

and you've saved me so many times.

I'm worried that I might get used to relying on you.

Why are you so good at sweet-talking?

If you keep going, I might actually believe you.

I'm from a family of merchants. I was born good at this.

Is that so?

Miss!

Miss...

What's the matter?

Young Master Xuan Qing is waiting at the door.

He wants to know the departure time for the Yu Residence tomorrow.

Well... we'll leave at 7:00 a.m.

Yes.

Are you free tomorrow?

Why?

Why don't we go to the Yu Residence together to pick the wedding date?

Okay.

Uncle.

Aunt.

Nephew, please rise. Have a seat.

Old Madam had a master pick three auspicious dates.

Lord Yu and Madam Yu, please take a look.

Thanks.

Good.

These three dates all look good to me.

It's up to you and Lord Chen.

Then we'll let Wan Xue pick a date.

Okay.

Something's off with her lately.

She's been unhappy. And she can't sleep at night.

Maybe I can check on her.

Well...

Actually, I want to speak with her alone.

- Okay. - Fine.

Lead the way for Madam Chen.

Yes.

I'll check on her.

Go ahead.

Uncle and Aunt.

I prepared a gift for Wan Xue, but I left it in the carriage.

I'll go and get it now.

Okay, go ahead.

Third Aunt!

You should be in the front yard. What are you doing here?

I need you to pass on a few words to Wan Xue.

You two, please step back.

It's been so hard to get a chance to talk to you.

You've been avoiding me lately.

It makes me wonder...

Wonder what?

I'm wondering if you still can't get over me.

Shut up!

You misunderstood.

Misunderstood?

Yes. Three years ago,

you asked me to meet at Yong'an Bridge, and I went there.

I really did!

I even saw the kite you flew for me.

I didn't show myself...

- because Third Uncle– - I don't want to hear this!

We were supposed to be together!

They can't hear us.

But if you keep looking back at them, they'll start to suspect us.

I don't know why you're telling me this.

If you're trying to figure out what I'm thinking, I'll be honest with you.

It's nothing but a memory to me. It's all in the past.

I've long forgotten it.

Forgotten it?

It's all in the past?

Yes.... You'd made your choice,

so remember, don't make more trouble.

You're here today to pick the marriage date.

Wan Xue is a good girl. She really loves you.

After what you said that day, she's still willing to be with you.

You should appreciate it. Don't break her heart again.

Third...

Do you know what you're saying?

For the sake of the Yu family, I'll let you keep some dignity.

Starting today, you'll move to the Hanlin Academy for duty.

Do not return home without my permission!

Young Master!

Are you all right?

I think they met each other at her coming-of-age ceremony.

That day, Madam fell into the water.

When she woke up, she thought Young Master Xuan Qing saved her,

so she sent a generous gift to him.

Later, Madam came to the capital.

Second Master Ji was at Cunshan Academy,

and when she sent him there, she met Young Master Xuan Qing again.

Once, Heir Apparent Ye had a quarrel with her at the academy.

I looked into it and found out that Madam was actually there...

to return a book to Young Master Xuan Qing.

After that, they had some contact.

At Young Master Xuan Qing's birthday,

Madam...

Go on.

Yes.

Madam made a kite by hand, and they agreed to meet on the Yong'an Bridge.

But for some reason, Young Master Xuan Qing didn't show up.

After that, it all fizzled out.

I have another favor to ask.

Could you please not arrange a marriage for me

until the spring exam is over?

Why? Do you have other thoughts?

No. It's just that...

I don't want to rush.

I was the one who arranged his marriage with the Yu family.

He was reluctant at the time

until I told him the truth about his father's death.

Turns out he gave up Jin Zhao for his future.

Third Master, Madam was young and experiencing her first love...

So, she might have been a bit immature.

First love...

First love.

Watch it closely.

W-Who?

Chen Xuan Qing.

Yes.

Madam was young and experiencing her first love.

So, she might have been a bit immature.

I plan to remain unmarried for life.

As the sages say,

"The essence of marriage lies in compatibility."

So, marriage should be beneficial for both sides.

It's nothing but a memory to me.

It's all in the past. I've long forgotten it.

It's all in the past?

Yes. You'd made your choice,

so remember, don't make more trouble.

I'm clearly aware that there's no point in

being mad at Jin Zhao or hating Chen Xuan Qing.

It's so childish.

But I'm still... so upset.

Actually, it's good to move back to the Hanlin Academy.

After putting these family matters aside, you can finally focus on your work.

In a few days, you can go back and apologize to Third Master.

I think he'll forgive you.

Apologize?

What did I do wrong?

Young Master...

All these years,

I've studied so hard to bring honor to the Chen family.

I've fawned over everyone in this family.

Haven't I done enough?

Do I have to compromise everything just because they once saved me?

Do I have to do whatever he tells me to do

and never disobey him just because he adopted me?

He stole the woman I love,

and I can't even show a sign of sadness!

Young Master! Lower your voice.

We're in the duty room.

Why are you scared?

Do you think Chen Yan Yun will help us?

You're wrong.

He's the most narrow-minded and vengeful man in this world.

Now that he knows Gu Jin Zhao once loved me,

the only thing he wants to do right now is to destroy me.

No, Young Master. You're the third-place scholar.

You still have many chances.

What chances?

They only know my uncle is a cabinet minister, and he's backing me.

Little do they know that he doesn't give me any opportunities

but is wary of me all the time.

He doesn't want to support me, yet he holds the moral high ground.

I can't even seek other people's help!

I hate it!

Yun Ting, do you know?

I hate all of this!

Young Master! Young Master, please stop!

I'm begging you! Please keep this to yourself!

Please stop!

What? You're saying Chen Xuan Qing went to the Hanlin Academy?

He left last night.

He said there was new work at the Hanlin Academy.

Miss, you can finally relax.

But I think Third Master has noticed something.

Do you mean Chen Xuan Qing left because of Third Master?

I'm not sure.

But lately, he's become so quiet.

Should I ask Chen Yi?

How?

That's right. What should I say?

It's all Chen Xuan Qing's fault.

It was already in the past, yet he insisted on bringing it up!

Forget it. I haven't done anything shameful.

If it weren't for Wan Xue, I wouldn't even hide anything.

Maybe I should... just tell the truth.

What do you plan to say?

"I need to tell you something.

I once...

had feelings for... Chen Xuan Qing."

Oh, no.

I'll try again.

"I was young and ignorant,

and I once... had a crush on Chen Xuan Qing."

That sounds even worse!

Forget it! I haven't done anything wrong.

Why should I be scared?

Exactly.

- Madam. - Where is Third Master?

Third Master said he's staying at Wenyuan Library

and won't come home tonight.

Got it.

Miss, I think Third Master is avoiding you.

That's not like him.

He's never avoided anyone in the past.

I'll pack some clothes.

Ask Chen Yi to take them to Wenyuan Library.

Perhaps he's really busy.

Jiu Heng, you're still here?

Well, have you lost weight?

And you don't look well.

Have you been too tired lately?

Indeed.

Land equalization, maritime trade, and waterway repairs

all piled up together.

The memorials never end.

While the Grand Secretary is away,

you should go home early and enjoy a bit of sunlight.

I've been married for a long time, but you're not.

By the way,

Shao Heng, the Imperial Tutor of the Hanlin Academy,

is taking leave for mourning.

There's a vacancy for an imperial lecturer.

Do you want your nephew Xuan Qing to fill the post?

Thanks, Brother Zhong Lu.

However, he's only been here for less than two years and lacks experience.

If he were promoted now, it would be too conspicuous.

I don't think so.

You are always so cautious.

All right, go ahead with your work. I'm going home.

Guards.

My lord.

Bring some wine.

Yes.

Madam, Third Master isn't coming home today.

Miss, it's been three days.

It can't keep going like this.

If this continues, I won't be able to stand it even if he can.

Madam?

Is Master staying at Wenyuan Library again tonight?

Yes.

What about tomorrow?

Tomorrow as well?

Maybe.

I'm sure you have a way to send things into the palace.

Send a letter to him for me.

Tell him I want to see him.

If he doesn't come out of the palace, I'll just wait outside Xihua Gate.

If he's got the nerve, he should never come back.

Well...

Madam!

Third Master isn't at the Wenyuan Library today.

He's meeting a guest at Baoxiang Temple.

Thank you.

This is a restricted area. Please leave!

I'm here to see Chen Yan Yun. I'm his wife.

Lord Chen has ordered that no one should disturb him.

I can't believe

when Wang Xuan Fan was the Director of the Bureau of Transmission,

he'd already colluded with Prince Chengqing.

No wonder a few months ago...

the Capital Garrison kept losing battles.

By the way, Jiu Heng, I've done as you said.

I had Zhang Heng Yi, the Supervising Secretary of the Ministry of Rites,

submit a memorial for impeachment.

If all goes well, His Majesty and the Grand Secretary will see it tonight.

Thanks, Brother Yao.

Don't mention it. I've been friends with Wang Xuan Fan for many years.

But just because you married Miss Gu, he started being wary of us.

However, Wang Xuan Fan was right about one thing.

Now that we are in-laws, we should be close.

- Here, Brother Yao. - Okay.

It's much colder in the mountains than in the city.

I was thinking...

whether I should ask my fourth daughter-in-law and her mother

to visit your residence more often as a good cover.

After all, our association is an eyesore to some people.

But to my surprise, you haven't been at home these days.

There are many matters to attend to,

so I just stayed at the Wenyuan Library.

I understand. If you go home late, your wife will complain.

Now that

we've exposed Wang Xuan Fan's collusion with the late Prince Chengqing,

to protect himself, Wang Xuan Fan will surely point the finger at Gu De Yuan,

so as to implicate you.

Don't blame me for nagging you, but I'll ask one more time.

Are you really not going to save Gu De Yuan?

As an imperial censor, Gu De Yuan acts recklessly and is extremely greedy.

Even if Wang Xuan Fan doesn't investigate him,

I will punish him myself.

Got it.

Then I'll uphold justice against my kin just like you do.

Third Master, someone from the palace is here.

His Majesty summoned you.

His Majesty must've seen the memorial.

You must return to the palace right now.

Miss!

Miss.

Miss, the guards said

Third Master has already left.

Is he that afraid to see me?

Forget it.

Let's go back.

Miss!

I, Zhang Heng Yi, Supervising Secretary of the Ministry of Rites,

have a memorial to present.

10th month, 25th year of Jingning, Prince Chengqing rose in rebellion.

During the first three months, the imperial army kept losing battles.

There were many suspicions

that there were spies in court leaking secrets.

Wang Xuan Fan, who was then the Director of the Bureau of Transmission,

was close to Prince Chengqing.

Utter nonsense!

Your Majesty, I never had any connections with Prince Chengqing!

Zhang Heng Yi is making things up and twisting the truth!

He's up to no good and should be executed!

Lord Zhang is not making things up.

Chen Jiu Heng!

Your Majesty, I know a matter

that can prove the late Prince Chengqing and Lord Wang

not only had connections but were very close.

Is Jiu Heng going to openly go against him?

Their long-standing grudge is about to explode.

Let's see what the Grand Secretary wants.

8th day, 10th month, 25th year of Jingning,

On the 60th birthday of Zhu Guo Ming, Vice Minister of War,

the late Prince Chengqing and Lord Wang...

were both present.

The late Prince Chengqing brought two beautiful maids

and presented them to Zhu Guo Ming and Lord Wang.

Chen Jiu Heng, what proof do you have?

10th month, 26th year of Jingning,

news that Prince Chengqing had committed treason

and was beheaded by Marquis Changxing reached the capital.

Zhu Guo Ming was said to have died of a sudden heart attack.

But no one knew that in Lord Wang's residence,

a maid also died suddenly.

Zhu Guo Ming was found to be a spy colluding with Prince Chengqing,

and his entire family was executed.

Yet Lord Wang lived a peaceful life and even continued to rise!

Utter nonsense!

Your Majesty, Chen Yan Yun is framing me without any evidence

because he knows I'm investigating the case of Senior Censor Gu De Yuan.

As a censor, Gu De Yuan covered up for criminal officials.

His niece married Chen Yan Yun, so he became Chen Yan Yun's pawn.

He repeatedly took bribes and sold official posts.

I request a joint trial by the Three Judicial Offices

to investigate Chen Yan Yun!

But... you're both cabinet ministers.

What is your opinion, Lord Fu?

Your Majesty, the state has its laws.

Even as cabinet ministers, they are no exceptions.

Now that they've been impeached,

they should step down and await trial

by the Three Judicial Offices.

We shall do as Lord Fu says.

Mother!

I didn't teach you well.

Corruption and bribery are things you must never touch.

I'm sorry!

I made huge mistakes!

While I'm away, please take care of yourself!

Go.

As for the matters at home, I will handle them myself.

Take him away!

Master!

Don't cry.

Save your tears for the Chen family.

Right now, only Zhao Jie'er can save him.

Third Master.

Let's go home.

Gu De Yuan was taken away by the Supreme Court,

and the Gu family will definitely pester Jin Zhao.

Yes. Third Master, there's one more thing.

Madam went to Baoxiang Temple yesterday.

I only found out about it earlier this morning.

But you were in court, so I couldn't tell you.

Got it. Let's go.

That was from many years ago.

He brought it up now and asked for a strict investigation.

Your second uncle is locked up in the Supreme Court, and we can't visit him.

Zhao Jie'er, please ask your husband to save him!

I'm afraid it won't be easy.

What do you mean?

Your husband is a cabinet minister.

Saving someone is no big deal for him!

Zhao Jie'er, we're family.

If anything happens to your second uncle,

it'll also be a shame for you and your husband!

It's not that I don't want to help.

It's just that the mistake he made is too grave,

and the evidence is conclusive.

What evidence?

You're still a part of the Gu family after all.

How can you say this?

Second Madam, our miss caught a cold last night.

She's not feeling well right now.

Why don't you come back another day?

Eldest Sister!

Eldest Sister! Look, I'm pregnant.

Could you please save my father?

I'm begging you, Eldest Sister!

Second Miss, please don't drag her!

Eldest Sister! I really have no other choice!

The Yao family is heartless!

After they knew my father was arrested,

they couldn't wait to cut ties with me!

Eldest Sister! I've realized that we're real family!

I was wrong, Eldest Sister.

Lian Jie'er!

Lian Jie'er! Lian Jie'er!

Lian Jie'er! Lian Jie'er!

Lian Jie'er! Lian Jie'er!

Quickly, find a physician!

- Lian Jie'er! - No, find a female physician.

- Don't cause a scene. - Lian Jie'er!

Yes.

Didn't we agree that you'd prepare for the wedding at home?

Why did you suddenly move to the duty quarters?

Since you moved out, you haven't greeted me for days.

And I heard when you needed clothes or books,

you only sent your servants to take them and leave quietly.

Are you really that busy?

You're acting like we've mistreated you!

I know you're always sensitive.

But no matter what you think, since you're a Chen,

you can't just think of yourself.

You should consider our family as well.

Grandmother, it's not like that.

- Old Madam! - I...

Old Madam!

The Gu family is making a scene in Third Madam's courtyard.

For some reason, they even asked for a female physician!

Something might've happened!

Grandmother, I'll go and take a look!

This is karma. Karma is real.

At least she's fine. She should rest and recover.

Nanny Zhao, stay here and look after her.

- I'm not feeling well. I need to get some air. - Yes, Miss.

Please be careful.

Why are you here?

Aren't you ill?

Why are you not in your room?

Let go of me!

- You're ill! Don't mind all this! - Let me go!

Let go of me!

Why do you have to keep your distance from me?

- Let me go! - Have you forgotten what you said?

Let me go!

Third Master!

Third Uncle, I...

Third Uncle!

You can't do this.

Grandmother and Second Aunt are here.

Let go!

Let go!

Get lost!

No one else can know about what happened today.

Don't let me see you again!

Why?

Why?

Just because you're a cabinet minister,

do you think you can decide other people's fate and do as you please?

However, do you know she liked me first?

You...

stepped in...

and stole her away!

If it hadn't been for you, we'd have been together ages ago!

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 ♫