Original subtitles

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by ⚔ Jin Xin Si Yu ✾ Team @ Viki.com

♫ Wearing peach blossom makeup, I boil tea over the stove ♫

♫ With a pure heart, I embroider the brocade of time ♫

♫ On the short paper, affection flows in the silent moonlight ♫

♫ I only wish that by my side, is my love ♫

♫ Cool autumn wind blowing, I gaze far leaning against the railing ♫

♫ Sunset glow over the green hill, in formation wild geese are flying ♫

♫ Covering a thousand miles on horseback, for whom is he longing ♫

♫ He returned home in dreams ♫

♫ I will never forget that you held my hands ♫

♫ In your warm palms, we braved winds and waves ♫

♫ Unexpectedly, after we traveled so far and turned grey-haired ♫

♫ I am still by your side ♫

♫ Hearts burning, we look into each other's eyes ♫

♫ Feelings overflowing, they don't need to be hid ♫

♫ No matter how time passes and life changes ♫

♫ Together, we will grow old ♫

[The Sword and the Brocade]

[Episode 2]

My Lord, you have performed another great feat.

Has His Majesty rewarded you

with anything other than the title of Imperial Tutor?

When His Majesty proposed to confer one more title of nobility on me,

I turned him down.

It's getting late.

[Concubine Qin] I won't disturb you, Your Lordship and Your Ladyship.

- I should leave. - I'll leave, too.

I'll excuse myself, Father.

My Lord. Why?

I asked His Majesty to lift the sea ban rather than confer a title of nobility on me.

Unless the sea ban is lifted,

there will always be pirates and the people won't live in peace.

My Lord,

you always think in the people's best interests.

But have you thought of me and Zhun?

You knew I'd been hoping

you'd gain one more title of nobility.

- Don't bring this up again. - Don't bring this up again?

Do you know how hard my life is as the wife of Marquis Yongping?

Stop!

Yuanniang, you weren't like this back in the day.

Don't you know why I became the person I am now?

Yuanniang! Yunniang.

Her miscarriage last year

caused a loss of energy and blood,

and severe damage to her health.

She still hasn't recovered.

Now, all we can do is help her survive on medicine.

Thank you, Imperial Doctor.

- Nanny Tao. - Yes.

This way, Imperial Doctor.

Let my second sister-in-law

and Dan Yang help you with household affairs.

You think I'm too ill

to manage the household affairs?

Or do you think I don't deserve to be your wife?

You... have a good rest.

Your Ladyship.

Did you see that?

We just reunited after such a long time.

But he didn't even say anything nice to me.

[Nanny Tao] Your Ladyship,

His Lordship is just distant in nature.

He still cares about you.

Stop saying that to console me.

His Lordship was born a cold person.

He expends all his energy

on defending our country

and bringing honor upon the Xu Family.

I only hope Zhun

will be successful in the future.

Yu may be a concubine's son,

but he has been intelligent

and commended often.

Meanwhile, Zhun is frail

due to his premature birth.

He makes slow progress on schoolwork.

If this goes on,

I'm afraid Yu will threaten Zhun's status

as the heir of the Marquis.

Your Ladyship, the Xu Family has always differentiated your child from the children of the concubines.

No matter how intelligent Yu is,

Great Madam won't let Yu steal Zhun's position.

Great Madam differentiates the children,

but His Lordship does not.

I was hoping he

would accept the reward and appease Yu,

so Zhun could inherit his title.

Now my hope is lost.

Everything will be fine while I'm alive.

But given my health condition,

I must secure Zhun's future

before I die.

[Zhaoying]

My Lord, Her Ladyship has gone to bed.

I asked the doctor.

Her Ladyship's health hasn't improved,

but has declined further in recent days.

Has Imperial Physician Liu diagnosed her?

Yes, he has.

The physician who has been treating Her Ladyship

was recommended by Imperial Physician Liu.

My Lord, let me replace the dishes with heated ones.

No.

Remove the dishes.

[The Spring Banquet] [Mansion of Xu]

Marquis Yongping's Mansion was Princess Renhe's Mansion during the previous emperor's reign.

After Princess Renhe passed away,

the mansion was rewarded to the Xu Family.

Does this mean our eldest sister lives in an imperial house?

The previous emperor loved Princess Renhe very much.

Ordinary imperial houses can't compare with this mansion.

She acts as if she were the wife of the Marquis.

Madam Luo.

Madam Luo, you're finally here.

Her Ladyship is waiting for you.

Come with me and meet your eldest sister.

Yes.

Wuniang, is this the first time you've visited our eldest sister's home?

Mother took Erniang here a few times. This is the first time I've been here.

This way, Madam Luo.

These square stone lampposts can't be found in ordinary mansions.

Marquis Yongping's Mansion is no common house.

It's not worth fussing about.

Wuniang and Shiyi, when you see our eldest sister and she rewards you,

just accept it gracefully.

Don't try to decline. Don't stoop or lower your head.

Don't panic or fluster.

Don't look around or have any wild thoughts.

Erniang, Mother is here. You don't have to teach us that.

Mother, I didn't mean to assume your duty.

I'm just worried that they'll forget their manners on their first trip here.

Erniang is right.

Today is the third day of March and the Xu Family is going to hold the spring banquet.

The noble Xu Family has a great many guests.

Since this is your first trip here, you must stay alert. Don't make a fool of yourselves

or bring shame upon the Luo Family and your eldest sister.

Yes.

Madam Luo, Her Ladyship is in the room.

After you.

Mother, you're here.

Yuanniang, have no worry. I'm here.

Greetings, Yuanniang.

So many years have passed in the blink of an eye.

The little girls who followed me around

have grown into beautiful young women.

Yuanniang, I got this protective talisman for you at Ci'an Temple.

I'm sure it'll help you recover soon.

The floor is cold. Get up.

You're a grown-up now.

How come you still cry easily like you used to do?

Erniang, you're so thoughtful.

You must be Shiyi.

Greetings, Yuanniang.

We haven't seen each other for years.

You have changed so much. You're much prettier now.

Nanny Tao.

I don't know what you like.

But I remembered having three presentable jade pendants,

so I had my servants find them.

Each of you can take one jade pendant.

Thank you.

Pick one.

Go pick one. This is a gift from your eldest sister.

Wuniang, you can pick first.

Erniang, you should pick first.

Then I'd better respect your wish.

[Joy]

"Joy."

It's a good sign.

You should start picking.

[Fertility and Luck]

Wuniang, what did you pick?

The one that reads "good fortune."

Then Shiyi must have picked the one that reads "fertility and luck."

Fertility and luck. That's good fortune.

Thank you. I love it.

Thank you.

Good to know you love the pendants.

You may leave.

Your eldest sister and I need some privacy to talk.

- Yes. - Yes.

What do you think?

Erniang probably knows I'm looking for a person to take care of Zhun.

And she has guessed that I don't want that person to be fertile and lucky.

So she put on that act.

But it was just a petty trick.

As for Shiyi,

I can't tell her character yet.

Let's wait and see.

Wuniang, our eldest sister's illness...

I've always known about her poor health.

But when I saw her earlier today, I realized she was sicker than I'd thought.

I wonder what kind of disease it is that ails her so much.

Don't worry. The Xu Family will find the best doctor for her.

By the way, Erniang behaved strangely earlier today.

She has always been competitive.

Why did she pick the jade pendant that read "joy"?

Is my "good fortune" not good enough?

Or is "fertility and luck" not desirable?

Fertility and luck.

My Lord, Liu Yong hasn't returned to Dongnan. [Qiao Lianfang]

It seems... Did he enter the capital? [Qiao Lianfang]

We have no concrete evidence.

But there are signs of him heading to the capital.

How do you know?

If none of the officials had colluded with the pirates,

Jiang Huai and Liu Yong wouldn't have escaped from my camp.

Since Liu Yong isn't going to Dongnan,

he must be heading to the capital to seek help.

Then I'll arrange for troops to lie in ambush at the Nine Gates.

Once he appears, we'll catch him.

We should track him rather than catch him and alert his accomplices.

Marquis!

Lianfang, what are you doing here?

My Lord, I'll excuse myself.

My Lord, I'll prepare toiletries.

Lianfang, the guests are in the drawing room.

Did you take the wrong path?

I'll order my servants to lead you back.

Thank you for your concern. I didn't take the wrong path.

I heard from my aunt the apricot blossoms were blooming in the yard.

So I wanted to come and feel the vibrant air of spring around the apricots.

Then I won't disturb you.

Marquis, I...

Are you all right?

I'm sorry, Marquis. I was being reckless.

I have things to do. Excuse me.

I went to the temple to get a protective talisman,

but I forgot to give it to him.

Was that our brother-in-law?

Only our brother-in-law is addressed as "Marquis" in Marquis Yongping's Mansion.

I thought he only had two concubines.

Who was the girl throwing herself at him?

His wife is bedridden, yet he is intimate with another woman.

It seems Marquis Yongping is not a righteous man.

- Let's go. - Go.

Your father's mourning period came to an end recently.

He was going to resume his position,

but his teacher Grand Secretary Liu retired and returned to his hometown.

Now that he is gone, he can't support your father anymore.

Your father will have a hard time in court.

We must not wait any longer.

We must choose one of my younger sisters

for His Lordship to marry after I pass away.

Yuanniang.

Mother, if I am gone,

will the Xu Family still treat the Luo Family as their relatives?

Father has lost Grand Secretary Liu's support.

If we lose the Xu Family's support,

he'll never resume his position.

When Zhun loses his mother's protection

and the Luo Family loses its power,

Zhun will no longer have his most reliable backer's help.

He might lose his heir status of the Marquis.

We must plan ahead.

Your younger sister Wuniang is already engaged.

And your younger sister Erniang is clever, but she is incapable

of anything great as you said.

She'll need the Luo Family to help her gain a foothold in the Xu Family.

People like her have an axe to grind.

But she won't dare to act against Zhun's interests.

I think she qualifies as the Marquis's second wife.

You don't think Shiyi qualifies?

Shiyi has always been strong-minded

and she won't be controlled easily.

You mean Erniang should marry His Lordship

and Shiyi should marry into the Wang Family?

Young Madam Jiang is the eldest daughter of Wang Family.

Her younger brother Wang Yu is infamous.

Finding a wife for him has been difficult.

By marrying Shiyi into the Wang Family,

we secure a marriage between Zhun

and a lady of the Jiang Family.

Once he marries a lady of the Jiang Family,

he'll be able to rely on his powerful relatives.

No matter which one of my younger sisters marries His Lordship,

Qiao Lianfang will stand as the biggest hindrance.

You are here.

Great Madam.

We have many guests today.

I hope you'll forgive me

if you ever find the reception unsatisfactory.

[Madam Qiao] You're too kind.

But I'm not an outsider. You don't have to be formal with me.

You are right.

Where is Lianfang? Why isn't she here?

Great Madam.

Great Madam.

Pardon me for arriving late.

You are not late.

I'm honored that you came.

Come here. Meet them.

This is my cousin, the third concubine of Duke Cheng.

She has brought her daughter Lianfang here.

Coincidentally, Lianfang is the same age as your daughters.

Are you talking about me, Aunt?

Look.

Speak of the devil.

Greetings, Great Madam.

Come here.

Lianfang, I invited your favorite Huayin Troupe here.

You can ask them to perform whatever opera you want to watch.

Thank you for your kind gesture.

Aunt, you look fabulous today.

Is your headache getting better?

I'm glad that you care about me.

I followed the prescription you gave me the other day.

Finally, I had a few nights of sound sleep.

You have no idea

how much trouble she went through

for the folk prescription.

These are my daughters.

Greet the Madams.

Greetings, Madams.

Look how pleasing these girls are.

Madam Luo, you're so lucky.

I used to be proud of my daughters.

But after I saw young ladies of various families,

I learned what real highborn ladies look like.

You girls should learn from them.

- Yes. - Yes.

Don't be so modest.

I think your girls are good.

They are just as cultured as Yuanniang.

All right. Enjoy your stay here.

I'll greet the guests at Dianchun Hall.

Take a seat.

Lady Qiao, is my makeup messed up

or is there something wrong with my outfit?

Why are you staring at me like that?

No reason. I'm just looking around.

This is the hairpin rewarded to us by the Noble Consort.

Wear it properly.

You must be Madam Luo.

Young Madam Jiang.

Young Madam Jiang?

She is the elder sister of Wang Yu the playboy.

Is she here to see us?

Come on.

Let's see if my cousin needs anything.

Madam Luo, Yuanniang and I are as close as sisters.

We should communicate more in the future.

You're too kind, Young Madam Jiang.

This is Young Madam of the Jiang Family in Le'an.

Young Madam Jiang.

The Luo Family has distinct young ladies.

Every one of them is talented and beautiful.

I wouldn't go as far as to call them talented and beautiful.

They are just literate

and able to do some needlework.

Your handkerchief is exquisite.

Did you make the embroidery yourself?

Madam, although I embroidered the handkerchief,

I am no match for my younger sister Shiyi

in terms of embroidery.

Her embroidery works are vivid and ingenious.

Am I right, Wuniang?

Everyone who has seen Shiyi's embroidery works

has commended her.

This handkerchief was embroidered by Shiyi.

Have a look, Madam.

It really shows extraordinary skills.

Shiyi is truly skillful.

Thank you, Young Madam Jiang.

You're too modest.

My embroidery skills are the only presentable things about me.

I'm in no way as kind and elegant as you.

Your girls are cultured, beautiful, and intelligent.

You must have raised them well.

You're so lucky.

Madams and ladies, the stage has been set.

Come along, please.

Yuanniang only has a few months to live.

Your aunt and I have talked in private.

Your aunt wants you to marry into the Xu Family, too.

No matter what certain people do,

they are nothing more than incompetent clowns.

The others are nothing to worry about.

But the young ladies of the Luo Family...

I'm afraid that Luo Yuanniang has got her own plan.

They are the humble daughters of concubines.

My cousin and the Marquis

would never take a liking to them.

Look at you.

My daughter looks prettier than anyone when smiles.

Rest at ease.

[Xu Lingkuan]

I was wondering when Lingkuan

became the head of Huayin Troupe.

I heard that you came.

So I learned how to do this.

Do you want to watch an opera with a focus on singing and acting

or an opera with a focus on combat moves?

He is the Marquis' younger brother,

Xu Lingkuan of the Xu Family.

How about I recite the opera titles for you?

Lingkuan, stop clowning around.

You might scare the young ladies.

[Danyang] Danyang is here.

Come on. Hold Lingkuan in check.

Mom, Lingkuan was only being kind.

So many elders and young ladies are here.

We can't let the opera actors

come in and present the list of operas.

All right. Greet the Madams.

Let's watch an opera with a focus on singing and acting.

The operas with a focus on combat moves are all about fighting

and actors doing somersaults.

You watch them till the end,

but you don't understand what's going on.

Then we'll watch "The Peony Pavilion." I like that.

- All right. I'll make preparations. - Yes.

Great Madam, His Lordship is here.

Young ladies, please come with me

and hide behind the folding screen.

His Lordship is here.

Why aren't you moving? Come and change out of your costume.

Yes.

I pay my respects to you, Mother.

Greet the Madams.

Greetings, Mother-in-Law.

We're family.

You don't have to be formal.

I hope you'll forgive me

if you ever find the reception unsatisfactory.

You're too kind, Marquis.

I won't disturb you any longer.

[Success]

♪ My heart ♪

[Depends]

♪ Happens to flip ♪

♪ As I stand by a plum tree ♪

Great Madam.

Greetings, Madams and Ladies.

- ♪ These plants ♪ - Her Ladyship said

- ♪ Stir up ♪ - ...her health condition won't allow her to keep you company.

She feels very sorry.

So she had people prepare kites.

When you've grown tired of the opera,

you may fly the kites together.

- Great Madam, I don't want to watch the opera. - ♪ Sentiments in me ♪

I want to fly the kites.

Me too.

All right.

You can go.

Lady Qiao.

You know the Xu Family's mansion more than any of the other young ladies.

Therefore, Her Ladyship hopes that you

will show the other young ladies around.

- I want to stay... - ♪ Their life and death are for others to decide ♪

- But Madam Xu made a request and I won't turn her down. - ♪ And I have nowhere to vent my sorrows ♪

Ladies who want to fly the kites, come with me.

Erniang, don't you like this opera?

Stay till it ends.

I can watch this opera another day.

But I shouldn't waste my eldest sister's kindness.

♪ I will wait on this rainy day ♪

Shiyi.

♪ For the right man to show up ♪

Mother.

Go with Nanny Tao and meet your eldest sister.

♪ Even if it means my death ♪

Yes, Mother.

[On]

[Effort] [Success depends on effort]

Your Ladyship.

It seems water has mixed with ink.

Your Ladyship, it's all set.

Let her in.

Your Ladyship, it's Lady Shiyi.

Lady Erniang went with Qiao Lianfang.

It must be fate's work.

I finally got rid of them.

What is wrong with you?

I'm sorry, Lady Qiao. I was in a hurry.

Let me wipe it clean.

No need. Get up.

Thank you, Lady Qiao.

Lady Qiao, come to the courtyard with me,

if you don't mind.

You can get your clothes cleaned as soon as possible there.

The courtyard?

Maybe I'll run into the Marquis in the courtyard.

I guess I have no choice.

Lady Qiao, this way.

Lady Qiao, this way.

[Jing'an Pavilion]

This is the place, Lady Qiao.

I stayed indoors for too long.

So I wanted to come out for a walk.

I hope you don't mind, Shiyi.

Lady Qiao, wait here for a while, please.

Let me bring you some clean clothes,

so you won't catch a cold.

But...

Don't worry.

Nobody will come here.

All right.

Shiyi, where do you live at the family house?

Yuanniang, I live in Lvyun Suite.

I remember that it has a warm room.

The warm room is bright and cozy.

I often read in the warm room when I was a kid.

Are you tired?

How about we find a place to rest?

Jing'an Pavilion is just a stone's throw away.

Let's rest there.

All right. This way.

[Jing'an Pavilion]

[Jing'an Pavilion] My Lord!

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by ⚔ Jin Xin Si Yu ✾ Team @ Viki.com

♫ In the cold darkness of midnight, a sigh is heard ♫

♫ Who picked up the paintbrush to draw loneliness? ♫

♫ In my life, I can draw everything but lovesickness ♫

♫ The mountain city is waiting for the rain ♫

♫ I am waiting for you to pass in my memory ♫

♫ The sky is in a more lonely color than your face ♫

♫ The wind rises and the candlelight flickers ♫

♫ The thin clothes can't stand the cold days ♫

♫ Full of twists and turns, fate is untold ♫

♫ I ground my thoughts into ink ♫

♫ But I still can't sketch your contours ♫

♫ How could the ink and paper exhaust our stories? ♫

♫ Who picked up the pen to disturb the heart ♫

♫ Who visited to remind me of the past? ♫

♫ If feelings can be kept in mind, but cannot be confessed ♫

♫ I won't escape from whatever end ♫

♫ In the dim lantern light, with you there is me ♫

♫ Who picked up the pen to set free lonely tears? ♫

♫ Whoever visited my life, only you stayed every day ♫

♫ If the moth doesn't fly into the fire ♫

♫ How can it be said to be persistent? ♫

♫ Coming to the end of your story, there is me ♫