Original subtitles

(Feud)

(Episode 17)

I'm feeding you.

Aren't you happy?

It's too disgusting for me to eat.

But nothing's wrong with the food.

In my opinion, I'm sure your wife is shy.

For all we know, she might be grinning in secret as we speak.

Bai, trust me.

If you keep this up, she'll surely be moved by your thoughtfulness.

Bai? Don't be impatient.

I'm not done yet.

Didn't I tell you to retrieve the antidote from me every month?

Why did you drag it out?

Chu will be angry at me if you die because of this.

I was delayed by other events. That's why I didn't look for you.

I can give you the antidote.

But don't forget what you promised me.

Martial Senior Meng has already been released.

You can look for him yourself.

Will that old stick-in-the-mud, Zi Yang, truly release him?

Why don't you say that the rats in Jingyun Sect had dug a hole

for Chu to escape instead?

You can go and take a look yourself.

Sect Leader no longer wishes to obstruct you two.

What nonsense are you talking about?

That old fossil never shuts up about how good and evil cannot co-exist.

How could he not obstruct us?

Could it be that you intend to lure me to Jingyun Sect by tricking me

and get rid of me once and for all?

You aided me in reaching Heaven. There's no need to lie to you.

Hand me the antidote. I have something important to do next.

I don't have the time to retrieve the antidote from you once a month.

I don't believe you, unless you go to Jingyun Sect together with me.

I'll only hand the antidote to you if Chu is safe and sound.

I don't have the time to join you.

If you don't give me the antidote,

I'm sure Chu will hate you

if anything happens to me.

Stop right there.

Fine. I'll hand the antidote to you.

Why are you following me?

I never expected a mortal like you

to be this devoted to Grandmistress.

This is quite surprising.

What are you up to?

What about you? Why did you leave Jingyun Sect?

I suppose you intend to look for Grandmistress.

Seems like you didn't heed my previous advice at all.

Do you truly think Grandmistress needs you?

Whether she needs me or not, that's her business.

Whether I look for her or not, that's my business.

Since that's the case, count me in.

Don't need to stare at me like that.

My ties with her are just as good as yours.

Useless girl.

My teachings all went down the drain.

You better stay at home.

Wait for that brat to look for you.

- Mother, but... - No buts.

What's the point of getting a male partner

if he doesn't even look for you himself?

Mister, are the dishes ready?

Mr. Bai, please wait a moment. We have one more dish.

Here.

Bai, what have you done wrong

for Mrs. Bai to be mad at you for two months?

I didn't do anything wrong.

Waiter, prepare Mr. Bai's dishes.

All right.

- Mister. - Mr. Kong.

Two bowls of plain noodles.

Get me the usual.

All right.

Two bowls of plain noodles and two flatbreads.

All right.

You're at fault here.

You shouldn't be that calculative toward your wife.

You should've admitted your fault.

Enjoy.

Let me treat you guys to a bowl of noodles if you don't mind.

Uncle Kong, have you made a fortune?

That's not it.

Today's my birthday.

Look at how forgetful I am.

Uncle Kong, you're 53 years old this year, right?

That's right. I no longer have any family members or kin.

Now that I think about it, only you two are still willing to eat with me.

Here. Please.

I have to ride your wave of good luck, then.

Bai, eat up.

Thanks, but I'm not hungry.

Bai knows me the best indeed.

He knew that one bowl wasn't enough for me.

All right.

- Mr. Bai, take care. - Thank you.

Mr. Bai, please stop.

Thank you,

Mr. Bai.

Why are you doing this?

I will remember your kindness forever.

Uncle Kong has attended the imperial exam for 30 years.

He had already spent his family fortune.

That's why he's very frugal.

I told Uncle Kong

that we're forking out his travel expenses to the capital for the exam.

I told him he could repay us after he passed it and became an official.

Bai, don't worry. I'm forking out your share as well.

Just treat it as a favor from me.

Why are you doing this favor for me?

Uncle Kong is poor.

He's barely making ends meet in his daily life.

Today, he's willing to buy us a bowl of noodles.

That proves that he sees us as his real friends.

I was worried

that he might be heartbroken because you didn't eat the noodles.

That's why I made up this excuse for you.

That's troublesome. I don't need it.

What are you saying?

That's the bond of human affection.

That's the meaning of life, you know?

Bai?

Bai.

Bamboo baskets and bamboo trays for sale.

Get them cheap.

Bai,

it's been two months since Mrs. Bai moved here.

But she never left the house before.

My wife thought inviting her to our house might be too abrupt.

Just tell her to chat with my wife and do some needlework.

They say a close neighbor is better than a distant relative.

Moreover, we live right next to each other.

We should visit each other more often.

Maybe Mrs. Bai will stop being angry at you after her mood gets better.

- Here you go. - Put it here.

- Thank you. - Take care. Come again.

Needlework?

Bamboo baskets and bamboo trays for sale.

Dried and preserved fruits for sale.

Come and take a look.

Yellow.

Why have you returned?

You see, my stall will be closed soon.

You...

Why do you still come to my stall every day?

Just leave, okay?

Hurry and leave.

Yellow, just leave.

Just look at you.

You already came here and begged for food when you were a puppy.

The number of flatbreads you've consumed was more than those I've sold.

Here you go.

- Enjoy it. - Old mister.

Yes?

Give me four flatbreads.

- Eight. - Okay.

Sure.

All right. Here you go.

- Be careful. - Thanks.

Here you go.

Why are your hands this cold?

Don't think that it's fine just because you're young.

You'll suffer when you grow old, you know?

You should wear more clothing when you go outside.

They're still hot.

You can warm your hands with them.

- Yeah. - Here, old mister.

Okay.

Thank you.

Yellow, time to go.

Stop obstructing people.

All right, Bai.

It's a promise, then.

Farewell.

Hey, Lin.

For Scholar Kong's travel expenses to the capital,

I'll share it with you.

Bai, I knew you were a loyal friend.

It's just that you didn't know how to express yourself.

I shall make a move first.

I bought you some flatbreads.

I'll head inside first.

I didn't expect you to be willing to sponsor a mortal.

It's been so many days.

This is your first time speaking to me of your own accord.

Why are you doing this?

Just like what you said,

I'm trying to live like a mortal.

I'm doing all the things the mortals are doing without using my power.

I wasn't referring to your powers.

What are you trying to say?

You still don't get it.

I don't get it?

Mrs. Bai, are you ready?

Ready for what?

To do some embroideries in my house.

Mr. Bai said you liked needlework too.

He promised my husband that you guys would visit our house today.

I couldn't wait any longer. That's why I came here first.

Am I bothering you guys?

Not at all.

I lost track of time because I couldn't find a suitable silk material.

No need for that. I have plenty of them at home.

I have so many choices that I can't decide.

Mrs. Bai, you can come and select them with me.

Mr. Bai, there's no need to buy dinner tonight.

My husband will be cooking something nice for us tonight.

Let's have dinner together.

- Sure. - Let's go.

Bai, look.

These are the books and antique paintings

I've collected.

Look at this.

This is "Twin Cranes Among Emerald Bamboo",

a masterpiece by the renowned painter Yuan Dan Qiu.

When I first came to Songhe County,

I realized that this painting has an affinity with this county.

Therefore, I spent a huge sum

to buy it from a pawn shop.

Look. Now that I'm hanging it here,

don't you think it matches the room perfectly?

You may take a look.

Over here.

Bring it over here.

Just like this.

Are you viewing this painting?

You think that this is nice too, huh?

I came across this line by chance while reading an old book.

The ancients often said that every word, every stroke, holds its own power.

It wasn't until I read this line of poetry

that I realized how truly uplifting a well-crafted verse can be.

Bai, what do you think?

"Discourses on Ancient History and Policy?"

You love this book too, huh?

Me too.

Seems like we have the same preferences.

Lin, you spoke non-stop. Aren't you thirsty?

Why don't we...

Come. Please.

Bai, listen.

My family has been officials for generations.

But most of them went to the capital to serve as court historians.

After my grandfather's frustrations in officialdom,

he left behind a family maxim.

He didn't allow his future generations to be officials again.

Thus, my father turned to business and became a merchant.

He found out that he was very talented at business. He made a huge fortune.

Thus, he began supporting my studies.

It's a shame that I was very hardworking

and intelligent.

My father told me

that I would surely come up on top if I attended the imperial exam.

I could even become the next chancellor.

But I didn't think so.

I thought that studying was its own subject.

It has nothing to do with being an official.

It's not like one can be a good official

as long as they're good at studying.

One has to uphold justice in their heart to be a good official.

Bai, what do you think?

That's a valid point.

That's more like it.

Bai, you're indeed my best friend indeed.

Here, Bai. Try this.

This is known as Zhaoyan Tea.

Although it isn't very expensive,

it's very particular when it comes to the water used.

It has to be brewed with morning dew.

I head to the back hill every morning.

I collect the morning dew from the southern side of the banyan trees.

You'll see that it's clean and pure.

And, it carries a rich, fragrant herbal smell.

Bai, what do you think?

Bai, what do you think?

It's pretty good.

Bai, I know we're well-educated.

But we can't just focus on our studies alone.

We have to train our body as well.

"Burn the midnight oil and rise when the rooster crows."

That's what I do.

I get up around midnight each day just to study.

I go to the back hill right when the rooster crows.

Not only can I gather the morning dew, but I can train my body too.

It's the best of both worlds.

Excellent.

Excellent indeed.

You think it's great too, huh?

What about this? Let's head to the back hill together tomorrow.

I said, let's head to the back hill together tomorrow.

I don't think that's necessary.

Bai, you have a fragile constitution.

If you come with me to the back hill every day,

I'm sure your body will grow stronger.

It's said that a woman is like silk threads while a man is like a rock.

Women like men who give them a sense of security.

If you grow stronger,

perhaps Mrs. Bai won't pull a long face every day.

This tea is quite intoxicating.

- I guess I'm drunk. - Dear.

Dear, look.

Mrs. Bai is amazing at needlework.

Dear, I thought your needlework was already amazing.

I never expected Mrs. Bai to be better than you.

Seems like Bai wasn't bragging.

Mrs. Bai excels at needlework indeed.

Look, it's so adorable.

Did you do it?

I did it casually.

Since when did you learn how to do this?

Mrs. Bai, may I ask you for a favor?

Please tell me.

My wife is very fond of this small tiger-skin hat.

May we have it as a gift?

Of course.

But why do you guys need this?

I...

I'm asking it on my child's behalf.

My wife is already four months pregnant.

We never told anyone about it.

That's right. But since we told you guys about it,

let this be a way for everyone to share in our joy.

What did you do? Why are your clothes all creased up?

Once your child is born,

I suppose the peach blossom tree will bear fruit.

Mrs. Bai, do you like peaches?

I do.

It's a shame that we can't have them now.

We have to wait for it to bloom and bear fruit first.

But that's fine. I'll deliver them to you once they're ripe.

Do you want some peaches?

Lin,

I suppose this tree of yours is over a century old.

I'm not sure about that.

We just moved here for barely a year.

But the owner said that their family had lived here for three generations.

This tree has been here since then. I suppose it's quite old now.

Since it's ancient, I suppose it's somewhat sentient.

I'm sure it knows when to bloom and bear fruit.

Bai, what are you saying?

Don't peach trees usually bloom in the

third month and bear fruit by the sixth?

Not necessarily.

Since someone wants to have peaches, it surely has to bloom and bear fruit.

If one's craving cannot be satisfied with its fruit,

what's the point of keeping it here?

What are you doing?

Sorry about that.

I'll get you some fresh clothes. Wait here.

It's windy outside.

You have to put your clothes on.

If not, you might catch a cold.

Don't move.

I...

This is what Mrs. Lin does to remove the extra threads

on Mr. Lin's clothes.

That's why I...

I'll go and get the door.

Mrs. Bai.

What are you two...

Mrs. Bai, isn't this miraculous?

We just talked about peaches yesterday.

Today, the peach blossom tree bore fruit.

Look. They're gigantic.

This is what we call an auspicious sign.

Here, take it.

We should notify the local authorities.

Maybe they'll be rewarded for this.

I think a deity has manifested its spirit here.

I don't think it's a deity.

You see, Scholar Kong, Mr. Lin, and Mr. Bai,

all three of them are well-educated.

A star of literature is about to descend upon our land.

- This is a good sign. - That's right.

Scholar Kong, I think you stand the highest chance

to be the star of literature.

I'm sure you'll pass the imperial exam with flying colors.

- That's right. - You flatter me.

The peach blossom tree in Mr. Lin's house bore fruit.

It has nothing to do with me.

Uncle Kong.

I only teach and educate. I don't attend the imperial exam.

I'll definitely hold a banquet for you once you pass the exam.

- Count me in. - Me too.

Mr. Lin.

Mr. Lin, thanks for the peaches.

Thanks.

- Goodbye. - We'll make a move first.

Is this your doing again?

Look at all the fruits it bore.

There are consequences for misusing one's power.

I did nothing.

I'm sure that old sentient peach blossom tree did it of its own accord.

Bai Jiu Si, you might lose, you know?

I won't.

Even the trees understand the heart better than people do.

Bai Jiu Si,

did you forget that you weren't a mortal?

Why did it sound like she was insulting me?

Mrs. Bai, Mr. Bai,

my wife and I are here to bring you guys some fruits.

Take a bite.

Hurry.

Mr. Bai, this is a letter for you.

For me?

That's right.

And this too.

Mr. Bai, I shall take my leave.

I suppose Uncle Kong has written to you too.

Bai.

At the age of six, Uncle Kong began his studies

and vowed from a young age to bring peace and stability to the nation.

It's a shame that he failed the imperial exam every time.

He took the exam until the age of 53.

Now that he has finally passed it,

he died on his way to assume his position.

Why are the heavens so unfair to him?

Life and death are but part of the cycle of cause and effect.

Fairness doesn't exist.

Why are you this cold-blooded?

Uncle Kong thought of you as a true friend, you know?

He even treated you to a bowl of longevity noodles.

If I...

If I didn't sponsor him for the trip to the capital,

he wouldn't have overexerted himself

and died from illness.

Life and death both lie within the bounds of fate.

Even if he didn't take the exam, he might still die from illness.

But that's different.

If Uncle Kong was in front of me,

I'd definitely try to save him.

I wouldn't just stand idly by and watch him as he dies.

Let me ask you this, then.

Would you still save him if you knew that

he would die by this year?

I would.

What if he was fated to die on that very day?

That's the arrangement of the heavens.

I wasn't the one who arranged for it.

I want him to live.

It's my fault if I do nothing about it.

However, if I can't save him even after giving it my all,

that's the fault of fate.

Come in.

You left your liquor in the courtyard.

(To Bai Jiu Si)

Were you upset over Scholar Kong's passing?

There are plenty of hardships and suffering in the world.

Mortals are weak and helpless.

All of them experience tragic events in one way or another.

Do you expect me to be upset over all of them?

Although the world has plenty of people,

there's only one Scholar Kong.

What are you trying to say?

It's nothing.

This small pot of wine represents genuine friendship.

You should finish it.

This is the famed "Autumn Dew White" wine from the northern capital.

It's a wine preferred by scholars and refined gentlemen.

It's very famous.

- Take your time. - Okay.

I knew you were just too stubborn to admit it.

I'm sure you're upset over Uncle Kong's passing.

That's not true.

I didn't say something mean yesterday, did I?

Actually, besides Uncle Kong's passing,

I'm also fretting over other things.

Why are you staring at me?

As a friend,

shouldn't you ask me what's wrong?

I have no interest in that.

No interest, huh?

You're a good person

in every aspect.

It's just that you have a cold personality.

No one else besides me is willing to be your friend.

Do you think anyone else is willing to interact with you?

Birds of a feather flock together.

There's a vast level of difference between us. Things cannot be forced.

Fine, fine. You're aloof and mighty.

Here.

Tell me about it.

My wife is going to give birth soon.

I'm going to be a father soon.

But I'm not fully prepared yet.

I don't know how to be a good father.

You'll know when you experience it.

Why trouble yourself with needless worry?

That's not the case here.

To you, it might be something insignificant.

But to me, it's very important.

My parents passed away when I was young.

They only left some assets behind.

My wife married me despite it being a step down for her.

Back then, my relationship with her family wasn't the best.

When my child grows up gradually,

he'll realize that he's the only one without any relatives.

Will he feel lonely and upset over it?

What should I tell him

when he asks me about it?

Tell him the truth.

I don't want my child to know all about these lessons this young.

Even so, you cannot change the truth.

Yeah.

There are plenty of things we cannot change in the world.

Even so, why are there still people trying their best to change them?

It's because they're unsatisfied.

Does that mean that they can change fate itself?

Mortals are weak and helpless.

If they cannot change it, they should accept it.

If not, they'll only struggle endlessly.

I beg to differ.

From ruin springs rebirth.

If you don't dare to struggle,

how will you know whether a good or bad ending awaits you out there?

You'll know when you have a child.

Fathers are willing to sacrifice everything for their children,

even their lives.

Speaking of which, although I don't have any relatives,

I have a friend like you.

You can be my child's godfather when he's born.

I'll go and make more friends

and get him a few more godfathers when my child is young.

This way, he won't be lonely.

Say, do you think I can be

a great father?

You can.

Bai,

we've known each other for some time.

This is the first time you said something pleasing to the ears.

I'll be honest with you.

I became friends with you

because I thought you were different from other people.

You see, I have high standards.

Not everyone can be my friend, you know?

I only made three friends upon moving here.

You, Mrs. Liu, an insole seller,

and Mr. Wang, a waste dumper.

But I treasure you the most among the three of you.

They said that you're well-educated. They call you Mr. Bai.

I beg to differ.

I think you're a pampered heir who can't even tell wheat from millet.

You have a lousy temper, and you speak frankly without thinking.

That's why nobody likes you.

But that's fine.

I like you.

In the future, don't just isolate yourself all the time.

Just find me if you encounter any difficulties.

What's the point?

At least I can drink with you.

It's on fire!

- It's on fire! - Put it out!

The flatbread stall is on fire!

Hurry and put it out!

Wake up! Put out the fire!