Original subtitles

[New Life Begins]

[Episode 13]

The document has been torn apart.

An apology can't make it restored.

But Li Wei

still has to read it.

So,

Miss Song,

you may need

to get the pieces

stuck together.

Since you nearly have no basic knowledge,

and are poor in it,

I'm afraid the training plan

will last long.

However,

you must not slack off.

I've written an example.

Please follow this example.

Actually, in Xinchuan, I...

Thank you, Princess.

Not bad.

Three points!

Go on.

Your Highness,

before the plan is completed,

please be diligent.

Don't just think about love.

What? I...

I-I-I'm looking for you.

I just thought of an idea

to pay back Jinchuan's debt.

If it's really like that,

then why are you standing here?

Hurry up and write a memorial.

Yes.

One wrong number.

Only one.

[Blessed with Yuan Ying's intelligence]

No one can get a full mark.

Let me show you.

I've never made a mistake.

I admire you, Miss Yuan Ying.

Three locks.

I told you.

For your health,

late snacks are forbidden henceforth.

You must sleep before midnight.

Late snacks?

I don't need that.

It's for the dog.

It's for Baifu,

so I came to have a look.

Late snacks are not allowed for anyone in the mansion,

and Baifu is no exception.

Go back to sleep.

Alright.

Jiang Yue, Lady of the Eldest Prince, is from Yingchuan.

She likes making soup because it's nutritious.

Zhao Fangru, Lady of the Second Prince, is from Daichuan.

She loves river snails rice noodle and stinky tofu.

Dong Haitang, Lady of the Third Prince, is from Cangchuan.

She got her name, for Cangchuan abounds with crabapples.

She has no need for any special diet.

An Xiyuan, Lady of the Fourth Prince, is from Mochuan.

She loves sweets.

You memorized it this time.

Princess,

I think it's better to let her recite it after meals.

Your Highness,

before moving out of the palace,

it's better for you not to breach the decorum.

I'm Li Wei's teacher now,

and your assistant.

I hope you can support me

in my decision.

Let's eat first.

Have you read recent years' materials regarding the economic exchanges

between Xinchuan and Jinchuan?

Yes.

Let's eat.

After you move out of the palace,

it'll be more convenient for me to come to you.

After moving here,

the main yard is for Princess Jinchuan, right?

Where do you live?

I'll live in the Eastern Courtyard.

Did she bully you?

Yuan Ying...

is very strict with me.

But I know

it's all because that

she wanted to train me

and make me a good partner.

She hopes that I can have the ability

to manage the household affairs with her.

And she is sensible.

She is kinda

a good leader.

But it's hard for us

to find someone trustworthy

no matter for work or for marriage.

As concubines,

we'll anyhow suffer a little.

Just bear it.

Only by making the princes happy

can we live a peaceful life.

I still don't understand

why it's a must to make the princes happy.

Why can women in Xinchuan

only rely on their husbands

and live for pleasing their husbands?

If it were not for being confined in the courtyards by men,

women could also be able to make great achievements.

Like Yuan Ying,

she should have her own world.

How dare you eavesdrop on masters?

What kind of master is she?

She's talking behind my master's back.

You have no right to prevent me from eavesdropping.

Nonsense!

My master never gossips behind others' back.

If you have time,

why don't you go back and improve your level?

My lady is decisive

and as clever as Zhuge Liang.

Your master doesn't deserve to gossip about her.

You think you're good, huh?

Yuping!

Don't.

My Lady,

she badmouthed you.

How can you slander Lady Wei?

My master is the best lady in the world.

My master is the best.

My master is the best!

Enough.

You eavesdropped on others,

quarreled with others,

and even made a scene in front of the concubines.

Your Ladyship.

I know I was wrong.

But I really can't stand them talking behind your back.

What you did for protecting me

can be scarier than those smears targeting me.

You have your own tasks.

Besides,

you should also have your own life.

You can study more.

Don't put your minds

on the meaningless things.

I know I was wrong.

I know.

You did this

because you sincerely care about me.

But I originally never interfered with them.

After your messing with them,

it can be embarrassed for me to meet them.

And it'll be troublesome

for me to get along with them in the future.

In the future,

don't do such things again.

Yes, My Lady.

Don't cry.

Get up.

Let's go apologize to Concubine Wei.

Yes.

We should apologize.

I was wrong.

I shouldn't have eavesdropped on Concubine Wei

and fought with you.

I won't do it again.

Never mind.

I was wrong too.

Princess did everything for my good.

I shouldn't have blamed her for being harsh.

I was also wrong.

Please punish me, Your Ladyship.

Forget it.

I've already criticized her.

You two,

don't do this again.

-Yes. -Yes.

My Lord.

There's only half a year left to the due date for payments to Jinchuan.

But we gave Danchuan three more years of repayment period.

It's really not easy to raise the money

for the payments to Jinchuan.

The Legitimate Eldest Prince.

I've made it clear.

Danchuan shouldn't be blamed

for the debts Xinchuan owes.

My Lord.

The Legitimate Eldest Prince

is not blaming Danchuan.

He's just thinking for Xinchuan's good

and worrying about the difficulty in raising money.

I ordered you to come up with a solution,

not to talk nonsense.

In other words,

even a three-year-old kid on the street

can do line drawing.

There's no need for you to gather here

having empty talks.

The Sixth Prince.

You haven't said a word since you came to the court.

Why don't you tell us your opinion?

Don't be afraid of being wrong.

Let me know what you think.

Yes.

My Lord,

I think

since we've promised Jinchuan to pay the debt by installment,

we should keep our promises

to establish our prestige.

You just married the princess of Jinchuan

and now you're already on the same side with her?

It has nothing to do with that.

I do have a suggestion.

We should encourage business.

Prince Zheng, how could you want Xinchuan to encourage business?

Please mind your words, Prince Zheng!

To prioritize businessmen over scholars will bring disaster.

Silence!

I didn't mean to prioritize businessmen over scholars.

But if the precinct-market system can be relaxed a little bit,

it can help us raise money in a shorter time.

Ridiculous!

Separating markets from precincts

has ensured the safety of the people.

Once the boundary is broken,

who can ensure

the social order within the city?

It can only benefit the merchants,

misleading people to go after money

while ignoring morality.

Isn't that just how Jinchuan is like?

Only putting profit first.

In my view,

to encourage business is just an adoptable method.

When relaxing the control over the market,

we should also educate the people

never to lose their backbone for vanity.

My Lord.

It seems that the Sixth Prince

has already thought of a plan.

Make it complete after you go back,

and write a memorial to me.

Yes.

Miss Yuan Ying.

I'm really tired.

My back hurts and I feel dizzy.

I can't learn anymore.

To get some rest during learning

should be the proper way.

Don't even think about it.

Miss Yuan Ying.

I feel like being a top,

forced to spin ceaselessly.

Please.

Let me take a rest.

I want to go eat something.

You smiled.

So you agreed?

Wait.

Let me see the answers you just wrote.

Only five correct answers.

You can get five points.

Well,

have a rest.

Yuan Ying, you are so nice.

Have you told Lord your idea

in the court today?

Yes.

It must have been refuted by the Legitimate Eldest Prince and his men.

If my guess is right,

they targeted at you with your marrying Princess Jinchuan.

If this happens again,

you can say...

I'm capable

of handing these things.

Princess is more like my teacher than Mr. Dai now.

Since you've chosen to be my assistant,

then please try to trust your partner.

Actually, I think Li Wei is reliable.

Why don’t you reflect on yourself?

Have you ever thought about why I wouldn't trust you?

Please work hard

to become a qualified partner.

Yes.

I understand.

Your confidence

is really unbeatable.

Same to you.

How about we...

Your Highness,

please read the memorials before you go for dinner.

Don't delay it.

Yes.

Yuan Ying is meticulous.

I put Baifu's food pot in the pavilion.

When Yuan Ying passes by,

she will definitely take it back.

I've been training Baifu for three days.

It has learned how to protect its food.

As long as Yuan Ying passes by,

it will attack her.

She's coming.

Give it to me.

Baifu.

Here you go!

Miss.

Will Her Lady really get hurt?

So cute.

Baifu, you traitor!

Have you eaten too much lately?

Li Wei.

Stop it.

Your tricks won't work on her.

Let's go.

You just watch this person

occupy our family?

If things keep being like this,

she'll completely make dear Zheng belong to her

and kick us out.

She won't.

Yuan Ying...

She's not the kind of woman willing to be trapped in the backyard.

Are you hungry too?

You scared me.

You also scared me.

I thought it was Yuan Ying.

I searched everywhere.

There's nothing else left

except this.

I don't like steamed buns.

It's not tasty.

It tastes good if you add something.

Try it.

Is it good?

I knew it.

This is the only honey left.

I won't give it away if it's someone else.

Then why did you give it to me?

Don't flirt with me

in such a difficult time.

We are fellow sufferers.

I sympathize with you.

-Do you... -I think...

You go first.

You...

Do you still want to leave?

I've made up my mind.

In this place,

Yuan Ying is your legal wife.

Before she gets away,

let's stay out of each other's business.

For the future, we'll talk about it later.

If you're not full,

eat more.

You should eat more.

You should eat more, since you have stomach problems.

I'm already full, you can eat more.

Me too.

Has she left?

No.

She's coming.

Father.

Please let me go back to my mansion.

I promise I'll come to the palace every day

to greet you in the morning and at dusk.

Please don't detain me in the palace.

I know you.

You'll indulge in debauchery as soon as you leave the palace.

I've received countless memorials for impeaching you.

Father.

Xinchuan has been putting scholars, farmers before merchants over the past century.

The previous dynasties dared not break it to establish new policies.

Now the debts owed to Jinchuan has created a good opportunity.

If we can relax the precinct-market system,

it will help us raise money in a short time.

It's not hard to raise the money we owe to Jinchuan.

But now is the best time

to break the boundary between precincts and markets.

This is a great issue,

and can't be accomplished overnight.

It should be gradually relaxed

with imperceptible influence.

In your opinion,

what should we do first?

Remove the curfew and allow night markets.

From New Year's Eve,

there will be no curfew in Xinchuan anymore.

This first step

is not reckless.

The previous dynasties dared not open night markets

because it was hard to manage it during war time.

But now our country is in peace and prosperity,

and it's a good time to recruit talents to serve Xinchuan

and manage the economy.

Great!

I'll leave the night market business to you.

Be sure to carry it forward

step by step.

Don't rush it.

Thank you, Father.

I have another request.

An has a lot of business outside the palace.

If he can guide me,

things will be much easier for me.

That's right.

Father,

I want to leave the palace, for I also have important business to do.

-I promise I won't... -Fine.

Just let him help you.

Yes.

I will do my best.

From now on, I...

Fine.

I didn’t expect you to be so thoughtful.

Granduncle.

What did you call me?

Princess Yuan Ying is my grandaunt.

You know that.

So from now on,

we should separately follow the seniority.

I call you Granduncle.

You call me Brother.

Granduncle.

I’m going home.

As for visiting the precincts and markets, I'll leave it to you.

Everyone,

from now on,

we are free.

You've suffered in the palace.

But suffering makes us better.

Next, it'll be

"We've been through the clouds of blood and fire."

We've been through the clouds of blood and fire.

It was a journey of hardships.

To recall the past,

things have changed a lot over time.

He's gonna make an antithesis.

The next sentence will be

"We've been under the baptism of frost and snow."

We've been under the baptism of frost and snow,

It will be the start of a new journey.

To look at the present,

the way ahead is with great mission.

He's run out of words.

It's time for a summary speech.

The six of us

can finally reunite with the rest of our family.

It's always like that.

Idiot!

I've been thinking these days

whether you guys

feel a little lonely?

Does he mean...

No way.

So I decided

to bring more girls home to be your friends.

What do you think?

We want to bring you a coffin!

Your Highness.

Look.

How's your business?

Does it look good?

I didn't expect Prince Zheng can be so thoughtful.

He knows you're bored,

so he takes this surveying opportunity

to take you out of the palace.

He himself also wants to play.

Boss.

How's your business?

Thanks to you,

it's good.

Not bad.

Good luck with your business.

Are you still not happy with him?

It was Lord Xinchuan who granted the marriage.

It was not up to Prince Zheng.

Besides, Princess Yuan Ying said

this marriage is not valid.

I'm not unhappy with him.

I just have the feeling of being helpless.

No one is wrong in this.

It's Xinchuan's bullshit rule that is wrong.

Our Jichuan is much better.

Boss.

How's your business?

Not bad.

If there will be night markets,

will you still come out?

Yes.

Of course.

Okay.

Good luck with your business.

Take care.

This mask is interesting.

Miss, take a look.

How much is this?

I just smelled a stink of copper,

wondering who he is.

Brother.

I heard that you were planning to make An help you

remove the curfew.

How dare you break

the rules established by our ancestors?

I dare not.

I'm just following orders.

How dare you!

Now, you even dare refute me by Father's name?

You just married a princess of Jinchuan.

Do you really think you are a great man?

Who's a great man

depends on who can really help the people.

What does it have to do with marriage?

A man with Lord's will in mind

can also make great achievements

even being low-born.

Your Highness,

I am inexperienced.

I think you won't bother yourself arguing with me.

Zheng.

I have no interest in disciplining your woman.

But if something goes wrong with revitalizing business,

you may need to think about how to get punished.

Let's go.

My Lady,

-Cool! -Cool!

You've got some nerve, huh!

Even having the courage to challenge the Legitimate Eldest Prince!

He bullied you.

Luckily, Miss Yuan Ying let me read many books.

Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to say such literary words.

You're much better than him.

I support you.

Fresh crabs.

Do you want some?

Let's go.

Yuping.

Take this back to the mansion.

Get a carriage to pick us up later.

Okay?

Okay.

Thank you.

OK.

Big crabs.

We're home so soon.

How about we

go have a drink?

Sure.

No, you can't drink.

In fact, Miss Yuan Ying is not that scary.

Her being strict is for our own good.

Right.

Capable disciples are always those trained by strict teachers.

I understand, but I still want to sit her for a little longer.

Let's wait a little longer.

No need.

I like dealing with crabs by myself.

Give it to Yuan Ying.

These are the crabs we bought in the market today.

Crabs are rarely available during spring,

especially such fatty female crabs.

Try it.

Is it good?

Jinchuan is alongside the ocean.

You used to eat crabs a lot, right?

Indeed.

I used to eat crabs when I was young.

I was young at that time,

and always felt unsatisfied no matter how many I've eaten.

My father and mother knew it.

So they gave all the crabs to me.

They are always strict with me.

Only over little things like eating crabs

would they be soft-hearted and grant me permission.

Yuan Ying.

However,

crabs are cold in nature.

Don't eat too much.

You can only eat half, Your Highness.

Otherwise, you will have a relapse of stomach problems.

Yes.

Let me eat the rest for you.

You can't eat too much, either.

You always eat too much.

If you are too indulgent,

it'll be easy for others to know your favorites.

It's not good.

Should I...

What do you think, Miss Song?

Food is just for filling the stomach.

Only by restraining the greed

can you have stronger will.

Just a few crabs.

You like them too.

Just eat as much as you want for once.

It's okay, right?

Don't repress yourself so hard.

It's not about a few crabs.

It's about self-control.

I'm full.

Enjoy your meal.

[Simple and unworldly]

Your handwriting is getting better.

Greetings, Father.

Rise.

How's everything going in your mansion?

How are you doing with Princess Yuan Ying?

Thanks for your caring, Father.

Everything is fine.

I know you care about Concubine Wei from Jichuan.

But she's low-born and won't be helpful to you.

Since last year's Danchuan issue,

I've been counting on you.

In the future, you'll surely be a major minister helpful to the court.

So,

a capable wife

can help you a lot.

Yes.

Except for your Second Brother,

I've never attended anyone else's banquet for moving into their own mansions.

So, I can't either be partial to you.

Take this painting

as my gift for your moving

into your own mansion.

Thank you, Father.

By the way, one more thing.

Your Fifth Brother has reached the age.

And your Seventh Brother has been diligent since young.

I plan to grant them their mansions next month.

You should always help them.

This should also be the most important business of you.

Yes.

He's just an illegitimate child, ranking sixth.

How dare he dip his finger into my Ministry of Revenue?

He's just using the excuse of repaying Jinchuan's debt

to ask Father to give him the proposal.

[Invitation to the banquet in Garden of Tranquility]

Brother, are you going to Zheng's banquet for his moving into his own mansion?

Does he deserve it?

Right.

It's just an illegitimate son's banquet.

He's not worthy of having the Legitimate Eldest Prince as his guest.

Brother.

I'm afraid Zheng will drum up support on his banquet

to run night markets together.

Spread the news

that I won't attend his banquet.

If the Legitimate Eldest Prince doesn't go,

no one will dare to step into his mansion.

Otherwise,

it'll be going against you.

Remember,

you must arrange seats

according to the order on the list.

No mistake is allowed.

-Yes. -Yes.

So many people are invited!

This is the latest guest list.

There are four tables in total.

Just arrange them in this room.

Two for all princes and their wives.

And the other two for womenfolk of officials from all ministries.

You must be familiar with the process

and the guests' seats.

You can invite the womenfolk to enjoy the flowers in the garden.

I'm good at that.

Leave it to me.

Butler Su.

Tell your men

to guard the mansion during the banquet,

especially the area between the front yard and the backyard.

If anyone gets drunk and trespasses,

just give him two bowls of sober-up soup

and let him sleep it off.

Okay.

Now,

you can set off firecrackers now.

Remember to make it loud.

Don't worry, Princess.

Put them away.

Go set off firecrackers!

Li Wei,

do you remember

what I just said?

Yes.

Good.

Write down everything I said

and do as I said.

When you become a legal wife later,

and need to hold a family banquet,

you won't have to be in a mess.

Thank you, Miss Yuan Ying.

Go.

[Garden of Tranquility]

Open the mansion.

Congratulations!

Thank you.

Guys, be careful.

Be careful.

Okay.

The plaque must be hung in the middle.

Okay.

Right.

A little more to the left.

Okay.

Higher on the right.

Okay.

Right!

To work together with one heart! Good words!

Don't put the chairs too far.

Or it won't be convenient for the guests to talk.

Nor too close.

Otherwise, it'll be hard for customers to walk around.

Yes.

Get back to work.

Later Prince Zheng will welcome the guests at the gate.

I'll go.

Pomegranate!

Yuzhan!

How's it going in the room?

We're almost done.

We're almost done too.

Make the red silk hung higher.

Be careful.

Grape!

Be careful.

Slowly.

Butler Su!

The firecrackers you just set off have warmed up the atmosphere!

Of course!

Princess personally told me to do it.

Hurry up.

I'll go check the kitchen.

Don't miss the time.

No problem!

Keep stirring it.

Keep stirring it.

Don't put too much salt later.

Everyone,

today is our mansion's opening banquet day.

Let's hurry up, everyone.

Make it thinner.

You too.

Cut it carefully.

Zhou Quan,

you're the head chef now.

You don't have to do everything yourself.

Just leave such little things to the cooks.

Xiaoqi.

Here.

Help me stir-fry it.

Okay.

Master.

Chef Liu.

Can we cook the edible amaranth?

Amaranth?

It was originally lettuce ordered on the list.

But we don't have enough of it now.

Her Ladyship said we can change it to lettuce.

Fine.

As long as Her Ladyship agrees.

Go prepare the dishes.

Master, look.

It's nutritious turtle soup.

It was bought early in this morning.

Very fresh.

Nothing can be more nutritious.

Not bad.

Everyone, busy now?

Thank you for your hard work!

Butler Su.

Baoquan,

the banquet is very important.

The guests will be here soon.

Be sure not to make any mistake here in the kitchen.

Don't worry.

Our kitchen will make it.

Really?

Yes.

Come here, look!

Great.

Hurry up.

Hurry up.

Go back to work.

It's been so long.

Why isn't anyone here yet?

Brother has a complicated relationship.

If he refuses to come,

who else dares to come?

Even so,

why aren't the other princes and ladies here yet?

Don't you always hang out with them?

I thought you were close.

It seems that it's nothing.

Maybe they're still on the way here.

Let's wait.

We can go out now!

The sunshine is so nice.

Do I look good with my makeup today?

Where are you going?

Where are you going?

Although my grandaunt

sent an invitation personally,

Brother clearly refused to go,

and as a vital member of the Ministry of Revenue,

I absolutely can't go.

It doesn't matter.

We're not members of the Ministry of Revenue.

Why can't we go?

You're wrong.

I work for the Ministry of Revenue.

You are my people.

So,

you can't go either.

I really want him to take some medicine.

Didn't he go to work?

Why is he back now?

Almost.

Otherwise, we already have left.

It's not easy for us to go out.

Will it go down the drain?

Then my makeup will be wasted.

I know.

You guys

want to have a party with the ladies.

I also want to go

for the sake of Princess Yuan Ying.

But Brother has made his statement.

I have no choice.

Coward!

Coward!

You scared me.

Hey.

You'd better veil yourself.

Brother is really scary.

Don't throw it away.

Sometimes I really don't want to hit you.

But sometimes I really can't stand it.

Even if you hit me,

I have to consider your safety.

If Brother really murders you later,

I have to fight for you.

Of course.

It's not a big deal to fight for you.

I just don't want you to get injured.

You need to stay away from trouble.

Don't go.

But Wei has been very friendly to me.

I should go.

You can't go alone.

There are so many people.

You're not able to manage the social engagement alone.

How about

we don't go?

We can just send them a gift to express our gratitude.

What do you think?

No one went to Zheng's banquet, right?

Of course.

In the court,

who dares to disobey you?

I'd like to see

how well his own banquet can be held!

♫Longing for softness♫

♫Harvesting what was planted♫

♫Gaining a moment of pleasure♫

♫Bearing endless sorrow♫

♫Writing down a dirge♫

♫Falling behind the flying time♫

♫Life is still long, how will it drag by?♫

♫Like the autumn scenery♫

♫Like blooming fireworks♫

♫Gone in a twinkling♫

♫With only silence left♫

♫But I'm still obsessed♫

♫With being a moth, flying to the flames♫

♫Singly stepping on the one-log bridge regardless of the strong wind, going astray♫

♫No looking back while the way ahead has no end♫

♫Just make myself trapped by obsession, and keep falling♫

♫No one knows, I used♫

♫To drift with wind♫

♫Beyond the control of this world♫

♫Just for a promise♫

♫I've lived with joys and sorrows♫

♫Been through frustrations and hardships♫

♫And learned how hard it is to know one's true heart♫

♫How should I go through the abyss-like palace life?♫

♫Sighing for the blossom fall♫

♫Sighing for the sunset♫

♫For the bit of desolation♫

♫It looks delicate♫

♫It looks lonely♫

♫Knowing the destiny but still choosing to accept it♫

♫Singly stepping on the one-log bridge regardless of the strong wind, going astray♫

♫No looking back while the way ahead has no end♫