Original subtitles

Episode 13

Try this.

I've had enough. You should have some too.

Mistress

something happened to Young Master Hua.

I ate too much.

Excuse me for one second.

Why is she leaving?

It's all right. You ladies carry on.

Stay here and keep an eye on things.

- Why did she leave? - What happened?

It's nothing. Carry on eating and drinking.

Bring us another bottle of wine.

Let's carry on.

What did my brother do this time?

Young Master Hua is now

in Concubine Mu's room.

What does that mean?

I don't know the details.

A servant came to report

that Young Master Hua broke into

Concubine Mu's room.

Brother... wake up.

Go take a look at Mu Yao.

Brother...

Concubine Mu.

Brother...

Wake up.

Brother!

Qian.

Blood.

What happened?

Yao.

Are you all right?

Master.

I'm fine.

Luckily, Zisu came in just in time

but...

I accidentally hurt Young Master Hua.

- Master. - Master...

Calm down and listen to me.

Mistress...

Mistress!

Mistress, are you all right?

Let me look at your hand.

Your hand is bleeding.

Hua Rongzhou.

- Master. - Get back!

Master, listen to me.

Please calm down. Let's find out more

before you do something you can't undo.

Get out of the way.

Master, you can't kill him yet.

Shall we find out what exactly happened

before punishing him?

Find out what happened?

Don't you know your brother well?

No wonder you asked Her Highness

to have me take Mu Yao as my concubine.

Now, it seems that

you and your brother had it planned all along!

I know I have lied to you many times

so I don't blame you for not trusting me now.

But these are two separate matters.

- Master, calm down and... - I won't kill him

but I'll cripple his arms

to let him learn to keep his hands to himself!

Qian...

Save me, Qian.

Save me, Qian.

Qian.

You won't get out of my way?

Qian.

Qian...

Calm down, Senior.

You look like you want to fight me too.

What do you mean, Lord?

Are you standing up for this useless man?

Hua Shen is the only son of Butler Hua.

I know how you feel, Senior.

But you must act rationally.

He was disrespectful to my woman today.

Do you mean he can escape responsibility

because of who he is?

I'm not defending him.

In my opinion, it's better

to put him in prison first

and wait for Magistrate Wang to investigate.

You have more important things to do today.

I don't think

Magistrate Wang would shield Hua Shen

with you watching him.

He is getting off easy.

What are you going to do?

Where are you taking me?

Help me, Qian...

Thank you for your help, Lord.

Go back to your compound

and have the wound treated.

But there are many people in the front yard.

Leave it to me.

Rest assured and go back.

Farewell, Lord.

Mistress.

Mistress.

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

I'm sorry.

Mistress, I'm sorry.

You don't have to apologise.

You did well. I should thank you.

You don't sound weak

What a relief.

Go see a physician later.

Be careful.

Let me help you.

Bring this to her.

Hang in there, Mistress.

It hurts too much.

Hang in there. It's almost done.

Greetings, Lord.

- Lord. - Lord.

Let me do it.

Lord, why are you...

Don't worry. The guests are all taken care of

and they're leaving as we speak.

Lord, let Yinxing do it.

You don't trust me to do a good job?

It's not that.

It seems inappropriate to let you do it.

Lord, how about knocking me unconscious

before treating my wound?

Your pain tolerance is low.

Why did you shield Hua Shen?

He is my brother after all.

Aren't you fast? I just...

I have bought you some time

but, as you know, my senior needs an answer.

Master was so angry today.

Aren't you angry, Lord?

Why would I be angry?

Lord, why did you help me?

Didn't you try to test me?

You kept my secret...

to yourself.

We are on the same team now.

Is he so bored that

he has to tell someone who he admires?

All right. I'm leaving.

Mistress.

When I went to the physician for medicine

I saw Guard Hua take a bottle of medicine

and rushed out in a hurry.

I said hello, but he didn't even notice me.

I wonder how his injury is.

When I came back

I saw him standing at the door.

Is he injured too?

I don't know.

I didn't take a close look.

He fell on a chair

and must have got some scratches.

Cuizhu.

Go check on Huang Rongzhou on my behalf.

What's wrong with her?

She was always glad

to have a chance to get close to him.

But she's not today.

Maybe she's worried about him.

Go put away the medicine.

Mistress, do you feel

that Lord treats you differently?

Of course, he treats me differently.

What are you going to do about it, Mistress?

You don't understand.

He treats me that way

because I know his secret.

His secret?

What are you referring to?

It's a secret. How can I tell you?

Qian.

What did Master say?

I haven't had time to see Master.

I asked your father about it last night.

He said Master had your brother

sent to the yamen

for that...

that disgraceful act.

He can't interfere

in case the incident blows up.

So we need your help to find out more.

- I have a plan. - That's not good enough.

Your brother has never suffered.

How can he survive in prison?

How can he make it through?

I won't stand by and do nothing

but I have to get to the bottom of this

before I come up with a solution.

I wasn't there

when he was taken away yesterday.

Why didn't you stop them?

He is your only brother.

When I was pregnant with you

he touched my belly every day

and said that he would protect you

after you were born.

Now that he is in trouble

and you're just sitting here?

Mother, don't worry.

If my brother is really wronged

I won't stand by and do nothing.

You haven't been to the prison.

How would you know who set him up?

I went to Magistrate Wang for help

but he didn't let me in.

He said I could only visit him a few days later.

A few days later?

Your brother won't be able to survive prison.

He will be miserable.

It happened in this house

and you're Master's wife.

I don't think

the magistrate will stop you from going in.

My brother was just taken away

and I haven't even found out

what exactly happened yesterday.

What's the use of me going to the prison now?

Then, what can you do sitting here?

I know

you always think your brother is a disgrace

and you're not the one suffering in prison

so it's no wonder you're not anxious.

I think he's a disgrace?

More like his improper behaviour

is bringing us disgrace.

It's true I haven't visited him

but what's the use of being anxious?

Making a big fuss

before we get to the bottom of the matter

will only make us vulnerable.

Mother, how can you be sure he's innocent?

It's possible that he deserves

his current situation.

Ever since you stepped in here

you couldn't stop talking about

how my brother would suffer in prison.

Have you noticed my injured hand

and asked me about it?

- I... - Never mind.

You've always favour my brother

and I'm used to it.

If you don't get a favourable answer from me

I guess you won't let me go easily.

Let's go to the prison right now.

Try and find out who set your brother up.

Madam, you made some hurtful remarks.

I'm too worried to choose my words carefully.

Let's get Shen out of prison first.

Huangcheng Magistery

Here we are.

Qian...

Qian, I've been waiting for you

for a day and a night.

Don't you understand the situation you're in?

I went to great lengths to get in here.

Our mother is refused entry.

Are you here to take me out? Are you?

Brother, it's not that easy.

I have told you many times.

Mu Yao is not someone you can touch.

Why didn't you listen to me?

I bear in mind everything you said.

I won't touch anyone you say I can't.

Why don't you believe me?

Then what happened yesterday?

Why did you end up in Mu Yao's room

with your clothes in disarray?

I-I-I really have no idea.

I had a drop too much yesterday.

I was trying to sober up in the backyard.

One of your maids came to remind me

to stay put.

So I stayed put in that pavilion.

Then what?

Later on, I...

It seems that you want to stay here

for a few more days.

I'll tell you...

I saw a pretty maid in the back garden

and she seduced me.

I was drunk so I followed her

into a compound.

Soon after that, I was knocked unconscious.

When I woke up, I saw you in front of me.

I was too scared to speak. I...

Are you sure that maid seduced you?

She kept peeking at me.

Didn't it mean she was into me?

You think too highly of yourself!

You had too much to drink

and acted on your carnal desire.

Yet, you are making excuses for yourself.

No one can control himself when he's drunk.

I guess my judgment

was clouded by too much alcohol

so I thought she was interested in me

and inadvertently broke into

someone's compound

and was seen as a lecher.

Qian, it wasn't my fault.

You said this with so much confidence

It seems to me you're fine

even though our mother suggested otherwise.

In that case

stay here and repent for a few more days.

Qian...

Save me, Qian.

This place is filthy and stinks to high heaven.

There are even rats.

And the prison guards abused me.

I don't think I can survive a few more days.

Qian...

Really?

The wound on your head

has been well treated.

It doesn't look like you have been tortured.

- I... - Learn a lesson from this.

Qian!

Qian...

Qian!

Qian...

How is your brother?

I've warned him countless times

but his carnal desires

always get the better of him.

This time

h-h-he even did it at your residence.

He really deserves a beating.

Do you also think

he did it?

Qian.

Your brother...

is indeed a bit licentious

but he did that

because he was drunk.

He's my only son

and you only have one brother.

Even if you are angry with me

you can't leave him in the lurch.

My dear girl...

Why would I be angry?

I don't think he did it.

Really?

Greetings, Mistress.

You're my maid. Spare the formalities.

I have a few questions for you.

Did you see anything strange

the day you went to look for my brother?

When I went to the backyard

Young Master Hua was sitting alone

in the pavilion.

He told me his servant went to

get him hangover soup.

What did he say

after you sent him my message?

He said he had too much to drink

and that he wanted to get some rest there.

He asked me to tell Mrs Hua

to come to the pavilion to look for him

after the banquet was over.

Did you tell anyone he was in the pavilion?

No, I didn't.

Did you meet anyone on the way back?

I met no one.

Mistress.

Did I do something wrong?

It has nothing to do with you.

Don't overthink it. Go get some rest.

Mistress, what did Cuizhu do?

Nothing. I was just making sure

to make myself feel at ease.

Which compound is Mu Yao living in now?

The same compound as before

but it has been refurbished.

Good.

Mistress.

Master was angry that day

so he went a bit too far.

You must have been hurt badly.

You don't have to stand guard.

Go back to your room and rest.

I'm fine.

What are you doing?

Mistress.

Master ordered us to guard

Concubine Mu's compound.

No one is allowed in.

You...

Tell Mu Yao I'm here. She'll let me in.

Please, Mistress.

Wait outside.

Yes, Mistress.

You've been waiting for me, haven't you?

If you're here to plead for Hua Shen

shouldn't you show humility?

My brother didn't do anything wrong.

Why would I intercede for him?

Mu Yao, there are only the two of us now.

Let's cut to the chase.

I thought

you wouldn't resort to such an underhand mean

after you had been framed before.

I realised I was wrong.

You are really disappointing.

I didn't intend to come here

but I thought I should play my part

in your charade

so your hard work doesn't go to waste.

I told you I would no longer compete with you

for Zhong Yelan

but you just won't believe me.

And you even resorted to an underhand mean

and used him to deal with me.

You think I'm doing it for him?

What else could it be?

You set up Hua Shen.

I won't stand by and do nothing this time.

Every injustice has its perpetrator.

I had put up with you

because I regretted what I did to you.

But now, you implicated an innocent man

by resorting to an underhand mean.

I won't be merciful anymore.

Every injustice has its perpetrator.

Hua Qian.

To think you have the nerve to say that.

Why can't I say that?

Master.

Magistrate Wang sent some men again.

It concerns the case of Hua Shen.

They want to ask Concubine Mu a few questions.

Should I let them wait outside like before?

Let them wait.

Yes, Master.

Wait.

Let me ask first.

Your family are all selfish people

who can't tell right from wrong.

You said Hua Shen didn't do anything wrong?

You set up the banquet incident, didn't you?

My brother has questionable morals

but he has never had

any ill intentions towards you.

Really?

Although I can't vouch for everything else

I can say that he has never lied to me.

I've warned him repeatedly

and he always respects my requests.

Besides, you used to be...

I've known you for a long time.

You're someone who doesn't easily shed tears.

That day you huddled in the corner

trembling in fear.

That was merely an act.

Your intention is obvious.

You're right.

I set him up.

Hua Shen didn't touch me at all.

I heard a maid died

in Hua Residence a few days ago

but Young Master Hua showed up at the banquet

with no indication of any consequences.

Butler Hua acts as your family's shield.

It's no wonder none of you

cares about a maid's life.

What are you trying to say?

The maid who committed suicide

was Linglong.

Your father told us to buy these.

You have reached the age of marriage

so you should doll yourself up.

Look at the jewellery.

How beautiful.

You like it?

I'll give it to you.

I'm a maid.

How can I wear such a precious thing?

Why not?

This one.

It's inappropriate.

Wear it.

It looks good on you.

You said that I've reached the age of marriage

but you're a year older than me.

This shall be your dowry.

Dowry?

You...

What nonsense are you talking about?

Don't run.

Linglong lost her parents when she was a child

and grew up with me in the north.

You remember her, don't you?

There are prettier ones.

Come on. Cheers.

That maid was once a criminal.

She was an orphan

and had no family.

My father was falsely accused of

stealing property in his custody

and was exiled.

All the servants in our residence

were sold away.

They remained as slaves

no matter where they were sold.

At first, I thought so too.

But...

why did it have to be Hua Shen

who bought her?

How dare you!

How dare you!

- You'll get it from me! - Brother Hua...

- You'll get it from me! - Brother Hua...

Stop...

I pity her.

What an ungrateful thing.

You should thank your lucky star

my friend fancies you.

How dare you refuse

and even hit Huang?

Who do you think you are?

I was wrong.

Please forgive me, my dear husband.

You're my concubine?

My concubine?

I don't consider you my concubine.

You are a lowly slave

and I bought you!

You have a temper, huh?

Fine. I'm a kind man

so I'll let it slide this time.

Now, go pack your things

and leave with Mr Wang.

Do you hear me?

My dear husband...

What do you mean?

He means you're mine from now on.

Exactly.

My dear husband.

A woman cannot serve two husbands.

How can you give me away?

Who do you think you are?

You're just a lowly maid!

I can give you to anyone!

Don't worry.

My residence is as good as his house.

I will treat you well.

If you don't want to, that's fine.

Get this. I'll sell you to a whorehouse!

Do you want me to do that?

Let's go.

Even though I am a slave

I cannot bear such humiliation!

Concubine Linglong...

Concubine Linglong!

Concubine Linglong!

So...

Hua Qian

what gives you the confidence

to say that Hua Shen is innocent?

The lowly maid

who died in Hua Residence

was someone I saw as my sister.

- I... - What?

What are you trying to say?

Hua Qian.

I gave you a chance. I gave you time.

But what did you do?

As you know

Linglong and I were very close.

Do you think you had made it up to me

by making me Zhong Yelan's concubine?

No. I didn't know that the maid was Linglong

and I begged Her Highness just to...

You thought she was an ordinary maid

so you stood by

and left Hua Shen to your father?

You knew Butler Hua was going to shield him

yet you still did what you did.

That's because in your eyes

an insignificant maid's life is worthless.

You told me you wouldn't hurt me again

and I almost believed you.

I wanted to believe that

you might not be involved in my family's case.

But what happened to Linglong

made me realise that I could never forgive you.

Numerous people have experienced hardships

at the hands of the Hua family

and it has gone unnoticed.

You are a member of the Hua family.

That makes you uncaring and selfish too.

You can pretend you don't know

because you don't see it

but I can't.

That's the reason why you set him up?

To avenge Linglong?

Since you didn't punish him

I made him get what he deserves.

You don't care about a maid's life.

What about me, Zhong Yelan's concubine?

Can it make him pay a heavy price?

By resorting to this?

Making use of the man who loves you?

Why can't I do that?

Do you mean we should accept any evil deeds

committed by the Hua family

without any resistance?

To me

as long as it is against your family

it's just a means to an end.

All right.

I understood.

Mistress.

Mistress, what's the matter?

Is it...

What are you doing here?

From now on, without my permission

you're not allowed to step into Yao's compound.

If Lord hadn't stopped you that day

would your sword have fallen on me?

It would, right?

Zhong Yelan.

Is the jade pendant that important?

Does it matter so much who the person

who stood with you in the temple was

when you were a child?

Is it possible to develop romantic feelings

solely by reminiscing about someone

to whom you gave a jade pendant?

Why are you saying this now?

I just wonder

if it's true that a liar

can never gain others' trust

and set things right.

And even at the cost of my life

I couldn't earn time to defend myself

when you drew your sword at me.

Are you displaying vulnerability

to manipulate me to let Hua Shen go free?

So be it...

if that is what you think of me.

Mistress.

He likes Qianzhi.

What are you going to do with Hua Shen?

I'll leave it to you, Master.

Master.

Master, Magistrate Wang's men haven't left yet.

What should I say to them this time?

Find an excuse and send them away.

Yes, Master.

Bonus footage

You seem to have serious internal injuries.

Why do you only want Jindao Powder?

Let me examine you.

Don't bother. Just give me Jindao powder.

Please hurry.

But you don't seem to have sustained

superficial wounds.

Jindao Powder is only good for external wounds.

Haven't you found it yet?

I'm looking for it.

I got it. Where are you hurt?

Let me treat the wound for you.

Why are you in such a hurry?

Physician, do you have Jindao Powder?

What happened? Who got hurt?

Why does everyone want Jindao Powder?

Please give it to me. It's an emergency.