Original subtitles

[A Talented Girl Grows Up]

[Episode 4]

Yi!

Cheng Manyi.

You skipped class too, right?

How about we go on a trip together?

I'm in a hurry. I have something urgent to do.

I'm busy.

Why are you so flustered?

Maybe we can help you.

Wen Chenyi is missing.

I can't explain what happened in a short time.

Arrest the human trafficker!

That seems to be Wen Chenyi's clothes.

Go after him!

Go!

Stop!

You human trafficker! Stop!

I'm sorry.

What are you doing?

Make way.

Excuse me.

You knocked over my things. Pay me for the damage.

Sorry.

Pick up the money.

Pick up the money!

Stop!

Tell me, where did you get the clothes?

Who are you? Let go of me!

The human trafficker is running away.

The human trafficker? Aren't you the human trafficker?

Manyi?

Who are you?

I'm Cui Jun.

We grew up together.

I got you!

I got you!

Let go of me! I'm not a human trafficker!

Young Master, the carriage is ready.

Recently, people have been missing in the city.

After my investigation,

I found out that a group of people

who abducted and sold them.

Maybe they caught Mr. Wen by mistake.

Since they want to sell him,

he wouldn't have been killed.

Mr. Wen is indeed weak.

He was abducted just like that?

I'm sorry.

Tell me what happened to the robe.

Here's the thing. I saw a strong man on the street today.

He bought a lot of wine and food.

It's nothing.

But it's weird that his bag

is made of a gorgeous outer robe.

I could tell from the material of this outer robe

that it was clearly something he couldn't afford.

So I came to ask him.

But he didn't even want his robe

and ran away.

It was very suspicious.

[Map of Feng State]

Let us out!

Let us out!

Is anyone there?

Open the door!

Somebody help me!

Somebody help me!

Let me out!

I'll give you whatever you want.

Help!

Let me out!

Sister. Let's take a look over there.

No, I won't.

This is not.

Cheng Manyi.

You are really my nemesis.

Brother, today we...

We went... went out to buy food.

We were discovered.

We... we managed to escape.

Will... Will something happen?

Were the people chasing him from the government?

He said it was a man and a woman.

They didn't look like officials.

Is Jiaobai and Manyi looking for me?

Fine, it'll be okay.

In... In Feng State,

there's even such a woman who's so good at martial arts.

It must be Cheng Manyi.

I have to find a way to contact them.

Listen.

Behave yourselves tonight.

Otherwise, don't blame me for being rude.

I'm expecting to sell you at a good price.

What happened?

I caught a typhoid fever.

Brother, this...

Typhoid fever is a contagious disease.

How about we...

Let me tell you.

This guy is the most handsome one in this batch.

No matter what disease he has,

as long as he can breathe and be sold,

it's fine.

Lock him up.

Go!

Go!

Go in.

These pine trees only grow in the mountains,

so this place must be a desolate mountain.

The sun moves from east to west,

So the dungeon

must be located on the southeast side of the mountain.

The soil is white and fine.

Could it be clay?

Near the capital,

a desolate mountain,

southeast,

clay,

broken tiles.

It's Phoenix Kiln Site!

This is Wen Chenyi's Lovesick Birds.

[Kiln Site]

What does it say?

Kiln Site.

This is Mr. Wen's handwriting indeed.

The Lovesick Birds are really amazing.

The kiln site has been deserted for many years.

It seems to be

on the southeast slope of the mountain.

Yes.

Wen Chenyi is very likely imprisoned there.

Let's go.

Go!

[A Talented Girl Grows Up]

We're outnumbered. We can't force our way in.

We need to think of a way.

It's easy.

We'll just buy off everyone.

That would be helping them fence stolen goods!

A cloud-breaking arrow

will bring the reinforcements immediately.

Do you want others to know where we are?

Two absolute deadweight allies.

This time, I'll buy a few handsome guys to use as servants.

I'll beat them whenever we want and scold them as we please.

And if I'm not satisfied,

I can kill him without hesitation.

B-brother,

I-I have been with you

for ten years.

Look.

I personally handle all the kidnappings and transporting.

I've never made a mistake.

So, don't you think the reward...

How dare you bargain with me?

Just 50 taels.

Not a tael more.

If you don't want to do it,

get lost now!

Bah!

As the saying goes,

"Those who act heroically are often surrounded by those who are less noble."

Looking at you,

that's true.

I-I’m angry right now.

If you say one more word,

I will kill you.

If you had the guts,

you wouldn't have taken that slap earlier.

You...

You risk your life for all the bloodshed,

while he reaps the benefits.

And not only that, he treats you so harshly.

You’ve been brothers for ten years.

But if he wants to hit you, he will.

In his eyes,

money is the only real brother.

You're just a dog.

S-Stop it.

If he pushes me too far,

I’ll have no choice but to make things so that neither side wins.

Second Brother.

The clients have arrived.

Bring out the goods and let them be inspected.

The invitation.

Go.

Go.

Wait.

Gentlemen, please show your invitations.

Without an invitation,

not even we gods of wealth can enter?

Since there is no invitation,

I'll have to send you, gods of wealth,

to meet the King of Hell.

Wait.

I have a few words to say.

Here.

All this money is yours.

My distinguished guests.

Please come in.

Please come in.

Why did you give them the money?

It’s just a small amount of money.

Not enough to buy even my ring.

Have you dealt with those rogue merchants?

Don’t worry about my work.

No one will find out.

Additionally, I’ve sent a pigeon for reinforcements.

But I don't know when they'll arrive.

Now we need to find out where Wen Chenyi is.

Is everyone here?

Cut the chitchat.

I announce today's auction officially begins.

Great!

Come on.

Go up.

[Ding]

Judging from your reaction,

I don't think I need to introduce him.

[Ding] [Ren]

Look at this quality and appearance.

The starting bid should be…

Wait.

[Ding]

I have a special talent.

I can sing opera.

If you think my singing is good,

it’s not too late to make a bid.

Two mountains, one above and one below.

A tiny person is in the middle.

There's a wall on the left side.

The right side is more difficult to climb over.

What is Wen Chenyi trying to hint at?

[Chaos]

A tiny person is in the middle.

There's a wall on the left side.

The right side is more difficult to climb over.

Good, not bad.

[Yi]

It’s the character for "chaos."

Wen Chenyi is trying to make me cause some chaos.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Raise the price.

[Ding]

Come on.

60 taels.

Wen Chenyi wants us to raise the price.

But I don't know what his plan is.

Let's play it by ear.

150 taels.

200 taels.

[Bing]

250 taels.

280 taels.

300 taels.

300 taels already.

[Bing]

500 taels.

600 taels.

[Bing]

[Bing]

700.

800.

900 taels

1,000 taels!

[Bing]

[Yi]

1,000 taels.

1,000 taels.

1,000 taels?

Is there a bid higher than 1,000 taels?

Here, 10,000 taels.

Sir,

he is yours.

Please make the payment, and he's yours.

Have you seen it clearly?

Big Brother.

Manyi.

Manyi. There are many hostages here.

We have to take them out together.

When we get 1,000 taels of silver

how are you going to distribute them?

Second Brother, why are you talking about it here?

I'll divide it later when we get back.

Get out!

No, distribute it now!

We have followed you for so many years.

We have been working like slaves for you.

This account

must be settled today.

Yes, settle it.

What are you doing?

Are you rebelling?

Okay, Second Brother.

Since you've said that,

don't blame me.

Go down and settle it with the King of Hell!

Murder!

Let's go.

♫A stroke of romance fell from the heavens♫

I've been working for you for so many years.

How could you do this to me?

I'll kill you!

♫Pretty girl and handsome guy♫

♫A stroke of romance fell from the heavens♫

♫Pretty girl and handsome guy♫

[Ha]

♫A stroke of romance fell from the heavens♫

[Ah]

[Cheng Manyi Wins]

♫Pretty girl and handsome guy♫

[Ah]

Go.

[Cui Jun Wins.]

Stop right there.

Manyi.

-Are you alright? -I’m fine.

What took you so long?

Be careful on your way back.

Thank you for saving me.

It’s my duty, Sir.

This is...

I'm Cui Jun.

Greetings, Mr. Wen.

Thank you.

You've worked hard.

Don't be angry.

Let me think about how to explain it to you.

Don't worry.

When we get home,

give a clear explanation.

[West Gate]

What are you doing?

Thank you, Miss Cheng, for saving us.

Even if we served you devotedly, we could never repay your kindness.

-Everyone, please get up. -Quickly, get up.

What're you talking about?

You're overestimating my efforts.

Helping people in trouble is what I should do.

I’m just happy to see everyone

safe and reunited.

Miss Cheng, this is a little something from us.

Just accept it.

Yes, take it.

No, I appreciate the sentiment.

But I’ll pass on the gifts.

Miss Cheng, are you implying that our gifts are insufficient?

No, no, no. Not at all.

Really, it’s not necessary.

Since everyone insists on showing gratitude,

I will

accept the calligraphy on behalf of my wife.

[Eliminate Treason and Support the Weak]

It says "Eliminate Treason and Support the Weak."

Eliminate treason and support the weak.

[Eliminate Treason and Support the Weak]

Great!

Thank you.

Thank you.

[Eliminate Treason and Support the Weak]

Mr. Wen is the World's Greatest Scholar.

To miss a class without cause is quite disrespectful.

[Wen's Mansion]

In our Feng State, literature is highly valued.

Actions that tarnish the reputation of the academy

and bring shame to scholars…

That person is Vice Censor-in-Chief Du.

He meddles in anything related to the Wen family.

He's making a big fuss over nothing. Clearly not a good person.

I'll teach him a lesson.

I’ll definitely petition His Majesty

for severe punishment.

It wasn't me.

Wait for me! Don't go!

[Wen's Mansion]

Come back!

Why are you leaving?

Wait for me.

Vice Censor-in-Chief Du is targeting the Wen family.

I suspect your poisoning is likely related to him.

The Wen family has always been targeted by schemers

and has been restless.

It’s just that we’ve never made it public.

Could it all be Vice Censor-in-Chief Du’s doing?

It is him, but not only him.

It would be easier if he was alone.

But I believe there must be

someone behind him pulling the strings.

A hidden mastermind?

There are suspects, but none are confirmed.

The Wen family has been enduring in silence

to catch a bigger fish.

You're just a sickly person who can't hold an official post.

The Wen family never joins factions,

forms cliques, or stirs trouble.

Why would we be targeted?

Yi.

For so many years,

I've had you pretend to be weak.

Do you know why?

To stay away from court politics and disputes.

Yes. The Wen family's status is unique.

Once exposed, it would cause turmoil in the court

and disrupt the peace.

I could only make you endure

the pretense of frailty to ensure

the Wen family's safety for a hundred years.

Remember, never tell outsiders.

Otherwise, not only our Wen family will be in danger,

but those close to you will also

suffer unwarranted calamities.

Yes, I'll keep that in mind.

The Wen family oversees the World's Greatest Academy.

Naturally, it attracts envy.

How can we remain aloof?

That makes sense.

Don't worry.

I will protect you...

And the Wen family.

Honey. You've protected your husband very well.

Almost got your husband sold.

Didn't you smile happily just now?

Why are you bringing that up again?

I was wrong.

I shouldn't have made light of your situation,

nearly causing you to be abducted.

Thankfully, you taught me that word of wisdom.

But now I realize how important learning is.

I promise

I will study hard and make progress every day.

All right.

Get up now.

My previous approach to your studies was too aggressive.

It’s like pulling up seedlings to help them grow faster, which only has the opposite effect.

But if it weren't for that,

how could I have had the fortune

to witness Heroin Cheng's heroic appearance?

Since we are both at fault,

we're even now.

Look.

I hung this up.

[Eliminate Treason and Support the Weak]

Is it nice?

♫Pretty girl and handsome guy♫

My Lord, according to my investigation,

it turns out Cheng Manyi does possess martial art skills

and is quite remarkable.

Father.

Come to think of it,

Cheng Manyi spends all day at the academy without studying.

Moreover, she has never shown her calligraphy

to others.

She might actually

be an illiterate

who doesn't know a single character.

If that’s the case, the so-called World's Greatest Talented Woman

would become the greatest joke in the world.

If this can be confirmed,

the Wen family could be accused of deceiving the Emperor.

The World's Greatest Academy

would be within reach.

[World's Greatest Academy]

He's here.

Hurry up.

What are they doing?

They must have known about your esteemed arrival,

which has brought them great honor, hence the warm welcome.

Ladies and gentlemen, Lord Du has arrived…

Don’t shout.

I have always been low-key in how I conduct myself and handle affairs.

Yes.

Everyone!

Cheng Manyi.

Is this all for me?

Cheng Manyi.

Thank you.

Cheng Manyi!

Cheng Manyi!

Cheng Manyi!

Cheng Manyi!

Thank you.

Cheng Manyi.

Thank you.

What brings you here today, Vice Censor-in-Chief Du?

Mr. Wen!

Mr. Wen.

Your wife slept through class yesterday.

Today she started telling stories.

Yesterday, the bright world saw some scoundrels

imprisoning several commoners.

At a critical moment,

I made a brilliant appearance.

I rushed in barehanded

and fought with the scoundrels.

How inappropriate!

Your wife used my jade chess pieces

as dice during class yesterday.

She disregarded the academy's rules.

Mr. Wen, this is your wife's work.

It’s truly awful and a complete mess.

How can this be?

Are you talking about Miss Cheng?

Director Du.

That's her.

Strange.

Miss Cheng seems unskilled

and with many faults,

not at all like someone renowned for her talents.

Actually,

I instructed her to act this way.

My wife is quite talented.

I feared that if the students saw her talents,

they might become complacent.

So I had her pretend to be foolish in front of others,

to encourage the students' eagerness to learn.

Hiding one's abilities is not a good strategy.

Revealing them at the right time

can inspire others to study harder.

In my opinion,

tomorrow's qin playing meeting

is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Today, I have come to sincerely invite

Miss Cheng to perform on stage and play the qin.

Tomorrow's qin playing meeting?

Isn't it a bit rushed?

My wife may not be up to the task.

Perhaps we should discuss it another day.

Don't worry. I've invited high officials and nobles.

Talented scholars and beautiful ladies will gather

to exchange and discuss. This matter is settled.

May I ask where the qin playing meeting will be held?

Someone will come to inform you tomorrow.

Everyone.

Please come and watch the performance tomorrow.

The combat was unprecedentedly intense.

Unexpectedly, just as things were happening in a flash,

a group of burly men with knives rushed in from the other side.

Luckily, I’ve mastered unparalleled martial arts.

I rushed in and pinned them

to the ground,

leaving them no choice but to beg for mercy.

They had to plead with me to spare them.

I've never heard that you knew martial arts.

Right, aren't you a talented scholar?

Could it be that you were faking it?

I just didn't publicize it before.

I grew up in a martial arts school.

I guess I'm just an ordinary

but well-rounded talent, both in literature and in martial arts.

We can't limit our thinking.

We must broaden our horizons.

Very true.

When one person is far superior to another person,

the latter can only look up in admiration.

You...

Who are you referring to?

After hearing your story,

I am in deep admiration.

May I have your handwriting?

I'll place it in my ancestral home

and burn incense before it every day.

That's not very appropriate.

We should keep a low profile, keep it low-key.

Miss Cheng won't even

do such a small favor?

Manyi, didn’t you say this morning

that you'd gift me the calligraphy

"Serenity Sustains a Thousand Years,

and the Hidden Spring Dwells in Solitude"?

Since our classmate requests it,

why not give it to her first?

Sure, why not?

Sure.

Not at all!

I don't know how to write.

Manyi.

Your hand was injured during the fight yesterday.

I forgot.

Injured?

My hand is injured.

What unfortunate timing.

Then I'll write it on behalf of you today.

Would that be alright?

Could Wei possibly know

that I'm pretending to be a talented scholar?

Well, you...

That outfit looks nice on you.

This is the academy's standard student uniform.

The same as mine.

By the way, your brother...

Has he not finished his studies yet?

My brother doesn't have class today.

No class? Well, I'll be off then.

Manyi.

Are you wondering

if I know

that you're not actually a talented scholar?

What? Manyi is illiterate?

She just doesn't know the Feng State script, that’s all.

This is unbelievable.

Wei.

If you can't accept it...

Manyi is even more extraordinary than I imagined.

Brother, you've truly found a gem.

I'm glad you don't mind.

I have a favor to ask you.

You must protect Manyi,

but also ensure that no one realizes anything is amiss

and takes advantage of her.

You want to play the qin for me?

No, it’s you. You're the one who must play the qin

at tomorrow's qin playing meeting.

What?

I have to play the qin?

Yes.

To ensure that nothing goes wrong, Vice Censor-in-Chief Du

didn't even reveal the location.

This time next year,

you can burn more paper offerings for me.

But not all hope is lost.

Right.

I can't play the qin.

But I can run away.

This is Cheng Manyi, the World's Greatest Talented Woman.

She’s Cheng Manyi?

You are now a walking, living signboard.

Where can you run to?

Could I fake being sick to get out of this?

Delaying won’t work.

Vice Censor-in-Chief Du will simply choose another time.

Young Master, Vice Censor-in-Chief Du has sent word that the qin playing meeting

will be postponed until after the Young Madam recovers.

[Invitation to the Qin Playing Meeting]

The "fake illness" plan

is dead.

You can cover the windows,

but how do you hide from

all the Du's Mansion's many servants?

The "blinding" plan

is dead too.

This won’t work.

That won’t work.

What should I do?

This qin playing meeting

is clearly aimed at me.

I already have a plan.

But for now,

you'll need to learn

to put on a show

and mimic the motions of playing the qin.

What do you mean?

Come, sit.

The qin has

seven strings named Gong, Shang, Jue, Zhi, Yu, Wen, and Wu.

The right hand plucks the strings with techniques

like plucking, sweeping, hooking, flicking, supporting, breaking, striking, and picking.

Your left hand will press the strings to produce tones.

And the right hand

will play the sliding tone.