Original subtitles

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

The Story of Ming Lan

Episode 21

[ Funeral Procession for Marquis of Ningyuan ]

[ Funeral Procession for Marquis of Ningyuan (T/N Gu Tingye would normally be part of the procession) ]

[ "The wind and rain come in their time" ]

[ The wind and rain come in their time ]

Why don't you just stay in the capital and wait? There are "missing person" notices posted everywhere.

If anyone finds them you'll be informed,

wouldn't that be better?

No use.

I've searched inside and outside of the capital several times.

This woman is very cunning.

Posting missing person notices hasn't been sufficient to capture her. She probably has changed her appearance.

I'll personally look for her. Maybe I'll be able to recognize her better.

Chang is a good child. I don't want him to be dragged down by family matters

and living days of having no father.

Even to the ends of the earth, I'll find him.

But with a vast sea of people, where will you look for them?

Shitou was originally from the Canal Gang. (T/N Their main business is water transport logistics)

His brother-in-law is now a leader in the Canal Gang.

They might have faster and more abundant news than the government.

Moreover, my reputation in the capital is already so bad.

Going out to see another land is good too.

In two months, I'm going to get married.

Why don't you you attend my wedding first before leaving?

I won't attend.

I won't attend your wedding anymore.

I might just transfer my misfortunes to you.

When that day comes, what if I affect your wedding? I-It would be a great sin.

You know that I never have such thoughts!

Changbai,

you're closer to me than my real brothers.

I don't want to take risks with your matter.

Okay. Let's stop talking about that.

The roads of jianghu are long. Always be careful. Come back soon. (T/N aka "Wulin", world of pugilists)

Looks like I won't be able to celebrate my birthday today.

With such a huge event happening in the House of Gu,

they are related with our ancestors after all.

It's better to not make any disturbance.

That's right.

Good thing it's not a major birthday. (T/N ages ending in zero, these are expected to be greatly celebrated)

Once it's your next major birthday, I surely will organize a grand celebration.

We'll light fireworks and hang colorful lamps.

I keep feeling that this painting doesn't look like Mother.

Come over and look. Can you identify it as Mother?

Look at that lotus-flower crown. Other than Her Highness, who else has such a lotus-flower crown?

Okay then. Quickly deliver this painting then.

What's going on?

Isn't it time for dinner?

The kitchen indeed said that you can have your meal.

I'll tell the servant to rush it.

No need!

Father, Mother.

Buwei, tell them that we're all here.

- Tell Chef Shen to move his wok and serve the dishes! - Yes.

Mother, today is your birthday. Please sit down.

Father.

What mischief have you set up for us now?

I realized that Mother's birthday this year can't be celebrated in a grand manner,

but it also can't be allowed to pass just like that.

I especially went to Fan House and invited their main chef

to cook a set of dishes for Mother. Let's eat some new dishes.

It's enough that you're this filial.

No need to invite the chef from Fan House.

- Our Cook Song can also make a good soup. - Indeed.

Mother, you don't know.

The person I hired is Head Chef Shen.

Their restaurant today tried out a new cooking style.

It's not boiling nor frying.

It's in between the two, and they called it "stir-fry".

It's best to eat them right after cooking.

How does it taste?

I've also heard about it, but I've never tasted it.

It's really fresh. You really are full of ideas.

Thanks to you, I enjoyed this fortune.

I still have a lot of ideas.

As they say, "burning incense and drinking tea, hanging paintings and arranging flowers".

These four idle crafts won't tire you easily.

I personally made a painting.

If you want to praise me, think of the words now.

Later, slowly praise me with them.

Buwei!

Hang the lanterns!

Wife, look.

Wife, this is you.

Today I feel like raising you was not in vain.

In the past, I always saw you as a child.

Today, seeing how you already know to dote on your father and I,

you have now grown up.

You must study well.

Get into the rankings. Let everyone in the capital see

that the child of our ducal house is a real conqueror of the civil examination.

I get it, Mother.

Yes. After passing the civil examination

and then getting married,

we then can enjoy our blessings at ease.

People will tell one to marry and start a career,

but would also say that to govern the country, one must first learn to govern yourself, then govern your family.

Based on that, one should first have a family

before joining the Imperial court.

What do you mean?

I...

I have someone I like.

I want to ask Father and Mother to seek her hand in marriage.

You... how could you have someone?

What do you mean, someone?

Did you... do something wrong?

No! Of course not!

I respect and love her. I haven't even touched her hair!

Since it's to propose marriage, then she surely isn't from our house.

But every day, you're either just in school or at home.

Who could you have liked?

Mother, don't worry.

She surely is a good lady. A woman from a house of scholars.

Although her family's status is a bit far from ours,

they are still officials for generations.

Mother, just agree with my request first.

You like the Sixth Miss of the House of Sheng.

Just for her,

you fought against that prodigal son of the House of Gu during a jiju game.

This news has spread all over the capital.

I initially thought that since you were focused on studying before,

having a moment of being competitive and showing off for a man

is just normal. I didn't say anything.

You pretended to be well-behaved for two days,

even cooked and hung lanterns.

So... you're not really being filial.

I even cried a few tears.

You really did fool me!

In providing Mother a birthday feast, I was most sincere!

Mother, I'm just begging you to propose marriage.

If I'm able to marry her, I surely will enter the ranks in the next civil examination.

You're willing to marry

an illegitimate daughter of a fifth-rank official as your main wife. (T/N concubine's daughter)

But your father and I still can't afford to lose this face.

Mother, since I was little,

I would do everything that you asked.

This time, I beg you to follow what I want.

In the next spring exam, I surely will enter the top ranks.

I'll strive to obtain a splendid honor

for Mother and the House of Duke Qi of the State.

When you were little, you never made us worry.

Comparing it to that rebellious son of the adjacent House of Gu, we were already contented.

But now, the house statuses are not compatible.

How about this? Since you really like her,

let's take her in and make her a high-ranking concubine.

No. Absolutely not!

Your father has already smilingly yielded a huge step.

You still dare to refuse him?

Mother, she...

How could she be a concubine?

The concubine of the legitimate son of Duke Qi of the State.

Does that Miss Sheng of yours

have eyes in her forehead, (T/N to look down on something from a greater height..)

that she still look down on it?

Mother, their Sheng family is also made up of officials for generations.

Her grandfather was a Tanhualang. (T/N placed third overall in the civil exam)

His father is like a clean stream in the Imperial court. He has a lofty reputation.

Don't even talk about their eldest legitimate son. He ranked in the civil exam on first try.

Even though she's an illegitimate daughter,

she was raised by her grandmother.

Her grandmother is the only daughter of Marquis of Yongyi.

Our families can be said to be compatible.

Mother, I beg you.

I only want her.

Yuanruo, are you silly?

Father, help me convince Mother.

If I'm able to marry her, I won't take in another one.

I surely will be diligent in studying, only focusing on my career and bringing honor to our house.

A few days ago, I received an invitation.

It's about the marriage between the eldest son of the House of Sheng with the Hai Family.

Yes. It's the Hai Family.

The House of Hai had five Hanlin Scholars. (T/N members of the previously-noted Imperial Academy)

They agreed to have a marriage alliance with the Sheng family,

because they could see the infinite future prospects of the Sheng family.

Then at that time, we'll go to the wedding together

and give them our congratulations and blessings.

Mother, then... you're agreeing?

Thank you, Mother. Thank you, Mother.

Miss Xiaotao, getting some mail?

It's been so long since we saw each other. What a coincidence to bump into you.

What coincidence? I especially waited for you.

Quickly go back and tell your Sixth Miss that there will be a great celebratory event soon.

Great celebratory event?

[ Mucang Pagoda ]

Miss.

Miss. Letter from your Aunt Wei.

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

Miss, when I went to the Urgent Delivery Shop earlier to claim your aunt's letter,

I saw Buwei, the attendant who serves the Young Lord.

The Young Lord asked him to relay a message that he has discussed things with his family.

In a few days, it will be the wedding of Young Lord Changbai.

The Princess and Duke of Qi will be coming over to attend it.

At that time, they will propose marriage to your family and ask your hand in marriage.

Miss! Why are you not entering when you're here already?

Nanny Fang, I'm alright.

Nanny Fang! I want to chat with Grandmother.

Nanny Cui! Danju!

These next few days, you must guard Mucang Pagoda well.

The words that should be said must be said.

The people that shouldn't go out mustn't be allowed to leave.

Yes.

- Xiaotao! - Here!

Were there any people around when you were talking with your Miss today?

I know the importance of this matter.

Only once there was no one else in the room

and the doors were closed, did I go in front of Miss and tell her in a very low voice.

Good child. Keep all those words in your stomach. (T/N keep them hidden, to yourself)

You mustn't say one more word about it forever.

I understand.

You are a servant by your Miss' side. You grew up with her and are one of her most capable servants.

If you ever leak any word and destroy the reputation of your Miss,

I will cane you to death!

I-I would never say a word, even if I die!

Go now.

How are things in the house?

Everything's quite good.

A few days ago, some problems came up in the House of Marquis of Ningyuan.

I think Big Madam is more anxious about the marriage of Brother Changbai.

I'm guessing that she won't be able to take it, and will come here in a few days.

You're able to handle all these matters very well,

but how come when it's your matter—

I already rejected him in front of my Little Mother's memorial tablet.

You rejected him?

Was it because you were annoyed at him

or some other reason?

In doing anything,

you must know very well first what you want.

As a woman, even more so that we should think about it well.

Don't get fooled by those books written by pedantic scholars.

Don't also get deceived by a moment of passion!

Since I had already rejected him, I didn't think of any consequences.

But who knew... that he would ask it of Her Highness the Princess?

Then... it means that he indeed loves me.

Our family is not of high status as theirs is.

Although men will usually marry someone lower, while women would get married off to someone higher,

the difference between your father and Duke Qi of the State is really too huge.

The Young Lord may be able to protect you, but he's still a man in the front courtyard.

He has to go out of the house and attend the court meetings. Welcome guests in his house when he returns.

How long can he take care of you?

In the inner courtyard, it's the Princess who has the final say.

The whole capital knows about her temper.

I've thought about all that.

Have you thought about the ending?

I'm just happy, but I don't know what the ending will be.

Revolting against the government is a crime punishable by extermination of the whole family!

For attempting to assassinate a royal prince, your whole clan will be annihilated!

Attack!

Fall back!

Hurry!

Hurry! Hurry! After them!

After him!

After them!

Hurry! Hurry and chase them!

Hurry!

All of you! Quickly put down your weapons!

We'll then confer on your wives and sons meritorious titles!

By bringing the heads of a Zhao family father and son to that virtuous old Emperor Zhao,

- our wives and children will also get conferred with titles anyway! - How dare you!

Kill!

He's over there.

Warrior, you saved the lives of my father and I of the Zhao family.

I, Zhao Ceying, am extremely grateful.

I really don't know how can I repay you for saving our lives.

No need to be so courteous.

At such a young age, you are already this highly-skilled in martial arts. May I ask for your name?

My name is Bai Ye.

This is the list of dowry items that that the Hai Family sent earlier.

Miss, please take a look.

This is the private list of Second Sister-in-law. (T/N Eldest Young Master is Second Son Changbai, thus 2nd SIL)

It should be Mother looking at it.

I won't look at it anymore.

Big Madam especially asked me to deliver it to you so you can look at it.

She said that you're now the steward of the house.

Even if it's private valuables, you have to see them.

Mother is praising me too much. I'm not that important.

Okay.

Let's treat it as though I've read it.

Once Second Sister-in-law enters our house,

as her younger sister-in-law, I can't exceed my boundary any further.

This was separately delivered by the Hai Family. They said it's called, "Lifelike Flower Imitations".

It's not worth that much. Each lady in the house gets one.

Just something novel to have. You can use it or reward it.

Just a small token from the House of Hai.

So pretty. It looks so real.

Second Sister-in-law hasn't been married into our house yet and she's already doting on us younger siblings.

Nanny Liu, you're not busy, right?

Have some tea before leaving.

I just received some xiaolongtuan tea yesterday. (T/N xiaolong is "snake", a prized Tang and Song era tea)

This is a Lifelike Imitation Flower sent by the Eldest Miss of the House of Hai.

We saved you the best one.

Sister Yinxing, let me put it on you.

Why are you crying? You're totally bringing embarrassment to Big Madam!

On such a joyous occasion, you're bringing in bad luck!

M-My crying is none of your business. I'm not really provoking you.

We're serving in the courtyard of Sixth Miss and talking about the marriage of Eldest Young Master.

You instead are bringing bad luck to the family of the Master.

If you want to cry, go cry in the garden! Don't wail like you're at a funeral here.

You have your mother, Nanny Liu, covering for you. You are so bossy wherever you go.

Ask the people here if anybody gives you any importance!

If they don't give me any importance, do they give you any?

Whenever the Second Brother comes here, you have to approach him and talk.

Do you have the right to do so?

What nonsense are you saying!

You are out there trying to seduce the Second Brother (Eldest Young Master Changbai) or even Third Brother (Changfeng)!

Why don't you look at yourself first?

What does this got to do with our Third Brother?

If you want to scold this cheap bitch, just scold her. Don't involve our Third Brother!

Even if she's lowly, she's still doing her tasks as a maidservant in an earnest manner.

Unlike you two, losing your chastity but not getting taken in as concubines...

Anxiously getting sent to this courtyard and even talking back to Miss!

Bitch, what did you say! See if I don't tear your mouth today!

Stop fighting! Stop fighting!

Stop fighting!

This is so preposterous!

Miss, you should hurry and handle them.

Right, they must be punished.

I think...

Just punish them to lose half a month's salary.

Sixth Miss, you're too kind.

But we heard in our courtyard

that Ke'er woman

had her hands all over Third Brother while they were walking out in the streets!

A steward doesn't only manage money and grains.

What's most important is the house's atmosphere and reputation.

Nanny Liu, look at what you're saying.

Ke'er was originally from Third Brother's house.

Third Brother bore the separation from his love and gave her to me.

Now that she's here, I should dote on her.

If I punish her just because of a measly matter,

if Third Older Brother finds out,

he will blame me and I will like an ingrate.

This... how is this a measly matter?

They were already brawling inside your courtyard!

Moreover, not only Ke'er,

but when Second Brother comes, that Yinxing will also frequently talk with him.

They were just missing their old masters. It's just normal.

After hearing those words from Sixth Miss,

I knew immediately that she's a weakling who won't dare to fight.

First, I went to hit my Jiu'er, and then started scolding Yinxing.

I told her to behave

and stop having wild imaginations about our Second Brother. (T/N Eldest Young Master Changbai)

Who knew... that servant would tell me,

"Nanny, stop worrying too much.

I'm currently working under Sixth Miss.

When Miss hasn't said anything, why are you meddling?"

Big Madam, Eldest Miss Hai will be married into our house soon.

The House of Gu was turned upside down just because of a woman.

If the same act happens to our Sheng family too, it will not be—

Nobody should dare hinder my Changbai's path.

Handle them all.

All?

We mustn't leave our people there,

but even more so, we must cut off the spies of that bitch in the adjacent house.

You all have acted inappropriately.

You even showed it to a guest like Nanny Liu.

Today, I have no choice but to punish you all.

Those that got involved in the fight

would have no salary for half a month.

M-Mother. Mother, you've come.

Since you're so kind and lenient, I'll be the bad person.

Mother, don't worry.

I've already punished them earlier.

From now on, they all will surely work hard.

You... are still too young.

Although you're now handling the whole house,

and there are indeed books to show the ins and outs of silver,

you are clueless in the art of governing your subordinates.

It's also my fault for not clearly teaching you.

Today, I'll help you handle this matter. Stay on the side and watch.

Take it as a lesson from me.

Mother.

Mother if you're like this... there are also servants here that are from the courtyard of Third Older Brother.

You think I'm afraid of him?

Jiu'er, serve tea.

Yes.

I heard that you've been quite bossy around here.

Sixth Miss didn't punish you because she's benevolent.

But you, that's just great. You became even haughtier and a show-off.

Big Madam, please forgive me!

I was earnestly thinking of Miss' sake, and thus was a bit of a nag.

Since you love to nag, return to my courtyard to nag at me then.

I...

Quickly leave.

Which one is Ke'er?

I'm here.

You indeed are delicately pretty and pitiable.

I heard that you recite and write poems every day, arrange flowers and make teas.

You act like you're not here to attend to someone, but to be a daughter of the house yourself.

I also fulfilled my tasks.

I only do those things when I'm at leisure.

Lowly slave! You dare answer back to Big Madam!

Where did you learn the rules?

If you dare say one more word, I'll hit your mouth until it rots!

It's fine if you want to recite and make poems.

Let's treat it as you trying to pose as a culture lover!

But you just have to flatter and touch the Second Young Master of this house. (T/N Third Son Changfeng)

If you miss your original master, why did you bother coming here?

Servants! Push her down and cane her!

Big Madam, it is Third Brother who usually pulls me aside for chats!

It's not my fault, Big Madam!

Big Madam, it is Third Brother who usually pulls me aside for chats!

It's not my fault, Big Madam!

Don't move.

Just try moving!

Yinxing.

Why are you kneeling that far away?

Come here in front of me.

Are you and Ke'er close?

Not really.

I think you two must be treating each other like real sisters.. (T/N as if they were married to the two brothers)

otherwise, why are your actions are so similar?

No! No such thing!

Really?

Then go kneel over there and look at her.

Go and count the strokes of the cane she's getting.

Go on!

Hit her!

One. Two. Three.

Four. Five. Six.

Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten.

She has fainted...

Big Madam, she has fainted.

Okay then. Send for a doctor.

Send her back to Linqi Pavilion and hand her over to Third Brother.

Yes.

Yinxing.

- Big Madam, I-- - I heard that you still miss the people in my courtyard.

Since that's the case, come back with me then.

Big Madam, please spare my life!

Sixth Miss, save me!

- Mother, why not— - You were unable to manage this matter well

and caused your courtyard to be so messed up.

I'm helping you handle it,

so stop being a good person and destroying my approach.

I heard that you've broken four or five tea cups. (T/N the antiques Big Madam coveted)

You've also broken items from our hometown in Youyang.

You are so bold!

In the whole capital, who can bear to support such a maid like you?

Nanny Liu, take her contract and find a slave dealer to dispose of her.

Yes.

Grandmother, let me choose a fragrance for you.

Put it down.

Hence, everything was deliberate.

You deliberately tolerated those servants they sent.

Indulged them into having exaggerated opinions about their capabilities.

One by one, either they disturbed Changbai,

or seduced Changfeng? Otherwise...

they bossed around your household, and kept breaking your dishes and bowls.

Yes.

You clearly know that person in Linqi Pavilion doesn't like Ke'er.

That's why she placed her in your house.

I know. That Ke'er has a gentle and weak temperament.

She only knows to how rely on Third Brother.

Hence, whenever Third Brother came, I would let Ke'er wait for me on the path that he surely would take.

How did you come up with this idea?

I was thinking that if Big Madam

learns that she can have a chance to put her back with her old master and disgust Mistress Lin,

she surely won't let the chance go.

You calculated this move very precisely.

It was also you who indulged those few others?

Yes. You don't know this,

but that Mei'er kept scanning through my things.

Whatever she finds, she reports it to Mistress Lin.

Big Madam has long wanted that item that Teacher Da Yuchuan

from Youyang sent me.

I know that once it breaks, Jiu'er will immediately go back to tell it to her.

That Jiu'er is actually not much of a problem.

It's that Yinxing that's a bit hard to handle.

She's after all a spy from Big Madam.

The good thing is, she has special feelings for Second Brother.

Nanny Liu actually scolded her about this matter before.

I even stopped Nanny Liu from doing it.

Who knew that Yinxing would become so unruly because of my tolerance.

She kept chasing after Second Brother to personally attend to him.

Second Brother is Big Madam's favorite child.

I...

I...

You said that you were wrong?

How were you wrong? Tell me.

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? ♫