Original subtitles

[Li Mountain]

[Li Mountain Academy]

Yuan Niang

has been ill since she returned home.

She probably lived a hard life on the mountain.

Speaking of her marriage,

Yuan Niang was supposed to marry Prince Li.

But they suddenly made her marry someone else.

Now she will marry that cripple, Prince Ding.

Li Mountain Academy is not bad,

but it can't be compared to the Capital, after all.

[Ye Li] One is the glorious Prince Li,

[Eldest Daughter of Second Branch of Ye Family] and the other is the crippled Prince Ding.

And they will get married on the same day.

With no calendar on the mountain,

I lost track of time.

Eight years have passed in a flash.

But fortunately,

I am back.

[Episode 1]

Yuan Niang.

Yuan Niang, how are you feeling today?

Much better.

I just fetched the medicine.

Xing Er, dissolve the medicine for her.

Should I use cold or hot water?

What can she do?

Give it to me.

Thank you, Matron.

Come with me to bring Yuan Niang her lunch.

When did it fly back?

It must be hungry.

Qing Yu.

Why was it so noisy at Yanru Pond just now?

[Qing Yu] [Xing Er] Young Master slipped into the water.

Everyone rushed over for him.

Luckily, they pulled him out in time.

By the way,

I heard that the plaque bestowed

by the late emperor also went missing.

The one hanging in the main hall,

saying "Family of Goodness."

That one went missing?

That's terrible.

Rong Er, are you feeling unwell anywhere?

I'm scared.

Mother, I want a hug.

Come here. I got you.

First Master.

Dear Masters.

When I was cleaning the room at noon,

the plaque was still there.

[Ye Wen Ding] Then it's said he fell into the water.

[Head of the First Branch of the Ye Family] so we all rushed over to save him.

When we returned,

the plaque was gone.

[The Ye's Second Master] [Ye Wen Hua] It took less than an incense stick's burn.

It took no more than a single incense stick's burn?

Such a large plaque

couldn't have disappeared into thin air.

[Ye Wen Shen] It's a thief in the house.

[Head of the Third Branch of the Ye Family] It must be a thief in the house.

Now that the thief has already managed to get in here,

why did he steal a plaque

instead of something else?

Wen Ding, isn't it obvious?

Someone was upset about us.

They thought we

didn't deserve the title of "Family of Goodness."

They thought they were the hand of justice

and tried to take back the plaque for the late emperor.

Just shut your mouth.

No more useless words.

The priority right now

is to find the plaque as soon as possible.

It's an imperial gift.

We can't afford to lose it.

Wen Ding.

What do you mean?

Think about it.

If someone took away

such a large plaque from this house, someone would have seen it.

Perhaps the plaque

is still hidden somewhere in this house.

Someone!

Yes. First Master.

Search the entire house now.

Don't miss a single corner.

[Li Fei Bai] Yes.

[Second Master's Son] [Ye Rong] [Second Master's Second Wife] [Wang]

Not here.

Search over there.

Yes.

Mr. Li, nothing here.

Mr. Li, we didn't find it.

Search the west courtyard.

Yes.

We need to open these boxes and have a check.

You cannot open them!

Step aside!

This is Yuan Niang's dowry.

You cannot open them!

Something is missing from this house.

We're just following orders to search for it.

Open them!

- You can't search the boxes. - Wait.

Yuan Niang.

You just took your medicine.

You shouldn't have come out.

Since something is missing from this house, I know you are just following orders.

However, it is

my dowry from my mother.

I do not have the keys with me.

If you force them open,

you could break what's inside.

Who sent you here?

It was the First Master's order.

Then take me to see my first uncle.

[Rongxi Hall]

[Second Master Ye's Second Daughter] [Ye Ying]

Ye Li.

Didn't you ask to come here yourself?

If you have something to say,

say it now.

Greetings, Father.

We haven't met for eight years.

Father, you have grown much thinner.

Haven't you been back for over two months?

And you haven't met your father yet?

I assumed Father was busy with work

and had no time to see me.

Wen Hua.

What a good father-daughter relationship!

You make me so jealous.

Something is missing from this house.

We have to find it as soon as possible.

Li Er, be more sensible.

First Uncle.

I know the plaque from the late emperor is missing.

I didn't want to interfere with your searching.

But it is

my dowry from my mother.

I don't have the keys.

All these years,

my stepmother has been taking care of it.

Yes.

I do have the keys.

It is the dowry Li Er's birth mother prepared for her.

It should only be presented

to her husband's family when she gets married.

Opening the boxes in advance will bring bad luck.

Bad luck?

It will only bring

bad luck

if we can't find the plague.

The plaque is so large.

It wouldn't fit in any of the dowry boxes.

Who says it wouldn't fit?

I think this one fits perfectly well.

Right, Li Er? Measure it.

This is the Duyou Zither.

It is three feet five inches long.

Master Su spent seven years making it.

The plaque from the late emperor is about four feet.

This box is large.

It could indeed fit.

I told you it would fit.

Where are the keys? Open the boxes and have a check now.

What are you waiting for? The keys!

Hua!

Give them to her.

So this is the Duyou Zither?

No way.

This zither is like the one the Hu people use.

Go ahead.

This isn't right.

Nothing is right.

Father,

do you really hate me so much?

You even took away my dowry from my mother?

Weren't you taking care of these household matters?

Tell me, what is going on?

This is...

This is Ying Er's dowry.

I got it wrong.

Li Er,

you must believe me.

While you were away during these years,

we had always missed you.

Especially your father.

He had been desperately waiting for you to come back.

Is that so?

Of course.

As for your dowry

from your mother,

we have been taking good care of it.

So it turns out

my second aunt-in-law is a magician.

No wonder your maiden family is getting rich.

What a stupid woman!

Look how you've embarrassed yourself!

We found it!

We found it! We found it!

First Master, Dear Masters.

We actually found the plaque.

Where did you find it?

First Master, It was found in the pond of the west garden.

Who did this?

We haven't found out yet.

It's all thanks to Mr. Li's sharp eyes.

He spotted an edge of the plaque in the pond

and had it fished out right away.

This is a good sign.

Wen Ding.

What was lost is found.

A close call.

We're the "Family of Goodness" again.

However,

it's been stained by the pond water.

Now it's the "Family of Stain."

Take it away and clean it at once.

Then hang it back as soon as possible.

Yes.

Go ahead.

It's finally back.

Clean it well.

Especially the word "Goodness."

Li Er,

the plaque has been found.

So why don't you go back and take a rest?

It's all my fault for getting it wrong in the rush.

I almost mixed up your dowry with Ying Er's.

Don't worry.

I'll sort it out and give the right one back to you.

Sure, Mother.

Luckily, we found this mistake by chance today.

Otherwise, you would be seen as

a sneaky petty thief, right?

Since Father and all my uncles are here today,

I would like to discuss this with you.

My mother left behind many things back then.

Farmlands and estates,

gold, silver, and shops,

antiques and jade, and so on.

It's a lot, and it's complicated.

Thank you for taking care of them all these years.

Now that I have returned,

you don't need to bother.

You can hand them over to me today.

Sure.

[Family of Goodness]

I planned to wait until tomorrow to sort everything out.

But I think any further delay

will only make those who don't know

think you steal others' property.

Your good reputation of many years

should not be tarnished by such stupid rumors.

Then I should thank you, Li Er.

No need for thanks, Mother.

It makes us look like strangers.

I won't choose one over the other.

In my heart,

I love you and Ying Er equally.

Then I shall be as filial as Ying Er

to live up to your painstaking care.

Yuan Niang, there are so many treasures!

You made a fortune!

This is more than you could ever spend.

Don't exaggerate.

There will be many expenses in the future.

Qing Yu, have you checked with everything?

Yes, Yuan Niang.

Put them away.

Yes.

You must be tired.

You may go.

Yes.

Yuan Niang is so amazing.

Yes, we'll live a good life from now on.

Tao Er and Xing Er are still young.

They are often careless with their words.

I hope you won't mind, Yuan Niang.

When you became my maid,

you were even younger than them.

Then Qing Shuang and I went to Li Mountain,

and you stayed here.

All these years,

you must have suffered.

Yuan Niang, you've had a long day.

You should rest early.

I shall take my leave.

[Qing Shuang] Miss Ye.

You look tired.

I'm not tired.

The third watch of the night.

Stars fill the cold sky.

Sleep well. Don't get disturbed.

Mother.

It has been eight years.

No one has asked if you are doing well.

Mother.

Why did you marry Father back then?

Because I liked your father.

Then, does Father like you?

[Xu Wan Zhou] [Young Ye Li] Of course he does.

Your father likes me,

and he likes you too.

We will send you back to Li Mountain tonight.

From now on,

our ties are severed.

Take care.

Ye Li.

Ye Li!

Call me Elder Sister.

You must feel so good today.

It's all thanks to your help.

Was the pond water cold?

My mother said

your husband-to-be is a cripple.

You will suffer after you marry him.

That's hard to say.

Aren't you afraid I'll tell everyone?

Would you?

Your mother left you with your dowry.

It rightfully belonged to you.

I won't let you get it.

Really?

[Ye's Mansion]

Master Zhu said

my mother was a fool.

What was so good about my father?

Aside from his good looks,

he had nothing.

Yuan Niang.

The dowry boxes are all locked.

I'll have them move the boxes out first.

Come in.

Master Zhu was right.

My mother had always been smart,

but when it came to choosing a man,

she truly had a bad taste.

Yuan Niang, you look so beautiful.

Yuan Niang.

Prince Ding's family sent words to urge the bride.

Let's go.

[Family of Goodness]

Congratulations!

Today marks two joyous occasions for you.

Congratulations.

Congratulations, Madam.

Madam, you are so lucky.

[Madam of the Ye Family] This...

Who... Who is getting married?

Your granddaughters.

The brides are here.

Come on.

Look at the two brides.

The second lady is so beautiful.

So beautiful.

Yuan Niang is also stunning.

So beautiful.

Grandmother.

This...

Wan Zhou.

It's been a while.

Grandmother.

I am your mother-in-law.

You don't even recognize me?

Madam is tired.

- I am... - Help Madam back to rest.

I am your mother-in-law.

I've been thinking of you.

Scatter the gold and silver

to welcome the grooms.

Scatter the gold and silver

to welcome the grooms.

Beat the thieves,

but welcome the guests.

Sisters-in-law,

we are here to see the brides.

Why are the two leading candles lighted?

Why does the goose lift its neck so high?

The brilliance lights up the future path

[Prince Li] [Mo Jing Li] as the carved saddle enters the hall.

Why can't we get in yet?

Where are the men we sent to ask?

They should be back soon.

[Nephew of Prince Ding] [Mo Wu You] What if we miss the auspicious time?

Ask them to make way.

They can't just block the road.

Right?

Please calm down. I'll report to our master right away.

The new brides

will leave the hall.

Scatter gold and silver

to welcome the grooms.

Scatter gold and silver!

Make way! Make way!

Second Master.

Second Master.

Prince Li's and Prince Ding's teams for the brides have both arrived.

Then let's go.

But Prince Li's carriage is too large,

and he brings so many people,

so Prince Ding's team

is blocked at the alley entrance.

Second Master.

Prince Ding's team sent someone to ask.

This...

Wen Hua.

It's already the auspicious time.

No matter what, Prince Li's carriage is at the door now.

I think

we should send Ying Er to get married first.

Then what about Li Er?

Wen Hua.

Li Er is your biological daughter too.

You won't agree with Wen Ding, will you?

No way!

Li Er will get married first.

Then we'll lay the felt mats on the ground.

As long as the bride's feet don't touch the bare ground,

it won't break the rules.

You want Li Er to walk out on her own?

I've heard that fish under the ice

will squeeze all they can

for a breath of air,

even it's just a crack.

Li.

You must keep in mind

how your father honored you today.

No one thinks you are mute, so shut up.

It's the auspicious time.

The brides kneel to honor their parents' hard work

and thank them for their deep kindness.

Be respectful.

Be cautious.

Never disobey your parents-in-law.

I will remember your teachings, Father.

Be diligent. Be respectful.

Never violate the rules of the home.

I will remember your kindness, Mother.

Fasten the sash and tie the knot.

Li Mountain is majestic

and thousands of feet high.

Li River flows,

and it is hundreds of miles long.

Whether leaving the capital back then,

or returning two months ago,

I was on my own.

I could do it then,

and in the future,

I can do it too.

Father,

I'm leaving.

After the chopsticks are dropped, all troubles will be resolved.

After the courtyard is opened, a thousand blessings will be brought.

Years ago, the late emperor granted me a great favor,

betrothing me to Prince Li.

I planned to leave the mountain to marry him.

But Prince Li broke his word.

He begged the Empress Dowager to marry Ye Ying, the daughter of the Wang family.

The Empress Dowager agreed,

but then betrothed me to Prince Ding.

I didn't know why.

But no matter what,

at least I managed to leave the mountain.

[Qing Bao]

[Steward of Prince Li's Family] [Sui Xin]

After the chopsticks are dropped, all troubles will be resolved.

After the courtyard is opened, a thousand blessings will be brought.

Young Master.

Aunt.

I am Mo Wu You.

I've come on behalf of my uncle, Prince Ding, to welcome the bride.

My uncle is indisposed,

so we shall skip the formalities

and keep everything simple.

I hope you will understand, Aunt.

Please board the carriage, Aunt.

Welcome, Bride.

Watch your step.

Now the felt mats.

[Prince Ding's Mansion]

Step on the mats for blessings of many descendants.

Pass the bags for blessings of a long lineage.

Sprinkle the grains and beans once

to ward off evil and disasters.

Sprinkle the grains and beans twice

to ensure peace and safety.

[Prince Ding's Eldest Sister-in-Law] [Wen Ran]

Madam.

Why hasn't His Highness arrived yet?

We should not miss the auspicious time.

He should be here soon.

Wait a moment.

Will we miss the auspicious time?

The auspicious time has long passed.

It's already this late.

Will His Highness still come?

His Highness...

His Highness was delayed by some matters.

No matter how indisposed he is,

he should have been here by now.

Or could it be

your family is unhappy

with the Empress Dowager's marriage decree?

Of course not.

Go and check.

Wait.

Where is His Highness now?

He should be in the study.

Then I shall go and invite my husband myself.

Princess Consort.

Princess Consort! Princess Consort!

Princess Consort. I am the butler of Prince Ding's family.

My surname is Cui.

Let me lead the way for you.

And this is?

This is Lv Cheng, the Grand Historian of the Bureau of Astronomy.

He is here by the Empress Dowager's decree

to assist His Highness in his cultivation.

Your Highness,

be disrespectful to him.

Cultivation?

Stop.

Who are you?

I am Princess Ding.

[Lv Cheng] [Astrologer]

Prince Ding is currently busy.

Can't I just go inside

and take a look?

[Mo Xiu Yao] [Prince Ding]

Your Highness.

I'm sorry.

I'll pick them up.

Copying sutras?

On such a joyous day,

you have to copy sutras?

What are you looking at?

Nothing.

I think I suddenly

understand my mother now.

Mo Xiu Yao.

I am Ye Li.

I'm here to marry you.

Since it's our first meeting,

let me treat you to some honey cakes.

You don't want to eat?

If not, then let's go.

Where to?

To get married.

Today is our wedding day.

Are you going to stay here and copy sutras all day?

But I haven't finished yet.

Then finish it when you return.

When we get back,

I'll help you copy them.

Let's go.

Where is Your Highness going?

Isn't it obvious?

His Highness has not yet submitted today's lessons.

Marriage is a major life event.

Isn't it more important than submitting lessons?

Your Highness may not know.

The Bureau of Astronomy reported long ago

that this place has seen too much killing.

It has angered the gods.

His Highness's leg won't heal,

and Lady Wen is often bedridden.

The young master is naughty and refuses to change.

This is all God's punishment.

The Empress Dowager was merciful,

so she ordered me to find a solution.

Only if the head of the household

copies sutras to pray for blessings and recites them daily,

can this disaster be resolved.

Must he copy them right now?

Can't you make an exception?

I only follow the Empress Dowager's decree.

I have no right to make an exception.

I see.

- Steward Cui. - Yes?

Get the carriage ready. I'm going back to Li Mountain.

What do you mean, Your Highness?

By the Empress Dowager's order,

I came down the mountain to marry Prince Ding.

The auspicious time has passed,

but Astrologer Lv refuses to let us go.

It seems the wedding won't happen today.

Since the wedding can't happen,

why should I stay here?

I'd better return to the mountain.

But I'll have to bother you

to go to Anqing Palace to report this.

I'm just following orders.

Understood.

Thank you, Astrologer Lv.

- Steward Cui. - Yes.

Let's go.

Your name is Ye Li?

Yes.

You're from Li Mountain Academy?

Yes.

I heard you were previously

engaged to Prince Li.

You are well-informed, Your Highness.

Prince Li is handsome

and has a gentle temperament.

He is skilled in music, chess,

calligraphy, and painting.

He's the ideal husband for the noble ladies in the Capital.

But I am unable to walk.

My legs are disabled.

Our family is also in disgrace.

Our glory days are over.

From being Prince Li's betrothed,

to becoming my bride,

how do you feel?

So Prince Li is that popular now.

No wonder he broke off the engagement.

I haven't left the mountain in years,

so I didn't know.

But Your Highness,

though your glory days are over,

Li Mountain Academy is nothing better.

Our marriage

is like a withered lotus meeting a dying willow,

or a withered grass meeting a jackdaw.

We are a perfect match.

So let's not look down on each other.

The auspicious time has passed.

Let's not delay any further.

Madam. His Highness and Her Highness are here.

Second brother-in-law.

- Sister-in-law, sorry to keep you waiting. - Not at all.

As long as you're here.

Your Highness. It's time for the formal bows.

Face the mirror and bow.

From now on, the couple is united in one.

With one heart, they shine through and ward off all evil.

Fasten the belt and fix the makeup.

Hold the string and go to the bridal chamber.

Your Highness, are you hungry?

Would you like something to eat?

Or...

some wine?

What is this?

Do you want to know?

For ordinary people,

the wedding night isn't that troublesome.

The union of man and woman is only natural.

But if a cripple wants to spend his wedding night,

he needs some help.

Do you want to try?

These are all the dowry items my mother left me.

What are you doing?

I want to give you a gift.

A gift for me?

Why?

Because I am grateful to you.

As you know, Your Highness,

I was long engaged to Prince Li.

I thought he would marry me when I came of age.

Then I would have a chance to leave the mountain.

I didn't expect

that he would break off the engagement.

I can understand why.

Nowadays,

everyone avoids Li Mountain like the plague.

So, since Your Highness was willing to marry me,

allowing me to come down from the mountain,

I am very grateful.

Come here.

Your Highness.

What's wrong?

Are you feeling unwell?

Your Highness.

Are you scared?

Jin.

Yes.

I heard that people from Li Mountain Academy are very smart.

But Ye Li,

keep your smarts to yourself.

This place is no safe haven.

I have no interest

in this marriage either.

If you want,

we can live in peace.

If you don't,

wait for a year or so,

and I will write you the letter of divorce.

We will both be free.

How does that sound?

[Tuisi House]

[On the Next Episode]

Mo Xiu Yao.

I will repay what my mother

owed your family.

Your Highness should know.

Our family has suffered the Gods' punishment.

I heard Astrologer Lv is a southerner.

How many years have you been in the Capital?

Three years.

Let me read your fortune.

Mo Xiu Yao, do you want to try?

Please go back, Ye Li.

I don't need you.

I've learned it too.

Do I look like you?