Original subtitles

[Episode 35]

Do you know where Xu Wan Zhou is buried?

I heard she's buried in Zhengyi Temple.

Does Your Majesty want to visit?

Prepare the sacrificial wine and vessels.

Yes, Your Majesty.

There is no need for a grand procession.

Select a few attendants and accompany me.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has gone to the Imperial Villa.

Gao Wen Huan, draft an imperial decree.

Justice shall be served for the late sages of Li Mountain Academy.

First, all disciples of the Li Mountain Academy,

living or deceased, whose grievances remain unresolved,

shall be investigated by the three judicial courts.

Their names must be cleared.

Any false accusers shall be punished by law.

Second, recruit worthy talents from the Li Mountain Academy

solely by merit, unbound by convention.

Third, the surviving works of the Academy,

including classics, histories, and essays,

shall be managed by the Hanlin Academy.

Collect and publish the finest copies, and distribute them to the world.

Works on water conservancy or public welfare

shall be put into use by the Ministry of Works.

Also, confer posthumous honors, Headmaster Xu Qing Yun as Marquis Wenzheng,

and Master Zhu Yun as Earl Wensu.

Princess Ding, Ye Li, is a descendant of the loyal and upholds their integrity.

She is conferred the title of Noble Lady Wenzhao.

She shall receive the stipend of a prince's daughter.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, clearing their names and publishing their works is only proper.

But you named Xu Qing Yun as Marquis Wenzheng and Zhu Yun as Earl Wensu,

and even granted Princess Ding a title and a prince's daughter's stipend.

Isn't that a bit too generous?

Before Li Mountain Academy was sealed off,

there were many great scholars.

Xu Qing Yun's "Spring and Autumn Theory" laid the foundation of Chu literature.

Li Chun Xian, heir of Mohist engineering, rebuilt Tiangong Bridge to benefit the realm.

Master Liu created the Qingshan calligraphy style,

and Master Fuyao wrote "Travels of All Things."

Master Helai was a divine physician,

and Master Zhu was a master of swordsmanship.

Li Mountain Academy is the realm's treasure. Yet now, only Ye Li remains.

It belongs not to one family, but to all under heaven.

Before Great Chu was even founded, it already existed.

Its scholars upheld righteousness,

yet were confined to the mountains and tormented by illness

until those great talents faded away.

They are the roots of our learning.

Their loss is the realm's regret and the court's failure.

Everything I grant today is not my personal favor,

but the court's long-overdue respect

and the justice the people have waited for.

Honor the loyal, inspire future generations, and manifest Heaven's justice.

- Your Majesty is truly wise. - Your Majesty is truly wise.

Liu Wen Ji, a famous guqin master from Qianzhong.

The late Emperor even bestowed the Jiaowei Guqin upon him.

Master Liu knows over 300 ancient and modern scores.

His eye for instruments is second to none.

Having him as a steward of Shende House would be the best advertisement.

His musical skills are superb, but he knows nothing of business.

A man so lofty is not likely to handle trivial accounts.

What about this one? Song Qing.

He once worked in Longqu as a shop hand for many years.

After his family moved to the Capital,

he worked as a steward at Linlang Pavilion, Jinyu House, Pomo House, and Huamei Pavilion.

He is most experienced in the jewelry trade.

Good. He is experienced and knowledgeable.

How old is he?

He is twenty-eight.

Even if he started in business at eighteen,

he's moved through several shops in ten years.

He must be quite restless.

A man like that won't stay with Shende House.

What about this one?

He was an appraiser at Yongchang Pawnshop.

I heard he's handled countless treasures.

He's an expert at spotting fakes.

He does have a sharp eye.

But I recall Yongchang Pawnshop went out of business over a decade ago.

I wonder how old this appraiser is now.

Had I known finding a replacement was so hard, I would never have let Wei Zhuang go.

He's an official now with a bright future.

Who would abandon officialdom for trade?

You're still recovering.

Don't worry about this for now.

In a few days, I'll have Gu Zheng find some capable candidates.

This gentleman is very handsome.

Silly Xing Er. We're hiring a steward.

What's the use of being handsome?

Let me see.

Well, I must say, this one looks quite decent.

Look, Your Highness. His name is Tang Zi Xiao.

He studied under Master Li Yu at Dongshan Academy.

He once placed first in the provincial exams. Later, he traveled to Jiangnan and Hexi.

His father was in the silk and medicinal herb business.

So he's been skilled in math and trade since youth.

He helped his family manage their silk and medicine shops.

He has quite a bit of business experience.

With such talent, why didn't he pursue an official career?

It's written here.

Three years ago, he encountered bandits raiding a village.

During the fight, he lost two fingers.

Your Highness knows that according to the law,

anyone with physical disabilities cannot enter officialdom.

Your Highness, this Master Tang is capable and kind.

He's also quite pitiful. Why don't we hire him?

That's right, Your Highness.

He's quite handsome too.

He even looks a bit like His Highness.

Really? Let me see.

Your Highnesses.

The Palace has sent some Xunyang tribute fish.

Madam Wen had them prepared and asked you to dine.

Let's go.

Have a taste. His Majesty sent these specifically.

He even had Eunuch Gao emphasize that he caught this fish himself.

It weighs six jin and four liang.

- How much? - Six jin and four liang.

From the imperial pond?

Most likely.

The fish were probably raised by eunuchs.

They'd jump into nets and bite any bait.

If we're talking about real skill, send him into the wild

and he'd probably sit all day without even hooking a scale.

Mother, can I eat now?

Go ahead.

Li, your Senior Brother Wei has taken office, right?

He used to teach Wu You arithmetic.

Now that he's been promoted, we should send him a gift.

It should be in the next few days.

When will you visit him? I'll go with you.

All right. I'll call you once the gift is ready.

By the way, how did the recruitment go today?

Anyone suitable?

I reviewed several applications.

A few were quite good. I haven't decided yet.

That Tang fellow won't do.

You mean Tang Zi Xiao? Why?

He's from Qianchuan.

His family has vast holdings.

With so many shops of his own to manage,

why would he travel so far to seek a job in the Capital?

I'm afraid his motives aren't pure.

True.

Anyway, in a few days, he'll visit the shop.

I'll ask him then.

Li, what does that Master Tang look like?

Judging from his portrait, he's handsome and quite young.

I smell a lot of jealousy.

Have some sweet and sour fish.

Sweet and sour fish?

How could Jin accept just anyone's application?

This one is seventy-six years old.

He probably can't even use an abacus.

This one stutters.

He can't even speak clearly, yet he wants to be a manager.

This one is even worse.

He was once convicted of theft.

Last December, he was just released from jail.

This Jin...

Your Highness seems rather free lately.

Do I?

You never cared about Shende House before.

Now you're helping recruitment.

If you're really bored at home,

why don't you go back to Jingzhao Office?

I've handed in my resignation. Why should I go back?

His Majesty didn't approve it.

Gu Zheng is still filling in for you for now.

I think you should find something to do.

Staying idle like this is not a long-term solution.

Do I look idle?

I'm actually very busy.

For example?

I read books, teach Wu You,

and help my sister-in-law with the household.

I also ordered a fine purple bamboo fishing rod.

I even asked Jin to buy green earthworms as bait.

In a few days, once I adjust the float, tie the hook,

and prepare the landing net,

I'll head out to the wild and fish in a backwater.

It'll be quite time-consuming.

I won't be back all day.

Besides, my most important task now is to ensure you sleep,

take your medicine, and see the physician on time.

When you're fully recovered, we can talk about other things.

All right.

What are you doing?

Just as you said. Going to sleep.

Your Highness.

This rod is made of three-year-old Xiangfei bamboo.

Once we attach the goose feather float,

no bite will escape your eyes.

And this reel is made of fine copper.

It's wound with nine-strand silk line.

With these three-edged barbed hooks, it's perfect for big fish in deep water.

This one is good. The color is bright, the fabric is light, and it'll stay cool.

- This one then. - Okay.

Where is she going today?

What are you doing?

His Highness was asking where Your Highness was going.

I'm going to Changsheng Shop.

Third Uncle has something to discuss with me.

Can't he come instead?

You haven't recovered yet.

It's nothing serious.

It's fine.

I'll take the carriage.

The windows are covered with curtains.

I won't be exposed to the wind or the sun.

I'll take my medicine on time and be back soon.

Then have Qing Yu take your medicine and brew them at Changsheng Shop.

All right.

When will you be back?

After I leave Changsheng Shop, I'll stop by Shende House.

I'll be back before the hour of You.

Then I'll have the imperial physician come at dusk to check your pulse.

All right.

[Changsheng Shop]

What's going on?

Ask her. Ask this little troublemaker.

Why are you glaring at me? Was I wrong?

You're welcome to come here every day.

But not if you're here to befriend shady figures.

One wanted you to lend on usury, another wanted to open mines. And now?

You almost ended up dealing in smuggled goods!

Why are you being so mean to me?

It's because your shop is full of such people.

You...

Come on. There are all kinds of people everywhere.

Use those big eyes of yours.

Can't you judge people?

Third Uncle.

Ying Er is still young and inexperienced, but her intentions are good.

When I'm in the manor every day,

I keep thinking about His Highness.

But I didn't know I was so gullible.

I was scammed into lending usury.

How was I to know that mining copper needed approval?

And I didn't know what was contraband.

Those spices are ones I always use.

Forget it.

I'll recover your money for you.

If you're bored, you can come to my place.

I'll find you something to do.

Or I could let you take my job.

Really?

You're impossible.

Prince Li's household should still have plenty of land and shops.

Managing them well is no easy task.

What's there to manage?

It's just about collecting rent.

How is the profit? Is the rent reasonable?

Can the tenants afford to eat?

Is it a good or bad year? Should the rent be adjusted?

All these require careful thought.

I never thought of that.

If you want to manage things,

find a suitable storefront and open one you like.

When I get back, I'll review my lands and shops carefully.

Have some tea.

If only our Ye family had been like this sooner.

This is for you.

The latest jewelry from East Market.

I called in favors and waited ages to get it.

I heard that you lived alone in Li Mountain all these years.

Now that you're here, don't go back there in the future.

If you ever quarrel with Prince Ding, you can come to me.

Thank you.

You sisters should have been this close long ago.

This is wonderful.

You'll have each other from now on.

We still have Third Uncle.

Yes, you've got me. I will always be here for you.

Even if the sky falls, I'll hold it up for you.

Send the biggest fish to the Palace.

Make sure Eunuch Gao tells His Majesty

that this fish weighs exactly six jin and six liang.

Understood. What should I do with the rest?

Have the kitchen make some fish soup for Li tonight.

Your Highness.

What is Your Highness doing?

It's almost the hour of You. The physician is coming.

But Princess Ding isn't back yet.

Her Highness won't be back yet.

Where did she go?

She went to Huoning Kiln with the new steward to collect new porcelain.

Oh, right. Qing Yu sent word.

Her Highness took her medicine.

It's all thanks to Steward Tang.

He not only brewed her medicine, but also made several tasty dishes.

Steward Tang?

Tang Zi Xiao?

Yes.

Li really hired him?

Yes. He's been working for several days now.

His monthly salary is the same as Steward Wei's.

Her Highness said he's good-looking, eloquent, and capable

and he's the perfect steward.

Have you seen him?

Yes.

Does he really look like his portrait?

Better looking than the portrait.

She even called him strikingly handsome...

Fine, fine. Get back to work.

Yes.

Xing Er.

Your Highness. You're back.

His Highness has been waiting for you.

What for?

No idea. Maybe he missed you.

Where is he?

He's bathing in the hot spring.

Yao.

Are you there?

I'm coming in.

Has he already left?

You're still here. I thought you had left.

How was your day, Your Highness?

Did your new fishing rod show off its prowess on the battlefield?

How many fish did you catch?

I first went to Changsheng Shop and saw Ye Ying and Third Uncle.

Then I heard that the kiln produced rare pink porcelain.

So I went to take a look.

Only fourteen were made.

The Palace took six of them.

The rest were snapped up at once by ladies.

It was like a battlefield.

Luckily, Steward Tang was quick on his feet and managed to get me two.

You seem to like him quite a bit.

Who doesn't like a smart person?

I put those vases on your desk.

Take a look later. See where they fit best.

They're for me?

Yes.

I felt your study needed something elegant.

You remember that?

Then do you remember the imperial physician was coming today?

I forgot.

I feel much better now.

I don't need my pulse checked every day.

It's not up to you to decide.

For now, you'll see the imperial physician daily.

Take medicine three times a day. Don't skip a single one.

Do you understand?

I understand.

Minister Li.

It's serious.

Who should we send?

- Good question. - Minister Zhao is suitable.

Yes, exactly.

Enough.

After all this discussion, have you all come up with a good plan?

Your Majesty.

Suixue Pass is the northern gateway to Great Chu.

General Xiong guarded it for years and was highly skilled.

How could he be killed by a stableman?

This is suspicious. I suspect foul play.

Please send an imperial envoy to investigate to reassure the people.

Your Majesty.

It's been ten days since General Xiong's sudden death.

The army has no commander. The border troops must be uneasy.

I believe a capable military leader should depart at once with the Fish Tally

to take command of Suixue Pass.

That is our top priority.

Your Majesty. Prime Minister Li is right.

This assassination is no small matter.

Promoting a deputy general won't suffice.

It may not steady the border.

Sending a general from the Capital is the best choice.

Do any of you wish to volunteer?

If I may, I'd like to recommend someone to Your Majesty.

Let's hear it.

I recommend the Governor of Jingzhao Prefecture,

Prince Ding, Mo Xiu Yao.

How could you...

Why are you cheating?

How am I cheating?

You just stepped on the line. The line is over here.

- I didn't. - One more round.

- All right. - Hurry up.

Three, two, one. Jump!

That's more like it.

What's wrong, Your Highness?

Did you have a nightmare?

No.

Are you bored then?

How about I call Xing Er and we play cards together?

I'm not in the mood.

Then let's go out.

There's a Chi You play at Jinpu Society today. Want to go?

- I... - Your Highness.

Your Highnesses.

Urgent news arrived this morning.

General Xiong Yi Song of Suixue Pass has been murdered.

The military report says he was stabbed in the chest

and strangled to death.

Has the murderer been found?

A stableman in his residence confessed.

He said Xiong Yi Song treated his servants harshly.

He harbored a grudge, so he committed the murder.

Xiong Yi Song rose through the military exams.

He once served under my brother's command.

He was quite a skilled fighter.

Could a stableman kill him?

Xiong Yi Song had been drinking that day.

This matter is indeed suspicious.

But for now, the truth is not the priority.

Suixue Pass is Great Chu's northern gateway.

It borders Cangbei. If anything were to go wrong...

Your Highness, Suixue Pass needs a capable general.

And that person is none other than Your Highness.

Mother!

Mother! Mother!

What's the matter? Why the rush?

Bad news. Second Uncle is going to war.

Tell me what's going on.

Someone came to see Second Uncle today.

I overheard that the general of Suixue Pass was killed.

Second Uncle will replace him.

What happened?

Did something come up in court?

Have you been taking your medicine on time?

Why are you asking again?

You've been watching me all day. How could I possibly skip it?

I can't watch you every moment.

Don't worry.

I've been taking it properly.

Are you feeling any better?

Have you seen Qing Shuang or Master Zhu lately?

No, I haven't.

That's good.

What are you looking at?

I'm reading your palm.

You certainly know a lot.

We scholars from Li Mountain Academy know a little of everything.

So, what do you see?

Your life line is very long.

Let me calculate. You'll live to ninety.

That long?

What about you?

I was born under a Longevity Star.

I'll live a long life too.

Congratulations, you can grow old with me.

What else do you see?

You are a very diligent person.

You can even see that?

Look. You haven't practiced martial arts for years.

The calluses are no longer obvious.

But if you look closely, they're still there.

It shows you've trained diligently since childhood.

Your finger bones are also slightly curved.

Military weapons are heavy.

You hadn't fully grown yet back then and you trained too early.

That's why your finger bones are bent.

That actually makes some sense.

And this callus here is from writing.

Your Highness is of noble birth.

You could have lived in luxury and spent your life carefree.

But you studied both literature and martial arts without ever slacking.

You're truly a diligent learner.

All right. You little flatterer.

Did you go to the Jinpu Society this afternoon?

You two were talking endlessly.

So I took Qing Yu and Xing Er there.

Was it fun?

Good thing you didn't come. It was incredibly boring.

I couldn't accompany you today. But tonight, let's take a walk together.

Come with me.

- It's late, My Lady. We should go back. - I'm going with you tomorrow.

- All right. - Okay.

See you then, same place.

Why are we hiding here?

A shop assistant told me that Steward Tang is acting suspiciously.

He sneaks out every night and only returns at midnight.

You had someone follow him? I thought you admired him.

One must always be cautious.

Besides, I didn't send anyone.

The assistant noticed and told me.

There he is.

Let's go.

This way.

- So that is Tang Zi Xiao? - Yes.

We should just go back.

If you don't trust him, just dismiss him.

I can't do that.

How can I fire someone for no reason?

Yet you're following him for no reason.

I'm afraid he's been won over by Shende House's rivals.

Does Shende House even have rivals?

Our business is booming now.

Even Zhenbao House can't compare.

The Capital's antique and calligraphy trade sees us as a thorn in its side.

Indeed, those in the same trade are rivals.

Someone's coming.

- Stop looking, Li. - Let me take a look.

- One more look. Voice down. - Go home. Be good.

- Come on. - We should go home.

What's there to see?

Who's there?

Heads down.

My Lady, there's someone over there.

There really is.

Probably just passersby.

Why don't we go somewhere else?

They've gone.

That scared me to death.

Are you that scared?

It'd be bad if he caught me following him.

But you are following him.

That's true.

Yao.

Are you feeling any better?

Yes.

Good.

So this was all to cheer me up?

I also wanted to tell you that no matter what decision you make,

I will always support you.

Bad news. Second Uncle is going to war.

The general of Suixue Pass was killed. Second Uncle will replace him.

Xi Er.

- Madam. - Fetch Matron Xu.

Yes.

Li, come sit.

This is Matron Xu. You've met her before.

She's a trusted old servant.

There aren't enough people serving you in your courtyard.

Qing Yu and Xing Er are still young.

Let her take care of you and Yao from now on, all right?

Isn't Matron Xu your personal maid?

You're giving her to me? What about you?

I have plenty of help.

But you...

You've been married for almost a year, right?

You and Yao are at the right age.

Aren't you anxious?

Don't worry. Matron Xu is knowledgeable.

Having her by your side will be a great help.

Where did you buy these boxes of rouge?

I don't remember.

Was it from Qiuyan House?

I think so.

Qiuyan House adds bitter orange peels to preserve its rouge.

It's harmful with long use, especially in Her Highness's current condition.

I'll throw away these boxes on the table.

Remember, don't take Her Highness there to shop again.

This incense can't be used either.

Also, the plants in the yard need checking.

Are all of those going to be thrown away?

Yes, Your Highness.

Then what will I use?

Your Highness, I know a bit about making rouge and incense.

I'll prepare some mild ones and bring them to you later.

Besides, Your Highness is naturally beautiful. You're stunning even without makeup.

Your Highness, you shouldn't eat too many plums.

I'll bring you something else.

I shall take my leave.

All of you, come here.

Plums are cooling by nature.

No more than three a day.

Or it'll upset one's stomach and harm one's digestion.

Were you never taught these?

Or have you forgotten them all?

Be sure to remember them from now on.

Do you understand?

- Yes. - Yes.

Though Her Highness is young, she needs careful nourishment.

Don't let indulgence harm her health.

I have prepared several tonic recipes.

From now on, her diet must strictly follow them.

No exceptions.

Yes.

All of you, come study them.

- Your Highness. - Your Highness.

Hurry, all of you.

Move these flower pots away.

Hurry up.

Your Highness. Let us handle this work.

Take this hand warmer to keep warm.

How can I let you do it?

My flowers...

- Sister-in-law. - Yao.

Why are you back so late?

What is it, Sister-in-law?

I saw you've been tired lately, so I made you some calming soup.

Thank you.

Don't forget to drink it.

I simmered it for many hours.

All right.

Your Highness, the bed is ready.

Throwing out the rouge is one thing, but that bedding was perfectly fine.

What exactly is Matron Xu trying to do?

Is His Highness back?

He is.

Yao. Are you in there?

I am.

Why is the door locked?

[On the Next Episode]

Since Feng Zhi Yao left the Capital, there has been no word from him.

I am worried.

I'll kill you!

This strike is for Ling Yun!

Brother!

Mo Xiu Wen was killed by Marquis Muyang,

but who was behind the Marquis?

The time has come.

It's time to risk it all.