Original subtitles

Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at Viki

The Story of Ming Lan

Episode 15

Big Madam's older sister is Wang Kang.

The children call her "Aunt".

Every time she comes, she urges Big Madam to do something.

She should come less often.

Mistress Lin is selling farmland secretly,

that's also a conduct ruining the family.

Currently we really have no one in the inner quarters who can handle the big task of managing the house.

I don't have any solutions.

That's why I'm here to seek your guidance.

Are you thinking of letting me manage this?

It'd be great naturally if you could.

But I fear it will only cause you a lot of work.

Perhaps you want me to be the evil person

and choose one between Big Madam and Mistress Lin?

And I then carry the blame?

If you say this, I'm ashamed to show my face.

I was just speaking in jest.

Sit down.

If you really want me to decide

and pick someone out to help your wife manage the house.

I have someone in mind.

Ru An, bring the album here.

Minglan? This can only be her writing.

Mother, are you joking?

Minglan is only barely reached the marriage age, and she's an unmarried maiden. (T/N Song dynasty, 14 or 15)

She... how can she manage this grand house?

Look at that carefully.

These are Minglan's daily records

of each house and their expenditures and ledgers.

I asked her why she's recording this.

She said one reason is for practicing writing, and the other is learn to manage the finances of the family,

since that's also a duty for a woman of the inner court.

Rulan is with Big Madam.

Molan is with Mistress Lin. They can both be blind and deaf.

But she has to rely on careful observations every day to learn.

Even if she can't pick up everything, she can pick up a point or two.

She's a good child and is more mature than her two older sisters.

Look at how she has recorded everything clearly.

Some accounts are not very clear.

She could even find out where the deficit is. She has talent.

She is surely a good pair of hands to manage the house.

Another point. Minglan's few words were remembered by you,

and helped you get out of your bind in the royal palace.

With this kind of sensibility,

she can be unbiased.

Let Minglan manage the house then.

The manager of the house has to have the look of a manager.

Minglan should be self-reliant too.

Tell the staff to tidy up the courtyard next to Shou An Hall, and let her live there alone.

As a steward, she should have the air of one too.

Why aren't you saying anything?

You don't want to be a steward?

It's not that, Grandmother.

I prefer to stay with you.

You are already an adult. You should leave your parents.

When you marry, you will leave your family.

If it's hard or sweet now, be done with it.

You will bear them alone.

If I just dote on you. Well, I'd love to just dote on you forever.

But I have to be tough.

How could I not understand what you said.

Since Father and you have faith in me,

I will be brave and give it a try.

Be brave and give it a try?

You delivered words to Weirui Balcony for me yesterday.

You had a method and you had authority.

I can see that you are capable.

Stop pretending to be stupid in front of me.

I am always a child in front of you. I will never grow up.

Don't worry. If you run into any problems, I will help you.

Tomorrow, I will send over my capable maid

to be at your disposal.

If you are unhappy about anything,

tell me as soon as possible.

Grandmother, I don't need the maid.

Since I'm going to manage the house and finance,

I can't make you worry about anything.

If I can't handle it,

then I'll come beg help from you.

Mistress Lin's man came to my home secretly to inquire,

and he's shown his face in Dong Alley.

According to Xiaodie's memory, there used to be a physician by the name of Zhang who's treated your family.

I thought that must be where the clue is.

We rushed there, and the neighbors said he did live there before.

But his whereabouts are unknown now.

Your uncle-in-law has already gone to search out information, but he's not sent news yet.

We are doing our best - Miss.

May you not fret. (From her Aunt Wei) - Second Young Master sent

a Guanyao flower vase as congratulatory gift. Where should I place this? (T/N "Imperial kiln" pottery/porcelain)

Miss? - Just place it there.

What did Linqi Pavilion send?

It seems like Miss Molan sent a painting. I'm going to get it for you.

Miss, look.

Fourth Sister actually sent me a painting of a cow licking her calf? Isn't that something! (T/N expression of maternal affection)

Let's put this great intention of Fourth Sister's

next to my mother's one, Lady Li guarding Niangziguan. (T/N The Widow's Pass, from previous note)

Alright.

Yes, hang them together.

Let me see them every day

and not forget.

Miss, what are you burning?

I did a bad job of writing this.

These days, don't always worry about writing.

We've just moved here, and you have to watch carefully so that the servants don't make a mess.

But I've got you watching over them.

It's not appropriate for me to watch over them.

Old Madam wanted to choose some capable servants to come here.

Why did you refuse?

This is a new courtyard.

Including Xiaotao and I, there are only a few of us.

If anything goes awry and we can't handle it, what are we to do?

Don't be anxious. Someone will send over people.

Who will do that?

It will be within the next couple of days.

Look at those airs Old Madam puts on.

I had that courtyard cleaned up a couple of times already,

and she keeps saying it's not good enough.

She insists on having the Minister hire cobblers and carpenters.

I don't know

if she actually thinks that Sixth Daughter will manage forever?

Don't get upset over a girl.

Old Madam doesn't want to manage the house.

She threw the Sixth Miss out there and that's for your sake too,

so that the management rights don't fall into Lin's hands.

That slut, Lin Qinshuang,

such a great chance and we couldn't get her killed.

She caused me to lose the rights to manage the house.

What blue smoke is her ancestor spewing out? (T/N protected by her ancestor for prosperity)

The matter you told me about yesterday, I've thought it through.

Let's just have Jiu'er and Yinxing go work in Sixth Miss' room.

Jiu'er is your biological child.

Can you bear to let her go?

It's because she's my biological child,

that we don't have to worry she'll be mistreated by Sixth Miss.

When Jiu 'er is of marriageable age,

I will give her a good dowry.

Thank you, Madam.

Greetings, Sisters. I'm late.

Sixth Sister, you've set up your own courtyard.

It's your first time going back to Shouan Hall to visit.

Grandmother naturally can't bear to let her leave.

Unlike like us,

we only said a few words and we were dismissed.

What's wrong? I didn't say the right thing?

Grandmother likes Sixth Sister, she doesn't like you!

You can't even begin to be jealous.

That's so true. Now that Sixth Sister is flesh on Grandmother's heart,

she is also a steward.

Even if she greets Big Madam late, it's no big deal.

Would she still punish you?

Fourth Sister, your words are strange.

If Big Madam punishes me, she's blaming Grandmother.

If Big Madam doesn't punish me, it seems like she's afraid of Grandmother.

Your word hits not only me but also Grandmother,

and also is unforgiving toward Big Madam.

Killing three bird with one stone? What's the reason?

You're alive today?

You are slandering me! You are blaming other people's thoughts and intentions!

You said that I slandered you. Sister, this is not what you mean then?

Thus, Big Madam doesn't need to punish me then.

You!

Do you still think that as the steward of the Sheng family, you can make the decisions?

Big Madam is already sitting down. Please go and greet her.

Be careful of the steps, Fourth Sister.

Be seated.

I'm late. I caused you to wait.

Hurry and bring a bowl of ginseng soup for our Minglan to try.

Thank you, Big Madam.

Sit.

Mother, Sixth Sister is living on her own now.

You must dote on her more

or someone will bully her.

Minglan was always weak-bodied.

When she traveled by boat from Yangzhou, she was sick on the boat.

Fortunately, Old Madam took care of her and nursed her back to health.

You are now living alone in your own courtyard.

I feel consoled.

It's just that the staff with you are young and old. They can't serve you.

Mother Liu.

Yes.

Sixth Miss, these two maids are Big Madam's attendants.

They are apt hands and most attentive.

Today, Big Madam is letting you have these maids

to prevent Sixth Miss from being too tired, and ruining your health from living alone and managing the house.

Yinxing, Jiu'er, greet Sixth Miss.

Greetings to Sixth Miss. May you prosper.

You are giving your best hands to me?

There won't be anyone by your side then.

My rights to manage the house have gone to you.

I don't need them anymore.

Look at how you speak.

Just don't complain that they are stupid and clumsy.

Yes. I have most high esteem of your maids.

Try this.

Sixth Sister is now the steward,

and now you speak with sharp, prickly words.

She's great.

Aren't you the one who speaks with sharp prickly words?

What's wrong? Just because you are late, I can't say anything?

A person needs face and a tree needs bark. (T/N face here is "respect" - to cover one's self like bark)

If on my first day I allow your mockery

to stir up a mess,

it's a small matter if I lose face

but if Grandmother loses face, it's a major matter.

For Grandmother's sake, even if I offended you,

I have no choice but to hold my position.

You were a messenger of Grandmother at first,

and even a steward now.

Just a few days and your mouth has become so clever.

Why do you bother fighting out of pride with me?

We three sisters, by looks, by talent,

and by our place in Father's heart, you are above us all.

You don't need to flatter me to make me happy.

You have Mistress Lin above you

and Third Brother under you. You're beautiful and talented.

So many main-line daughters out there don't have your bearing.

I'm just an orphan

without my birth mother. I don't have any brothers either.

And Grandmother is only just pitying me a bit on the account that my mother is deceased.

You want to knock me down in spirit and force me to fight back.

What will you gain in honor or benefit?

You're young and you're in charge of the house.

Who can be more lofty than you?

You're so smart and you can't tell?

This managing of the house, it's only temporary.

Just to make do and gloss over.

Some day...

Some day?

Grandmother is insipid and detests conventional affairs.

I've been taught by her and I live with my head lowered.

Will I really be the steward of the Sheng family for life?

Once the crisis is over,

they will definitely find another steward.

Who?

Of course, it's someone who would think on behalf of the Sheng family.

You are I both lack the luck of being born to the main wife.

We are kindred souls.

There's a benefit in talking with someone smart.

It's that once you've spoken,

all things are understood.

She really said that?

Could be it false?

I heard this from Yunzai.

Who would think on behalf of the Sheng family in this house?

Big Madam spread out high-interest private loans and she gave assets to her elder sister a Wang House.

You are the only one who will think on behalf of the Sheng family.

I fear that Old Madam is harsh toward me.

If she really wants me to manage the house,

she could've just put in a few nice words for me.

Wouldn't your father comply?

Why did she have to bring out the Sixth Miss as a pretense?

Mother, you are too fretful.

Third Brother's matter and the matter of you selling shops, it's only a few days ago.

Even if Grandmother wants to give it to you, it won't be that fast.

She has to bring out that Sixth Miss--

Did Sixth Daughter mention her biological mother with you recently?

Mother, what are you doing?

Be good. Tell me if she mentioned this to you.

I recall that she didn't mention this to me.

It was a long time ago.

I fear she can't remember her mother anymore.

I can't even remember anything when I was eight years old.

Eight years old?

I fear eight years is too grown up already.

Mother.

I think we can't fully believe what Sixth Sister said.

Didn't Big Madam shove two maids into her room?

We should pick out a couple to shove in too.

You can think like this and it shows you're considerate.

Your brother. He's been worn down by the warblers and swallows in his room. (T/N maids on the make)

Pick out two of the most foxy ones and send them over.

But... what if she doesn't want them?

We must send them there, or else your brother won't pass the test.

Even more so when he has committed a big mistake,

he must show ardent prudence before your father reconsiders him.

Mother, it's not only older brother,

it's your matter of selling shops.

Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at Viki

Darling Hong, I think you must be angry still.

Shuang'er also doesn't dare to come here.

But I have a matter for my dear Hong to decide on,

so I brought my thick skin to come beg you.

You can make decisions without consulting others now.

What's there for me to decide on?

I know that you have never believed what Big Madam

said about me. Those dirty things!

She just loathes me that I went out to sell land and shop.

Are you not here to brew tea today?

At that time, I was still young.

Just when I was supposed to have marriage prospects, my family suddenly became ruined.

I brought my sick mother

and wandered everywhere with no one to lean on.

Begging in the cold.

Mother left that day too. (T/N euphemism for "passed away")

I could only use a mat to bury her.

Sometimes I would wake up in the middle of the night

and I would see you, darling Hong.

I would then think that

I could be saved.

I don't need to live this kind of life again.

Hong dear, you are Shuang'er's parent now.

It's already in the past.

I'm someone who's traumatized from fright.

That day, when I heard you were late in coming back,

I thought about the day my family was raided.

I told Big Madam, what if something happens,

it's still best to have some cash in hand.

Big Madam said that I spouted nonsense and unlucky words.

I was just afraid if something goes awry at home,

and that's why I went out.

I'm someone who hasn't seen much of the world.

I'm also someone who can't make decisions.

Not like Big Madam from a house of officials who are resolute.

I'm just afraid, what if something happens to you,

and I had some unregistered money in hand, I could go bribe the connections,

but I didn't expect you to be so capable

and came back safe and sound.

Big Madam knows to gauge life.

I am really lacking compared to her and just a laughing-stock.

What do you want to ask me?

It's about Feng'er, that fool, of course.

Feng'er told me that Sixth Miss is living on her own and she doesn't have enough staff.

He wants to send her two maids to serve her.

I just fear it's not in accordance of the rules for a brother to send staff to a sister,

so he had me come and get your approval.

May you give me your approval so I can tell Feng'er.

That's a great show of sibling affection.

I guess giving him a beating has benefited him.

If he studies well, he will have his day.

Darling Hong, if you are done with work,

come and watch Feng'er study tonight.

Since he has been studying, he hasn't been going out.

That's good. I will go and check.

If he causes more trouble, I will break his legs.

Before you come, I will personally break his legs.

Third Master thought that he can't have his Sixth Sister lacking help.

And it's not right only he has so many helpers.

These two women, one is Ke'er and the other is Mei'er.

They are clumsy.

I hope you won't dislike them.

Please thank Third Brother for me.

Look at what you said, Miss.

If they can be of use, that's their luck.

You've worked hard. Xiaotao.

Escort Miss Zhou out.

No need to be so formal.

I... W-Will I still be able to see Third Master?

If she can't bear to leave her old master,

it's best that she goes back to him.

Sixth Miss, she doesn't know anything. Please show her more guidance in the future.

They are all from Mistress Lin and Third Brother's prestige.

Naturally, I will hold them in high esteem.

Miss Zhou, please don't worry.

Nanny Zhou, you are here.

You even sent two maids here.

What a coincidence. Old Madam is also

sending a clever one to Sixth Miss.

Cuiwei, greet Nanny Zhou.

Greetings, Nanny Zhou.

Greetings, Sixth Miss.

I, Cuiwei,

used to be Old Madam's first ranking maidservant.

I will serve you in the future.

Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at Viki

Shouan Hall to Sixth Daughter is only a couple steps away.

You make a shout in the front and Old Madam can come.

So it's understandable that you ran into Nanny Fang.

That Old Madam has intentions.

How calculating

that Sixth Daughter deliberately didn't take any staff from Shou An Hall.

The position was empty.

Empty?

She deliberately left it empty?

That's right.

We can't have the Old Madam send one, then Big Madam send one over too.

And it becomes a show of force between mother and daughter-in- law.

So, she deliberately left it empty.

After we all install ours, Old Madam can send a higher-ranked maid there.

So, Old Madam sent her maid over

just to keep our people down?

Isn't that so?

That Cuiwei goes there and she fills the supervising position.

Our Mucang Pagoda is a new courtyard.

Since you serve a new master now, you need to follow the new master's rules.

Each and every move needs to be chartered.

Yes.

First, do not forget who you work for.

Second, you have to keep faith to your duty and not leave without permission.

Third, you are not to fight and cause issues.

Fourth, do not enter the main suite unauthorized.

Fifth, you cannot push off your own duty onto another.

I don't understand. If someone gives me trouble, can I tell?

Why exactly is it not allowed to fight and cause issues?

Miss Jiu'er, what you're doing is fighting and causing an issue now.

Sister Cuiwei has such a grand position.

Sister Cuiwei, don't scare us.

We are the most respectful.

That's right.

If Miss Jiu'er talks again, I fear I will have to quarrel with you.

But if we really quarrel, we will be breaking the third clause.

Jiu'er and I are to receive five strokes each.

Danju, you carry out the punishment.

Miss, if they don't obey Sister Cuiwei, what should we do?

There's benefit to listening, and there's benefit to not listening.

That's a Buddhist verse you're reciting.

Cover.

Miss Ju'er, what else do you want to say?

Everyone, let's do our best and take good care of Sixth Miss.

This is a fate that binds us.

I'm older and more senior than you.

And thanks to Old Madam, my scope is wider too.

But may you sisters not dislike me.

Just give me a bottle of Cuoren Water (wine).

Having cold wine again?

Drinking cold wine on a cold day is quite a unique experience.

You're so full of tricks.

Is Sixth Miss really that smart?

How can you be so stupid?

This kind of chain maneuver. How can she think of it as her young age?

It must be Old Madam plotting it all out.

It's a warning to us

that no one can mess with her precious Sixth Granddaughter.

Before, Old Madam was so serene,

the room was like a temple.

Since she raised this Sixth Daughter,

she's forsaken vegetarianism

and her coloring is better.

She's garnered stamina to climb Mount Ziyun too.

Looking at her, she seems to want to live forever.

Marry that girl off and lay a path for her to reach high.

She's got her legs half buried in the ground and still thinking so much. (T/N idiom - half dead)

Mistress, just bear it for the time being.

Don't clash with Old Madam.

The house management

will need Old Madam's approval no matter what.

One day when I've made it...

What's wrong with Grandmother?

Old Madam is waiting for you.

How come she got ill so suddenly?

What does the physician say?

Watch the courtyard closely.

Yes.

My eldest granddaughter is most filial.

When she heard that I'm sick,

she rushed here so quickly, Old Madam He.

You're so chatty.

Quick, have your filial granddaughter look at the fabric I brought.

Pick one you like

and use it to make some robes.

Grandmother, didn't you say you were sick?

I was afraid you couldn't leave with so many chores from your mother-in-law so I fibbed.

Come. This is whom I often talked about,

the Grandmother of He House.

Now she's moved to the capital to stay,

I invited her here for a gathering.

This is the grandson of Grandmother He. His name is He Hongwen.

Greetings, Grandmother.

Greetings Brother He.

Greetings, Miss Sheng.

You came from afar. Why don't you stay for a few days' longer?

It would be just nice to have fun with Grandmother.

This child is really smart.

Grandmother just told you she brought fabric as gifts.

Go take a look now.

Mother.

It's alright.

Big Madam is a straight-talker and I don't want to put on airs.

The items are in the room.

Go take a look now.

Let's go.

Sixth Sister, come with me.

She has already chosen. Go now.

Let's go and take a look.

Take a seat.

Come.

Take a seat too.

Please sit.

Xiaotao, serve tea to our guest immediately.

Yes.

Why haven't they finished viewing the materials?

It could be that there are too many.

No matter how many there are, they should have completed viewing them.

It could be that the materials are really great.

It's really quite hard to be a physician.

I came to do a treatment and I have to bring fabric as a big pretense.

It's not easy being a woman either.

In order to receive a treatment, she needs to say her maiden grandmother is ill in bed.

That's right.

There's always been a tradition of hiding one's sickness to avoid criticism.

And that's hardest on women of inner quarters.

An ailment is a double-edged sword for them. Your sister is in a difficult position.

Do you really regard it that way?

It's always been hard to be a woman since ancient times.

There are not many paths for them and each is narrow and steep.

At my grandmother's talent, if she were a man,

she would be a renowned physician of our time, her name glorified.

With your thinking, your grandmother must find such solace.

I sigh that my grandmother is full of all kinds of talent.

But she can only stay in the inner courtyard, managing the house.

At best, to teach this unworthy grandson of hers.

How could you not be good?

I heard from Grandmother that you've already established your own clinic.

Since it's a medical center,

then I won't wish you for to have a flourishing business.

You ought not.

Since you've praised me, I will tell you something else.

Don't take any cold wine, especially before sleeping.

I didn't.

I... I haven't...

Are you a physician or a kitchen god?

How did you know?

Who said that I'm good?

With He House's lustrous words,

vouching that you can have another child soon,

I'm put to much more ease.

You must listen to her

and manage your health well.

As for managing the house, don't toil over it.

You can cry or beg too.

Pretend to be sick or act like you're incapable.

Find some pretext to throw it out.

All these years, Hua'er has worked very hard

and she finally got herself the reputation of being a good steward.

How can she just let that go?

You're confused. Count of Zhongqin Manor.

It will all be inherited by the eldest son, Yuan Wenchun.

Hua'er's husband won't have the day.

It's just that the mother-in-law is so biased towards the eldest

that she's tormenting Hua'er on purpose.

The saying says, "once you manage the house for three years, even the dog and cat hate you".

Hua'er is a daughter. No matter how hard she works,

she's just adding to another's asset.

You are right, Grandmother. Count of Zhongqin's house expenditures are careless.

I have added my own dowry money into it to balance it.

What is all the trouble for?

That Yuan House, they are a respectable count's manor.

They are so shameless that they use the daughter-in-law's dowry?

Attendants! Attendants!

- Get my carriage, I need to argue this out with Yuan House! - Mother!

- Mother. - Come back here.

Cool down.

Come back here.

If you can argue for a win for the matters of the world,

then all would be in harmony.

The Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun would all be reclaimed!

I have never seen this kind of

noble house with such shame as to use the daughter-in-law's dowry?

Which house doesn't have a rotten account?

A minor issue that some minor money can fill isn't worth mentioning.

Your daughter is weak-boned and she can't toil.

Let her shove away the steward job and recuperate.

Take the medicine prescribed by He House.

Bearing a child is the more urgent matter.

Don't be angry, Grandmother. Mother and Ru'er have the same temperament.

You know about this too.

When I used to come and cry,

she would say she would go to Yuan House and flip them upside down.

In the future, if you are bullied or ill, come and tell us.

Don't adhere to such old ideas.

You have to be happy yourself.

Grandmother, I came back this time, so allow me to dote on my siblings a bit.

I hear in a couple of days out by Xinzheng Gate by Jinming Pond, there will be a jiju match.

It's put together by Countess of Yongchang

and she's using all sorts of precious accessories as prizes.

All the noble ladies near Jingrong Gate and Changhe Gate have gone by.

So let's have my siblings go and have fun too.

Madam Wu's polo match is such a grand event.

How many official's wives will be there.

They are all to watch the eligible men and women there.

Such a great event and couldn't you just tell me secretly?

You had to say it in front of the Old Madam.

Now it's great.

The three Lan girls will be there too.

Forget it if they take Minglan along.

Why must they insist on taking along that slut's daughter too?

If she tries to reach high,

I will be coughing up blood.

Mother, just treat it as planning Young Sixth Miss' future.

Grandmother had Sixth Miss look at He's son.

If Sixth Sister can find a good husband,

Grandmother will be very happy too.

Since I've had my daughter, I have not been pregnant for years.

Grandmother put aside her pride and found Old Madam He,

and plotted for us to have Sixth Miss come out and manage house.

So the house key was spared from falling into that Mistress Lin's hands.

This is all due to Grandmother treating us well.

So if we plan for Young Sixth Miss more,

It's also considered as repaying Grandmother.

You are always sensible. Get ready to go then.

Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at Viki

T/N In the following song, "Don't You Know, Don't You Know?", Lines 5 to the end are the poem by Li Qingzhao, a famous female poet of the Song Dynasty, the poem is titled "Spring Ends".

♫ One morning, a flower opened and approached a willow tree, beautifully fragrant and mistaking him for her lord ♫

♫ Even if drinking in water in the morning, red clouds have half a day of sunshine, the wind and rain do not affect them completely ♫

♫ In the palace, you are constantly brave and growing thin, from on high, your cold tears of distress flow ♫

♫ Brocade letters delivered to me dismiss me, only suddenly to recall me, not for many years can I see you other than stealthily ♫

♫ Last night, gusty winds and rain during my deep slumber did not spoil the wine's lingering effect ♫

♫ When I asked someone, they rolled the blind up and told me that all the crab-apple trees are as before. ♫

♫ Don't you know, don't you know, there must be flourishing leaves and fallen flowers? ♫

♫ Last night, gusty winds and rain during my deep slumber did not spoil the wine's lingering effect♫

♫ When I asked someone, they rolled the blind up and told me that all the crab-apple trees are as before. ♫

♫ Don't you know, don't you know, there must be flourishing leaves and fallen flowers? ♫

♫ Don't you know, don't you know, there must be flourishing leaves and fallen flowers? ♫