Original subtitles

Episode 25

Senior, how long has it been

since we had dinner together like this?

- I don't remember. - That's right.

Since you came back from the South

you have become more and more taciturn.

When you're with me

we only talk about the incense workshop.

And you're the same even after you got married.

Senior, do you miss the days

when you managed the shops in the South?

I'm doing quite well now.

Senior, do you mind going back to the South?

Lord, what do you mean?

The Meng family monopolises

the shops in the South

and their ambitions are growing bigger.

I need someone to counterbalance them.

There are many excellent butlers in the city

to choose from.

You handed over the operating rights

of the shops in the South to Butler Meng.

No one is more suitable than you

to take it back.

I've been away from the South for many years

and now things are different.

I'm afraid that

I might not be a good leader if I go back.

Senior, please don't underestimate yourself.

Although it's been a while

since you returned to Huangcheng

you were the one who established

the business in the South.

Everyone remembers that.

You are my father's only apprentice.

I know that

when I first took over the position of Lord

all the butlers were watching me closely

and you handed over the operating rights

of the shops in the South

in order to reassure my mother and me.

But...

I need you now.

Tell me what you want me to do.

I'd like you to have the position of Head Butler

in charge of the shops in the South.

Since you worry about the Meng family

monopolising the business

aren't you afraid that I will do the same?

If you had the intention, you'd have done so

when I succeeded as Lord.

You were fully capable of that at the time.

Although you are kind since you were young

you have never been submissive.

I'm flattered to hear you praise me.

Will you help me then, Senior?

When do you want me to leave?

After this month's banquet

I'll make the announcement

in front of all the butlers.

Senior.

Miss, what brings you here?

I'm here to see my mother.

I thought that you would never come again

because you were mad

at the remarks Madam made.

I could have done better.

It must have been tough for you.

It's fine...

Go in.

Mother.

I'm here to see you.

I wasn't a filial daughter.

I caused you trouble.

But don't worry

even though Shen is gone

as long as I am still here

I will never let anyone hurt you.

Mother.

I miss you.

Qian.

It was my fault.

It was my fault.

I reprimanded you.

- Mother. - I broke your heart.

It was my fault.

It was my fault.

Good girl.

Forgive me.

I heard you and your mother have reconciled.

Father, what are you talking about?

When did Mother and I fall out?

What?

No, you didn't.

It would be great

if I could get closer to my mother sooner.

It's not too late now.

Miss.

Miss, you've received a reply.

How time flies.

Qian.

What's wrong with you?

You seemed to want to say something

but you held back.

Tomorrow is the fifth of the month

the day of the banquet in Zhong's Garden.

I think my mother had better not attend it.

Zhong's Garden will be crowded

and my mother's health isn't doing well.

That's right.

Anyway, the banquet in Zhong's Garden

isn't really interesting.

In the past two weeks

I've been handing over my duties.

After the banquet

I should be able to relinquish

the position of Head Butler.

When that happens, we can live

in the small town South of the Yangtze River

that you mentioned. What do you think?

That's...

nice.

By the way

do you know Junior Lord Wu on a personal level?

Yes, I do.

The inferior agarwood incense

that even Mu Yunping couldn't tell apart

came from him.

He harboured a member of the Ge family

who was on the run.

That's impossible.

Why not?

But the previous...

In the previous life, Wu Shuomo did not

harbour a member of the Ge family.

He helped Mu Yao

and even became the mastermind

behind the downfall of the Hua family.

It's unlikely he would cooperate

with my father now.

What went wrong?

What's the matter?

He...

He belongs to the Wu family.

How would he get involved

in the Zhong family's matters?

Precisely because he's from the Wu family

it's safe to work with him.

She is gentle by nature?

She is timid and cowardly?

When did you start suffering from eye disease?

I know my daughter.

You two share a strong bond.

If you want to get emotional

I can understand.

Look at you.

You look all calm and composed.

I can't believe you're actually threatening me.

Are you really not afraid that

I might let the cat out of the bag

and tell everyone about how we collaborated?

Between you and me

you're the one who's more worried

about our collaboration coming to light.

In order to steal the incense formula

the Wu family went ahead to harbour

the wanted member of the Ge family

risking being condemned.

You then tried to secretly

concoct fake incense pills.

I wonder if Senior Lord Wu knows about this.

Or did you carry out this reckless act

of your own accord?

I merely just provided you

with an incense formula

so that you could frame your colleague.

We made a deal.

Why are you suddenly burning the bridge

and turning against me?

Of course, I know what you're thinking.

But the internal struggle of the Zhong family

has nothing to do with you.

You're not at a disadvantage.

And now, you're involved in their affairs.

Does it mean you're ready to give up

working with the Zhong family?

Like father, like daughter indeed.

You'd threaten to drag your enemies

down with you

and make sure your enemies

have it worse than you.

Therefore

I urge you to be careful with

your words and actions, Junior Lord Wu.

If word gets out

I would rather hurt myself

than let you live in peace.

This matter poses great risks.

I personally contacted him

and no third party knew about it

so I didn't mention it to you before.

There's no way the investigations

will point to him.

Qian.

Don't worry.

He knows what he can and can't say.

As long as I don't mention it

this matter will not be found out.

Indeed, it won't be found out.

Otherwise

I wouldn't have just found out now.

I didn't deliberately hide it from you.

Fine.

If there's something you want to know

ask away.

Father, can you tell me what exactly

did you do to the Mu family?

All right.

I...

got it now.

It's getting late

and we have to go to Zhong's Garden tomorrow.

Father, go to bed early.

Qian.

Yes?

All these years

I had neglected you and your brother

a great deal

while chasing after power and fortune.

You're a sensible girl.

Unfortunately...

I didn't teach your brother well.

Why did you say this?

Since you got married

the way you speak and act has changed

and you have become distant.

I noticed all that.

I asked you about it

but you refused to tell me what happened.

I couldn't help but wonder

what had happened to you.

Nothing of the sort. You think too much.

After your brother passed away

I finally understood.

I failed as your father.

I never considered things from your standpoint

so my daughter couldn't share her feelings

with me

when she met with trouble.

Now...

as long as you are safe

I'm relieved.

Father, don't say that.

You've done well enough.

It was my fault.

On the night I got married

I had a dream.

I dreamed that everyone in our family

died unexpectedly.

That dream was so real.

I wondered if this was a warning

from the heavens.

That's why I changed the way I behaved.

But it's all right now.

With me here

I will definitely protect you

and the entire family.

My good daughter.

Now, go to bed.

Oh, heavens.

You are so cruel.

You gave me a second chance in life

and also a big challenge.

Miss.

Go get Hua Rongzhou here.

Yes, Miss.

My father will tender his resignation soon

and after our discussion earlier on

we have decided to settle down

in the South of the Yangtze River.

So, help me run an errand tomorrow.

Find a good house there

for us to settle down.

Why do you want me to leave earlier?

It feels like you're sending me away.

It is good to make preparations earlier

so that it won't be a mad rush

when it's time to move.

Which is why I need you to go settle in first

and wait for us to get there.

Only you and Qianzhi

remain in my compound.

Qianzhi will stay in Huangcheng

so you're the only person

who can help me and whom I trust.

But I still feel

that you're trying to drive me away.

You'll be away for half a month at most.

Can this house and I escape from the city

in such a short time?

I think it's better to leave together

when the time comes.

I'm worried about leaving you alone.

There are so many people in the compound.

What's there to worry about?

I gave you a task and all I heard were excuses.

If you don't want to do it, just say so.

It's not that I don't want to do it.

I'll set off tomorrow.

Good. I'll wait for your news.

Remember to shortlist a few houses

for my father to choose from.

Avoid crowded areas

but also stay away from secluded spots.

We're going to live there

so choose carefully.

I won't fail you.

But I hope you will keep your word.

Don't lie to me.

Didn't you say that I was a bad liar?

So, why are you worried?

Then I will set out tomorrow.

That's strange.

There is no incense in my room

but why do I smell a familiar aroma?

Can you smell it?

Yes.

Can you really smell it?

The nice aroma is emanating from you, Miss.

But I'm not wearing any incense.

But you're always emanating this nice aroma.

What does it smell like?

I can't put my finger on it

but it's very special.

Since the first time I met you

it's always been this nice aroma.

Never mind. You're leaving tomorrow.

Go and get some rest now.

All right.

Going to the South of the Yangtze River

and choosing our new house...

I guess it will at least take him

half a month to go back and forth.

Miss, what are you talking about?

Nothing.

Do you smell something on me?

No.

You haven't been using any incense

so you won't be emanating an aroma.

My father will go with me today

so you don't have to go

to Zhong's Garden with me.

My mother has just recovered.

Take care of her on my behalf.

Are you ready to set off?

Miss, remember to look for me soon

or I will come back for you.

All right. Be safe.

Zhong's Garden

- Here. - A toast to you all.

Cheers.

Xiwu.

Xiwu.

Thank you, Mother.

Sis Hua, what's so urgent that you had to ask

to see me here?

You look so cold and indifferent.

And you've been ignoring me lately.

What, did something happen?

Stop pretending we are close.

It's disgusting.

What's wrong with you today?

Have you forgotten that Lord is allergic

to lychee honey?

Is that so?

I only know that Lord has a sweet tooth

so I guess he must also like lychee honey.

Is that why you alienated yourself from me?

I really didn't know...

Don't you get tired of acting day in and day out?

Sis Hua, who told you

that Lord couldn't have honey?

He told me himself.

You thought you could get away

with such a clumsy trick.

Did you think

I wouldn't ask Zhong Xiwu directly?

Or did you think that no one else knew

what you whispered in my ear that day

so you could pass the buck?

You've really wronged me.

Keep this up and our conversation ends here.

What do you want to talk about?

About...

why you tried to kill me.

- You... - Since I asked

it shows that I've verified the fact

so drop your act.

You're a cautious person

you must have checked the surroundings

when you made your way here.

There is no one else here, except you and me.

This proves I'm not trying to trick you.

Why would you think so?

You told me yourself.

When I mentioned that

I was the assassin's target

at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet

you didn't seem surprised at all.

So, you started to be suspicious of me

since then.

You've always treated me exceptionally well.

And I know I don't stand apart from the others

so I can't help but have doubts about you.

I merely asked a casual question

but I heard something I wasn't expecting.

Since you asked to see me alone

I'm guessing you don't have evidence.

I still haven't figured out

what made you want to kill me.

Blame yourself

for overestimating your capabilities.

Since you already married Zhong Yelan

using some underhand means

why did you come and seduce Lord?

You're promiscuous and greedy.

How disgusting. I just can't stand it.

Look at all the people in Zhong's Garden.

Nobody likes you.

When did I seduce Zhong Xiwu?

Do you think I'm stupid?

After you got married, you became

a frequent guest at Zhong's Garden.

Soon, Lord started to look at you differently.

Lord has always valued his brotherhood

with Zhong Yelan.

If you hadn't deliberately seduced him

how could he ever have designs on you?

As you said, Zhong Xiwu had designs on me

but in the end, I was the one you wanted to kill?

What, you would only bully the weak?

If you were innocent

I would surely leave you alone.

But you, an abandoned woman

are still longing for a man

you could never have.

How could I stand by and watch you

create havoc in Zhong's Garden?

Why are you laughing?

I'm laughing at your duplicity.

You are obviously afraid that

I might steal your position

yet you said that you did it

for the sake of Zhong Xiwu's family.

Her Highness is still alive.

You're just a temporary resident in the house.

Who are you to maintain

the stability inside Zhong's Garden?

You think you're the daughter of a butler

of the Zhong family so that gives you status.

But the truth is, you're an abandoned wife.

Who are you to criticise me?

So what if I'm a temporary resident?

At least I am unmarried.

And Her Highness has me in mind

to be the future matriarch of the Zhong family.

You're wary of me

because you know that

I can trample on you

if I want to.

The matriarch of the Zhong family?

Get this.

You will never be able to assume that position.

You should thank me

for letting you off.

I have no interest in becoming

the matriarch of the Zhong family.

Since you did this to me

I was tempted to turn your fear

into reality.

You bitch...

I told you some facts and it crushed you.

It seems that your pampered life

has made you useless.

Such a slow reaction.

Are you waiting for me to turn my face

so you could slap me?

Let go...

Go on screaming

if you want your face to be disfigured.

- I dare you! - Sure!

Do you think that I'm a kind soul?

Now, get this!

It's because I have no interest in becoming

the matriarch of the Zhong family

and not because I'm afraid of you.

I look down

on the position you cherish so much.

Are you crazy?

Aren't you afraid that I will ask Lord

to dismiss Butler Hua

and drive you out of Huangcheng?

I'm afraid you won't have a chance to do so.

You did this to me

even Lord won't be able to protect you!

Believe it or not, whatever I do today

Zhong Xiwu will suppress it

and not pursue the matter.

Don't think that you will be safe and sound

just because your bastard brother

shielded you from the sword attack.

You and your family will die a horrible death

sooner or later!

You...

Blood...

If it wasn't for Zhong Xiwu

I wouldn't let you off so easily.

A scar in exchange for my brother's life.

That's a bargain for you.

One more toast to you.

Come on, Butler Zhang.

Master, tell Lord...

Lord...

Eat this.

This mushroom is rare.

Try it.

If you don't like these dishes

I'll take you out to eat something else

on our way home.

I'm afraid we won't have the chance.

Father, no matter what I do later on

I'm doing it to protect the Hua family.

Qian.

What are you doing?

Lord, Your Highness.

I have something to report.

What's the matter?

I plead guilty.

What crime did you commit?

The case of Mu Yunping's embezzlement

a year ago.

He was framed by my family.

Qian...

The confession letter of the missing Broker Qian

the contract between her and my family

and the signatures of the people involved...

I have them all here with me.

Bring them to me.

What's going on?

Concubine Mu, do you know about it?

Lord.

I'm just a woman

and don't know much about business.

Thanks to your benevolence

my father has left the city.

That matter is water under the bridge.

Butler Hua.

What do you have to say

about framing Butler Mu Yunping?

I plead guilty.

Detain Hua Wen'ang

and we will investigate this matter later.

Hua Qian.

I know you are a sensible person.

I'm right indeed.

You have set an example for women

by placing righteousness before family

so I will not punish you.

- In Zhong's garden... - Xiwu.

Lord, I have something else to say.

My father and Butler Mu were both

the butlers of the Zhong family.

They had worked together for a long time.

They cherished their relationship.

My father knew nothing.

I was behind it all.

All this happened because of my jealousy.

I used to be in love with Master.

I was petty and unwilling to share him

with someone else.

I hated Mu Yao and wanted to harm her.

So, I came up with a vicious scheme

to eradicate her family.

What nonsense are you talking about?

Everything I said is true.

I secretly bribed the men who worked

at the incense workshop

to replace agarwood incense

with inferior ones.

And with the help of the broker

whom I introduced to Mu Yao

I sent the furniture with agarwood wood incense

into Mu Residence.

Both Master and Mu Yao knew about this.

As they're benevolent, they let the matter slide.

But I couldn't rest at ease

holding on to the evidence

of my mistakes.

I've been eaten up with guilt

so I came here to plead guilty today.

Since you pleaded guilty voluntarily

we will detain you

and question you another day.

Are you going to question the Hua family here?

My father has been upright all his life

but no thanks to his good-for-nothing children

he got dragged down.

Lord, Your Highness. Please consider

my voluntary confession today

and not implicate my father.

I'm ready to bear all the punishment alone.

Silly girl.

How can I let my daughter

bear the mistakes I made?

Lord.

Your Highness.

Since Mu Yunping

the former butler of the Zhong family

was transferred from the north to Huangcheng

I became wary of him.

I was worried that

he might threaten my position.

Besides, we couldn't see eye to eye

about how we managed the shops.

So, we fought a lot.

And his workshops became increasingly

competitive against mine.

As time went by, I bore grudges against him

and couldn't get over them.

When I found out

that my daughter and Mu Yuping's daughter

were on close terms

I started from there.

Later on, I got someone

to expose the agarwood pills fraud

and instigated the regular customers

who bought them

to take Mu Yunping to the magistrate court.

Father, you...

Lord, I have been a butler for decades

but in the end, I was blinded by greed.

I disregarded right and wrong

and only focused on eradicating my enemies.

I couldn't careless about righteousness.

Even as a child

she understands the basic principles of ethics.

Qian had warned me several times

but I went ahead with my scheme.

She's kind-hearted

so she took the initiative to confess.

She intends to take the fall for me

out of filial piety.

No! It's not like that!

All the other butlers

knew about the frequent disputes

between Mu Yunping and I.

Now that I've come clean

please do as you deem fit, Lord.

No! It's not like that!

My father has nothing to do with it.

I fell in love with Master

and disliked Mu Yao

so I framed her and her family.

I was behind it all!

Lord, she's just a girl.

How could she set up such a meticulous trap?

You couldn't do it.

Bonus Footage

This is the busiest street in this town.

Look at the pond

and the flowers.

Here we are.

Take a look.

There are many knickknacks here.

Sir, what do you think of this house?

It's too noisy. She prefers a quieter place.

All right. Let me take you to another house.

Sir, this way, please.

This is the quietest house in this town.

What do you think?

Not good.

She's fond of gardening.

I think this place is remote, cold and dry.

Plants and trees cannot survive.

Are there more?

Yes. Let's go to the next one.

This won't do either.

She loves fresh fruit.

It's better if the house has a backyard

where fruit trees can be planted.

Are there more?

Are there more?

I'll bring you to view more.

How about this house?

This tree is really good.

It provides shade so she can sit under it.

She enjoys sitting in a reclining chair

under the eaves to daydream.

I can tie a swing for her under the tree.

It'll be more comfortable than a reclining chair.

Sir.

What do you think of it?

That is it.

All right.