Original subtitles

Episode 12

Is that Mistress Zhong in the carriage ahead?

Hold up.

Junior Lord Wu, what can I do for you?

Mistress, you are such a busy woman.

I have sent you invitations several times

but you've never responded.

You must be joking.

I am a married woman.

It's inappropriate for me to meet you.

You can go directly to my husband

if you're in need.

You and I have something to talk about.

Like that maid in Zhong Residence.

I don't understand.

Which maid?

Mu Yao.

So you are talking about her.

In fact

she will become my husband's concubine

next month.

You're such a forgiving woman.

What, you changed your attitude

just because I won't cooperate with you?

How did you know

what I was going to do?

Rather than wasting time and energy on me

divert your attention to someone else.

After all, the ball is in her court.

If she really cared about you

would you have to solve the issue alone?

Sometimes a step too late

and you may never catch up.

What do you know?

You asked for Mu Yao

at the incense banquet, didn't you?

If you really care about her

you should ask her what she thinks of you.

Otherwise, no matter how hard you work

it will be in vain.

What makes you say

that my efforts would be in vain?

You and Mu Yao only met a few times

and she doesn't like you.

Why are you so obsessed with her?

Sometimes, despite what already happened

it's up to us to alter the outcome.

You don't have to follow the established path.

Junior Lord Wu, think about what I said.

If you are still in the city next month

you are welcome

to attend their wedding banquet.

I will take my leave.

Let's go.

Does the Junior Lord of the Wu Family

really like Mu Yao?

I guess so.

Otherwise, why is he still thinking about her

after so many years?

Childhood crushes

are the most unforgettable after all.

So many years?

Did they know each other before?

Master...

Master...

Zhong's Garden is amazing.

Even a bird here

can speak like a human being.

Get down here.

Get down here.

He had told me about his plan

because he wanted to work with me.

This parrot offended four people.

What an annoying pet.

Why don't you let him take away Mu Yao?

He can't take her away.

That's the destined outcome for him.

I told him that

because I wanted him to accept this reality

and stop making himself a fool

while embroiled in their stories.

Why have you come to me all of a sudden?

Did you find out something again?

This is a gift for Concubine Mu

from Her Highness.

Congratulations, Master.

Concubine Mu?

Thank you, Steward Gao.

I have delivered both the gift and order

from Her Highness.

I'll take my leave.

Thank you, Steward Gao.

You went to Zhong's Garden yesterday

and today Her Highness wants me

take Mu Yao as a concubine.

What are you trying to do?

I just did what you wanted to do.

Why are you still not satisfied?

Do you know what you are doing?

Didn't you proclaim that

that Mu Yao was your woman?

I gave you what you wanted.

Why are you getting angry at me?

Since when did you start

sparing a thought for me?

Are you thinking

the position of the concubine

is not good enough for her?

Why don't you let her take my place?

Didn't you say that I was a giving person?

I can step aside. I don't mind.

I know what you want to do.

Are you really the one behind this?

Who else could it be?

Do you think that if I'm a concubine

you will be able to control me?

Mu Yao, you have always been smart

but why have you become dense now?

Which would be an easy target for bullies?

A maid or a concubine?

So, you want to humiliate me

by making me a concubine?

Think whatever you want.

I know you don't believe me

but now I really have no intention

of competing with you.

Otherwise, I wouldn't give in, would I?

You can be wary of me.

I don't care.

Anyway, you'll come to know I don't mean ill.

Sir, where are you going?

- Let's leave first. - Sir.

You can run but you can't hide.

Word got out.

What should I do?

What should I do?

Tell me! What do I do?

My sister is smart.

She will find a way.

Come on. Let's go.

No wedding ceremonies for concubines?

What's the reason for that?

It's a rule passed down from the ancestors.

Then can she wear the wedding dress?

A concubine

can only wear a pink wedding dress.

Is there an exception?

No!

On top of that

concubines can only enter through the side door

and they have to offer tea to the mistress

before the whole process is over.

I didn't know there were so many rules.

You're from a reputable family

and Butler Hua has never taken a concubine

so it makes sense that you don't know.

We can't go against the rules

to preserve the honour

of a rich and powerful family.

Do you have any other questions, Mistress?

Well...

A wedding banquet is fine, no?

A wedding banquet?

Yes.

It's your choice, Mistress.

Who organised my wedding banquet?

Butler Ji.

Tell him to duplicate what he had done before

and invite the same group of guests.

What?

And drop the ritual of serving tea.

This is...

All right.

She didn't argue with me today.

Mistress, you've been so enthusiastic.

People who don't know might think

you're the one getting married.

Housemaid Li has trained herself

to be unflustered under stress

or else you would be the death of her.

Mistress, I'll get back to work.

You blind servant! Didn't you see me?

- I'll kill you. - Sir.

- We're in Zhong Residence. - This is...

Young Master Hua, are you all right?

My hands were tired

and I didn't notice you coming in this way.

It's you. I...

Sir, she'll be Master's concubine soon.

The news spread so quickly.

But I haven't served tea

so I'm still a maid.

Young Master Hua, why are you in such a hurry?

I'm here to see my sister.

Mistress has not gone out today

so she should be in her compound.

Do you need me to lead the way?

That'd be nice. Let's go.

We won't trouble you. I know the way.

Sir, let's go.

Sir, we should go.

Stay focused.

Don't forget what we are here for today.

Right...

Mistress, here's the guest list.

Thank you, Butler Ji.

Send the invitation cards

to everyone on the list.

Yes, Mistress.

Mistress, if there's anything else

just ask for me any time.

I'm leaving to make preparations.

Have you gotten enough sleep?

I didn't sleep.

I was just distracted.

Are you preparing

for the wedding banquet next month?

She's just a concubine.

I don't think it's necessary for you

to do so much.

When I came here this morning

I ran into that maid

but didn't recognise her until I talked to her.

Isn't she the one I saw

coming out of Master's study?

I told you, but you didn't listen.

Look what happened.

She got what she wanted

and made you work so hard

to prepare for the wedding banquet.

Why don't you just pretend to be sick

and let someone else take over?

Let my brother-in-law handle this hard task

and he'll know the difficulty you're facing.

You're in trouble again?

No.

No!

I missed you so I came to see you.

If everything was fine

you wouldn't be speaking and acting

like a normal person.

Tell me.

What did you do

to make our father angry again?

You're so smart.

I can't hide anything from you.

It's not a big deal.

I gave someone one of my concubines.

And?

Yes, it's not a big deal at all.

The banquet preparation has worn me out

these few days.

Just get to the point, why don't you?

If all that you did was

give a concubine to someone

you wouldn't need to come to me.

It's just about a woman, really.

Fine. Since you don't have anything to say

you may go back now.

I'm busy. I don't have time for you.

Fine. I'll tell you the truth.

But could you put in a good word for me

in front of our parents?

They always listen to you.

Tell me

and I'll decide if I want to do that for you.

I'm telling you

everything in our house

is of high quality.

You don't like her? It's all right.

There will be more.

There are better ones.

Come on. Let's drink.

Bottoms up.

B-B-Beauty, don't go.

Who are you calling "beauty"?

I thought

there were plenty of beautiful women here.

Aren't there?

But I only just saw a woman

who was slightly above average.

And you know what?

She ran away.

No problem.

If you want her

just take her away later.

Sir, that is the 19th concubine you just took.

Which one?

The one whom you bought

and was your maid at first.

What are you talking about? My concubine?

She is merely a maid I bought.

Since Brother Wang likes her

just take her with her.

Thank you very much, Brother Hua.

You're indeed the son of the Hua family

and your generosity amazes me.

Why are you still here?

Bring her here.

Well...

- You... - I'll do it...

Come on. Let's drink.

Why hasn't she come yet?

I can't wait.

My compound is big

so it would take her some time to come here.

- How rich... - Just wait a little more.

Where is she?

Speak.

How dare she!

I'm going to fix her.

- Sir! - I'll go with you.

Tell me, Qian.

My friend wanted a woman in my compound.

How could I say no?

But that maid... was ungrateful.

The moment I got distracted

she hit her head against a pillar and died.

She brought bad luck to my compound.

In fact, I had everything taken care of

but some lowly maid leaked the incident

so I'm afraid to go home now.

What do you want me to do?

I suppose our father

would have found out about this by now

and he will punish me for this.

Could you put in a good word for me

in front of him?

So you don't think you should be punished?

Of course.

Be punished because of a maid?

How embarrassed would I be if word got out?

Qian, you have no idea.

That maid was once convicted and sold.

I shouldn't have bought her

out of sympathy.

Sure enough, people like her deserve it

and they can't be good.

You think people like her deserve it?

Yes. See what she got me into?

Get out!

Qian.

I've been nicer to you recently

so you think I'm going to

take care of this for you?

I...

I never meddle in your private affairs.

I thought...

I thought at least those women in your compound

were social climbers and willing parties.

It turned out I was wrong.

You've become so reckless and brazen!

Hua Rongzhou, come in.

Hua Rongzhou, take my brother

back to Hua Residence.

Forget it.

Go get Nanfeng here for me.

Yes, Mistress.

Mistress.

Nanfeng.

I want you to do something for me

and I'll owe you one.

Mistress, don't put it like that.

I work for you.

Just tell me whatever you want me to do.

Go to Hua Residence with some men.

Tell them it's my instruction.

Ask the women in my brother's compound

if any of them want to leave.

Those who wish to leave

bring them here.

I'll give them enough money

to live comfortably for the rest of their lives.

You are Master's guard

so my father would probably not stop you.

W-W-Wait.

What are you going to do?

You don't think you've done anything wrong?

Does the life of a maid mean nothing to you?

She's just a slave.

I bought her so her life belonged to me.

She wanted to kill herself.

What could I do about it?

She's just a slave?

Isn't a slave a human?

Don't slaves have loved ones?

What if this happens to me?

What if I became a slave?

What if I were exiled or sold?

Will you say that

I deserve it as well?

Put yourself in her shoes.

Imagine how painful it is for her family.

That maid was once a criminal.

She was an orphan

and had no family.

That is why you think

you've done nothing wrong?

Nanfeng, I'll be counting on you.

Please take my brother back

and tell my father

that if he still won't discipline his son

I'll do it for him.

- Yes, Mistress. - You should be glad

that you are my brother.

Otherwise, you wouldn't stand here intact now.

Do I need to make you walk

Young Master Hua?

Has the bergamot incense gone bad?

Why is there a strange fragrance?

I don't think so.

Put that away.

This is the request of Mistress.

Please approve, Butler Hua.

Huang.

Take him to Hua Shen's compound.

Yes, Sir.

This way, please.

My dear.

He merely bought a maid.

It's nothing unusual

yet she made a big deal out of it.

Why can't she save her brother

from embarrassment?

That's right, Father. That's right.

She's so busy with the wedding banquet

which seems to make her quick to flare up.

- She... - Servant.

Get me the ruler.

Father! I was wrong!

I won't do it again, Father.

- Yes. He knows... - Father, I was wrong!

Why are you still here?

Do I have to get it myself?

Yes, Sir.

Father, I was wrong!

Father, I was wrong!

I won't do it again, Father.

I won't do it again. Spare me the beating!

I was wrong, Father!

Let's go.

Father, I was wrong!

Father! Stop!

Father, I was wrong!

Father...

Guard Nanfeng, you are in a hurry.

Where are you going?

I'm dealing with something

on behalf of Mistress.

Is it the much-talked-of matter

related to the son of Butler Hua?

Yes.

Did you send him to prison?

No. I just sent him back to Hua Residence

and Butler Hua would decide what to do to him.

Well, I see.

Get back to work. I shan't hold you up.

Mistress, Nanfeng is back.

He brought back four young ladies

from Hua Residence.

They are now in the courtyard outside.

People believe

that wives should listen to their husbands.

Not many women have the courage

to stand up to that stigma.

Give some money to each of them

and help them prepare to leave.

Yes, Mistress.

The peach blossoms in the backyard bloomed.

Do you want to go there to relax your mind?

It's nice to go out for a walk.

I have picked so many.

They're more than enough to make wine

and peach blossom cakes.

Let's go back.

I'm sorry.

You don't need to apologise, Master.

I know Her Highness' order

has nothing to do with you.

Maybe I have misled Hua Qian.

Don't worry. I won't make you a concubine.

But I still can't divorce her yet.

If you're not agreeable, you can refuse

and I'll ask my mistress to rescind her order.

I know you're kind.

But...

this is what I want.

It seems that some people are already here.

Mistress.

It's all right. Let's go back.

Hua Rongzhou, have you grown taller?

You were about the same height as me

when you joined last year

but now, it seems you're a little taller than me.

Guard Hua is still growing.

I think he's going to be a lot taller.

But his face still looks like a boy.

Look at him. He's so thin

but his face is as round as a baby's

which makes him look even younger.

It is true that a round face

will make people look young.

I have to say those chubby cheeks are adorable.

I can't help but want to pinch those cheeks

and take a nibble.

Relax. I'm not going to start nibbling on you.

- This way, please. - Congratulations.

- Please come in. - Congratulations.

- Thank you... - Please come in.

- You may put these here. - Here you are.

- Congratulations... - This way.

This way, please.

Shopkeeper Liu.

- Congratulations. - Thank you...

Mistress, congratulations.

Thank you. Please come in.

Look at her.

She's organised a wedding banquet

for a concubine.

I really don't understand her.

What else could it be?

- To show her generosity! - Thank you.

It's the first time I've seen someone do so much

when her husband is taking a concubine.

That's true.

She is really a "good wife".

I'll tell my daughter not to pretend

to be someone that she's not.

Thank you.

A girl brought up in a rich and powerful family

always looks at the bigger picture.

Think about your identity

before talking behind someone's back.

What do you girls from plebeian families have

to compare to her?

You're here too, Mrs Hua?

If my memory serves me right

your husband was just transferred here

from a small town.

Just a butler of humble birth.

No wonder you would be

that presumptuous and disrespectful.

Mrs Hua...

Your husband is in charge of the procurement

for the Zhong family, right?

He is still an errand boy

after working for so many years.

Shouldn't you ask yourselves why?

You're right and I'm wrong, Mrs Hua.

I will remember you.

Don't let me hear any more gossip

and watch yourselves.

- Yes. - This way, please.

No matter what my daughter does

she is the only daughter of the Hua family

and the wife of Master Zhong.

She and you lowly women

are not equals.

Long time no see.

Let's go.

- Congratulations. - Congratulations.

- This way, please. - Please come in.

Please.

What brings you here, Mother?

Look at what you did.

You brought our family shame.

Your brother...

There are many people here.

You should go in first, Mother.

Your brother will come too.

Keep an eye on him.

Qian.

Qian.

Qian.

Everyone present today is of high status.

Behave yourself

and don't cause me any more trouble.

Don't worry, Qian.

I know what I can and cannot do today.

Does that mean that you will be good today

but you still won't change in the future?

No. I'm a changed man now.

I am.

I'm different now.

Qian, I'm really a changed man now.

I won't cause you trouble again.

Concubine Mu, it is done.

Wait.

Put this on for me.

This hairpin doesn't seem to go well

with your outfit today...

It's all right. Just put this on for me.

Yes, Concubine Mu.

There will be a wide range of pastries

and melon seeds here. Help yourself...

Be careful.

Help yourself to them.

- Congratulations, Mistress. - Mistress.

Lord is here. Lord.

Lord.

Have a few more drinks.

Come on...

Let me fill it up for you.

- You can't leave. - Of course not.

Come here and sit with me.

Lord.

- Let's sit here. - Why are you so happy?

Lord, all the guests have arrived.

Let me lead you to your seat.

The wedding will start soon.

You're not surprised by my attendance?

I was surprised just now.

You haven't answered me yet.

Why are you so happy?

Lord, that's a good question.

Actually, I am not happy

but it is a happy occasion after all

so I'd better put on a smile.

Hua Qian

are you completely indifferent to my senior now?

How could it be?

You're overthinking, Lord.

There is no need

to do away with the tea-serving ceremony.

I don't need to have tea served to me.

You're making Mu Yao break the rules

that are passed down from the ancestors.

I only suggested this with the best intentions.

Since you're not agreeable

then keep the tea-serving ceremony.

Now you don't even bother to act

all demure and virtuous anymore.

What, you don't like it?

Then divorce me.

Mu Yao, here's a bracelet.

A little something from me.

Come on.

Come on.

- Dig in. - Let's eat.

- Tuck in. - Enjoy yourselves.

- Start eating. - Okay.

- Come on. - Let's eat.

Eat as much as you want.

If the food is not enough

I'll get the cook to prepare more.

- Come on. - Let's drink.

- Cheers. - Come on.

Please.

Let's drink.

A toast to you, Mrs Hua.

You don't have to be that polite.

Come on.

A toast to you.

Have more.

Qianzhi.

Try this. It's nice.

- Mistress. - Where's my brother?

Okay...

I saw him wandering in the backyard just now.

Tell him the ladies here

are all from rich families

and that he'd better not move around

lest he offend someone.

Yes, Mistress.

Come on. One more drink.

- Sure. - Come on.

Thank you all for coming today.

Let's drink.

Greetings, Young Master Hua.

Hey, beauty.

I'm Mistress's maid.

Right. I remember you.

Mistress instructed me to tell you

that the ladies here

are all from rich and powerful families.

You'd better not move around

so as not to offend someone.

I'm full.

I'll just stay here and not go anywhere.

Huang went to get some hangover soup for me.

After the banquet is over

tell my mother that

she can come here to find me.

I'll take my leave.

All right.

Are you going to be Zhong Yelan's concubine?

Yes.

If this is not what you want, I can...

This is what I want.

You will regret this.

Let's talk about it when I really regret it.

Junior Lord

I don't know why you keep coming to me

but please don't come to me again.

I will get someone to catch you

every time I see you.

I told you before

but you forgot.

What motive do you have for coming to me?

I swear.

I fell in love with you at first sight

and can't stop thinking about you.