Original subtitles

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

The Story of Ming Lan

Episode 26

Seeing Mother returning unharmed today, I'm finally at ease.

On our way there, it was indeed a bit stormy.

But on our way back, it was really good.

We didn't even see a fly.

We have caused you all to worry.

We still have one joyous piece of news to tell you.

Hualan has given birth! It was a chubby boy!

Look. This is great. Great.

It's all thanks to Mother asking Old Madam He to examine her.

I feel so grateful.

Good. Good.

You all are also old.

We all just want our children to be living a good life.

As long as they are good, our clan will be good.

Yes, what Mother said is right.

Congratulations, Father and Mother.

You finally have a grandchild.

Good child.

Looks like it was quite comfortable in our hometown. Ming'er's complexion is better now.

In the countryside, she only ate and slept.

She has indeed gotten fatter.

Ming'er, I remember that

you've placed your Little Mother's memorial tablet here.

Since we're here, go visit her and light some incense.

- Yes. Father and Mother, just sit here then. - Quickly go.

I'll take my leave.

You little naughty child, why are you randomly bumping into people?

It's fine. It's fine. Let him go.

Sorry.

I once made a promise in front of my Little Mother

that I would read the Lingbao Scripture on being reborn and being saved from sufferings seven times. (T/N probably Wufujing, "The Five Talismans". This is a Daoist movement with other sources like Buddhism and celestrial worship included)

You all go back to your work.

Yes.

I will be coming to the capital soon to discuss something important with you.

We can indeed meet in that place. We have to talk face to face urgently.

Auntie is coming.

After staying outside for several days, you've grown thinner.

I'm fine.

It's just that I didn't find Chang'er, and Rong'er just suffered with me.

Yes, Rongjie has also grown thinner.

Momo.

One person told me

that Rong'er is of noble bloodline.

Following me wandering around and not getting educated properly

will hinder her future life.

After thinking about it,

I've decided to leave Rong'er to be raised by you here in the capital.

Don't worry. I dare not speak about other things much,

but I'm good at raising children.

I surely will adequately take care of her.

Rong'er is also of the right age for school.

Studying is good. It helps people discern right from wrong, good from bad.

In the future, she won't be like me, I got easily fooled by others.

She also won't be like her mother, harboring evil intentions.

Miss Rongjie is your bloodline. Of course, she'll be great.

It's just that... regarding her schooling...

I don't know anything about it.

Don't worry. Tomorrow,

I'll go look for Second Brother Sheng.

A school for girls?

I know a little.

I'll just ask Zhaoyun when I go back home.

Ladies from the House of Hai have private schooling since they were little.

I can send Rong'er there to listen.

Brother Changbai.

I'll hand my daughter's studying to your main wife then.

This afternoon, I'll send someone to deliver three pieces of jewelry to your house

as my wedding gifts.

Okay. Once Zhaoyun and I have discussed and made a decision, I'll inform you.

I'll get going now. I have to handle a lot of matters today.

I got transferred from Hanlin Academy to the Ministry of Rites.

I'm unable to make time.

Wait.

Rong'er! Come over here!

Come.

Rong'er, your Uncle Changbai

found you a private school.

From now on, you can study with

brothers and sisters from other families. Quickly thank your uncle.

Thank you, Uncle.

I offer you my thanks.

Good child.

You can just thank me once you start schooling.

Father, with an uncle like this,

do I still call those people in the main mansion uncles too?

Those uncles from the House of Gu are just for show.

Only this uncle from the House of Sheng is a real uncle.

When will you change your bad habit of speaking rubbish?

When your Third Little Brother sees me, he secretly asks about your whereabouts.

They probably are afraid that I'm still not dead.

Your little brother really misses you.

Moreover, your name is still in your genealogy book.

If this gets out, you would look like the one at fault.

What's there to be afraid of?

Anyway, I don't plan to go back there.

Once you have time, let's have some drinks.

Okay.

Father, I remember!

That Little Aunt we escorted back is Uncle's Little Sister.

That day, I happened to bump into your little sister in Youyang.

Anyway, I was going back to the capital too,

so I protected and escorted her back.

You mustn't tell her this.

It will look like I've done her a favor.

You...

You don't want to tell people the good deeds you've done for them.

But when people falsely accuse you,

you admit it. You... what is to happening to your life?

What's happening ahead?

The carriage of the House of Sheng is in front fetching the women in their house and has blocked our way.

I fear that we won't be able to pass for a while.

Should we wait or...

House of Sheng? Their Old Madam is back in the capital?

Yes, Master Sheng and Madam Sheng personally came to fetch her.

So filial.

This is fate.

Quickly assist me down. Since the Old Madam hasn't left yet, I'll go pay my respects,

and at the same time, look at the Sixth Miss by her side.

Hurry up.

Mother, I'll just go look if the carriages have been prepared.

- Big Madam Wang! Old Madam! - Oh, Madam Wu.

While outside, I'd heard that your carriages were here.

I'm thinking that we're really fated. Look at how we bumped into each other here.

Old Madam, have you been doing well?

With such cold weather, you still came here into the outskirts.

Anyone would get touched by your sincerity.

Isn't it all for the marriage of my sixth child?

All his brother and sisters ahead of him are now married.

Only he is not yet successful or settled until now.

I must pray more

to obtain a gratifying and satisfactory daughter-in-law.

I fear that you might be getting quite cross-eyed!

Marriage is set by the heavens.

Isn't it? Children are our debts.

Big Madam, Old Madam, have you heard the news?

The Young Lord of the House of Duke Qi of the State and Her Highness the Princess

have been fighting for several months already.

Recently, you can't even see a smile

on the Princess' face. So scary.

These past few days, Young Lord hasn't come out of the house either. He's acting up inside their home.

He won't even eat now.

Sanxing preserve us! (T/N the "Three Stars" of Prosperity, Longevity, and Status)

- How come Young Lord is this bold? - Yes.

Why is he unhappy?

The Young Lord is the only child of the Princess.

This... Why is he contradicting her?

How would I know?

But I heard that Her Highness the Princess this time is really very mad.

When she was unable to convince him,

she just had a female servant serving the Young Lord flogged to death,

saying that she seduced the Young Lord!

That's a fragile human life. This...

This is really a sin... a sin!

It sounds quite scary.

Big Madam, just accompany the Countess to chat a little.

I'm already old and can't endure too much exhaustion. I'll take my leave.

Look at me... Really...

After seeing Big Madam and Sixth Miss, I've forgotten everything.

Even holding you all here and chatting for a long time.

Old Madam, take care.

I'll visit you again in a few days.

Okay. Okay. I'll clean up the house to wait for your arrival then.

- Okay. Okay. - Old Madam, take care!

I've said everything that should be said.

If you're smart, you should know

that House of Duke Qi of the State is a mountain of fiery blades.

My Count of Yongchang's Manor

is easier to get into.

What's wrong, Miss?

Did anything... did anything major happen here at home?

Nothing, Sixth Miss.

Now Big Madam is the chief steward and Madam Hai helps her out.

Mistress Lin indeed caused some ruckus, but when it didn't work, she stopped.

Fourth Miss and Fifth Miss are still like before, ignoring each other. But when they get in conflict, they're like black chickens—

I heard that...

I heard that... a female servant got caned to death in the House of Duke Qi of the State. Is that true?

There was indeed such an incident, Sixth Miss.

I heard that she was a newly-bought servant called "Tanyun",

who served in the courtyard of Young Lord.

Then..why?

I heard that she looked a bit like you. During the selection,

Young Lord immediately chose her and had her serve him in his study.

Afterwards, Young Lord refused to eat and only this female servant was able to urge him to.

But I don't know why it angered the Princess, and she got...

Miss.

Those words by the Countess today

were partly because she likes you.

Calculating it, the legitimate child of a count is also quite a high connection to make.

It is much higher than the marriage of your Sister Hualan.

In the second place,

other than your muddled Main Mother not understanding it,

the two of us with minds as clear as a mirror

surely understood who she's saying it to.

Yes, I understood.

What is your opinion then?

Until now, were you still bearing hopes?

No matter how good Qi Heng is,

you shouldn't enter that House of Duke Qi of the State.

You just saw what happened to your Sister Shulan.

If in the future you decide to turn back,

your parents will never offend the Duke and Princess just for you.

Do you want me, with these old bones of mine, to seek justice for you?

Ming'er,

you are smart.

You must know that there are some things

that are doable but mustn't be done.

Fine. Fine.

My many years of teaching

have all been in vain.

Just for a man, your spirit and soul have turned upside down. You've totally forgotten my teachings.

You're not afraid of anything anymore. Since that's the case,

why must I still listen to your words?

I'm slow-witted and stupid.

I'm unable to decide for you.

Grandmother,

I didn't forget. I know that

I shouldn't be and can't be thinking about it.

It's just that...

Ming'er,

have you really decided and won't regret it?

Grandmother.

I dare not wishfully think

how well my future husband will treat me.

I just hope that we can treat each other with respect.

That I can remain honest and preserve myself in this life. That's enough for me.

But now, the Young Lord is willing to fight for me.

He... is a man raised with a golden spoon.

A very privileged person. He has never suffered all his life.

Now... he's contradicting his mother just for me.

He even ended up in a state of not drinking or eating.

If at this time I become afraid and withdraw,

I will be like a traitor.

I...

I will have wronged this affection that he has for me.

Grandmother, I know that the House of Qi is like a tiger's lair, a dragon's den.

The Princess has a strong personality. The Duke is of high noble status, holding great power.

I'm only of humble position and my words carry not much weight. If I marry into their family,

I surely will have to be vigilant day and night.

But just for how Young Lord is treating me,

I'm willing to risk it all! I'm willing, Grandmother!

Grandmother...

Forgive me for being unfilial.

Just punish me.

Ming'er,

you will then have endless hardships from now on.

- Hurry up! Hurry up! - Let's go, Second Brother.

- Let's go now. - It will be hard for our carriage to pass now.

I heard that the Aoshan this year is higher than last year. (T/N "mountain" of lights or giant lantern sculpture)

If we're late, we won't be able to get a closer view. Hurry! Hurry!

Look at her.

Isn't she wearing like that

just so she can meet some lord from a rich and noble family

and fulfill her beautiful dream of going up the social ranks?

Isn't it so?

What's wrong with you?

You're that afraid to make any comments about her?

If we still delay longer, we won't be there in time.

Coming! Coming!

He said that Sixth Miss must be careful and be observant.

- Follow Sister Cu, Elder Bao, and Master Guo. - Sister Cu,

Elder Bao, and Master Guo?

Aren't those ghost puppet characters?

With so many people here wearing ghost-like masks,

which one is his?

Reward this performer.

Pick up the money!

Miss, even if he comes, you two won't be able to talk.

You find it too little?

I wish Miss a wonderful marriage and a lot of blessings.

I think the Aoshan there is not bad. It's higher than in the past.

Let's go take a look.

Keep close to me.

Quickly go! Quickly go!

Sixth Miss' hair has become messy.

I'll go in and comb her. You two just wait here.

Yes.

It's really hard to get a glimpse of you.

What has happened?

Young Master initially refused to take in tea or food.

He kept going against the Duke and Her Highness.

Last night, he wouldn't even drink any water.

Everyone at home has gone to urge him, but he won't listen.

He just locked up his doors and won't let anyone in.

Is it because of that maidservant?

Then...

Sixth Miss, I risked danger to see you just for an assurance from you.

I'll relay it to Young Master so he could have something to look forward to.

It's just been a few days, and he's already thin as bones.

Quickly go! Quickly run! Go home! Go home!

Go home! Go home! Hurry!

Miss, the Patrol Guards are asking people to go home. Don't know what has happened.

Are they after me?

No. People and horses in the streets are all in a complete mess. Don't know what has happened.

Miss, even if I get beaten to death, I won't leak a word.

Go back and tell Young Lord

that if he doesn't disappoint me, I won't be disloyal to him.

- Yes. - All of you, go home!

A curfew is set!

- Sixth Miss, this way please. - It's curfew time!

Don't stay here anymore. Leave.

Disperse! Go home!

Curfew! Quickly go home!

You hear us?! Quickly go home!

It's curfew time! Go!

Disperse! Go home!

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

Move aside! Move aside!

Close the main gates.

Yes.

The government received a memorial saying that the rebel self-proclaimed himself as "Emperor Zhaode"

and has already conquered the provinces and counties of Gui and Xun.

He's leading his army east, hence, we're now facing an urgent military crisis.

They were afraid that there are rebel spies that have infiltrated into the capital,

so they shut down the Lantern Festival and dispersed everyone.

Starting today, morning court meetings are resumed and no officials will be allowed leave.

Those rebels...

I remember how they caused trouble in our hometown of Youyang earlier this year.

I initially thought that it was just some minor ruckus.

Never thought that it would escalate to major battles.

The government now has problems internally and externally. This is so worrisome.

I've already strictly given orders to our house that if there are no emergent need, it's better to stay indoors.

Does Mother think that I didn't handle it appropriately?

No, you handled it adequately.

I'm thinking that the government has been fighting on the northern border ever since.

However, the Spring Lantern Festival has gone on

and was never stopped. These rebels are not good at fighting,

and are so far from here.

Why is the government this panicky

and had to shut down the Spring Lantern Festival?

What Mother said is very reasonable.

But if it wasn't the rebels, what else could it be?

His Majesty was well a few days ago. The palace also didn't shut its gates.

There...

has not been any major chaos that has happened.

You said earlier that the Patrol Guards were searching and dispersing people in the streets?

Yes. I initially thought that it was to prevent spies from hiding inside the city.

If it wasn't to capture spies,

I feel that they were trying to capture a specific person.

Stopping the Spring Lantern Festival. Sealing off the streets to capture someone. That has never happened before.

Your Main Wife visited her brother's in-laws.

Maybe... she'll bring us some news back?

Slow down, slow down!

Quickly get some ice to abate the pain.

I'm fine. I'm fine!

If I say it, you all might not believe it!

Last night, the little sister of Imperial Consort Rong also went to observe the lanterns.

While traveling there, some criminal just appeared and kidnapped her!

The little sister of Imperial Consort Rong... Rong Feiyan?

Who else?

Imperial Consort Rong's legitimate sister?

How noble is that?

Right here in our Biancheng?

She just got abducted during the Spring Lantern Parade?

Could it be that your brother's in-laws are spouting rubbish?

Minister, if you're unable to find out anything,

don't belittle the connections of our Wang relatives here in the capital.

You can't be an official.

I just said a few words to spice up the discussion

and you just had to make a personal attack!

Fine. Fine.

I just wish that you would tell it quickly. We all are getting anxious.

They say this Second Miss of the House of Rong is so unlucky.

That street is so crowded that even water can't seep through.

She just had to get down from her carriage and look at that huge Aoshan.

There were so many servants surrounding her,

but in an instant, she was just gone!

Could she have bumped into

or seen some nasty things?

Right under the feet of the Emperor, during the grand Spring Lantern Festival, (T/N in the capital)

a noble daughter disappeared?

It will be chaos soon.

Our family must always be careful.

Big Madam, the ice.

Move aside!

Someone fell down.

Move aside. Move back. Move back. Don't move forward.

Move back. I'm talking to you!

Move back. Move back.

Isn't this the lady from the House of Rong?

[ Sheng Manor ]

"Anti-extravagance"...

What's so extravagant about the Spring Lantern Festival that they had to stop it?

With the rebels in the south,

there are now people bold enough to kidnap noble daughters.

The streets lately aren't that safe.

Why must they remove the lanterns and the Aoshan?

A good Spring Lantern Festival just got destroyed by that Rong Feiyan.

Stop saying nonsense. This incident was quite scary.

That House of Rong were originally tile craftsmen.

Rong Feiyan has always been arrogant and overbearing because of her relationship with Imperial Consort Rong.

During every cultural gathering, she would look down on people.

She even keeps attaching herself to Brother Yuanruo.

Shut up.

Let me tell you this, she probably won't survive this time.

You mustn't spout such nonsense outside and just keep it to yourself!

Second Young Miss is gone! Second Young Miss is gone!

Quickly open the doors!

Is there anyone inside?

[ Fair and Just ]

Open the doors!

How is it? Is it more peaceful outside?

The streets aren't chaotic anymore.

Businesses have started opening up and there are a lot of people now outside.

But most of them are still patrol guards.

It's been so long,

but the people who harmed Second Young Miss Rong haven't been caught.

They are bandits. How can they easily be caught?

Why not?

Here in the capital, each household has security.

Those foreigners also have guides and escorts.

Every person and animal in each household are registered in the census.

How come they couldn't catch them?

Even if it's a cat, they surely should have caught it by now.

I even heard that

Royal Uncle Rong Chang cried and caused a ruckus in Wende Palace Hall.

Imperial Consort Rong has fainted from crying in the inner palace three times.

Her Highness the Empress has convinced His Majesty and the Imperial Palace Guard has been sent out to help.

When I passed by the local magistrate's office,

the Rong Family are blocking its gates and won't leave.

I heard that the local governor hasn't shown himself for several days already.

With it being so chaotic outside,

have you seen Buwei?

I've circled around outside for a long time.

Not only Buwei, but I didn't even see any swallows.

Miss, starting tomorrow, I'll go around to the House of Duke Qi of the State.

Buwei will surely come out one day, right? I'll be able to wait for him.

If he wants to, he will be able to pass the message out.

It's we who should be careful to keep our composure

and not let others capture any weakness.

Yes.

Since I'm unable to see the Young Lord,

I'll go to Yuqing Monastery to see my auntie instead first.

With it being so chaotic outside,

I fear that Master and Big Madam won't allow you to go out.

You're going out?

It's currently dangerous outside.

Your father repeatedly instructed that the women must stay at home,

but you just have to give me problems.

Earlier this year, Father had promised me about this.

Just because I was too busy, it got delayed.

Last night, I had a dream

about Little Mother. She blamed me for breaking my promise.

Since the Spring Lantern Festival has passed, I came here to especially get your permission.

Since the Minister is the one who promised you this, you should go beg him.

Even though I'm the Big Madam, I dare not casually decide for him.

When Father went to greet Grandmother this morning, I've already told him about it.

Father asked me to seek your permission.

He said that internal house matters, the sending out of servants and carriages,

are all still under your jurisdiction.

That's right too.

Now the Minister will ask me about everything first before making decisions.

Go then.

Prepare everything today and set out by dawn tomorrow.

You must be back before sunset. Don't get delayed.

Thank you, Big Madam.

You two stay here and guard.

Auntie must be encountering problems at home, and is embarrassed to ask my help.

I'll go chat with her for a while.

Good child, you're finally here.

Upon entering the capital, a big criminal case occurred.

I was afraid that a rich daughter like you won't be able to come out of the house.

Auntie, what is it? Why are you in a hurry?

I've brought someone.

It's Xiaodie.

Sister Xiaodie?

Miss.

Miss. You're already this big.

- Sister Xiaodie. - Did that lazy Xiaotao take care of you well?

She took care of me well. She's just outside.

Quickly sit down.

You are so pretty.

Oh, right. For so many years, I've thought of

returning this to you.

This is Little Miss' only dowry left.

From now on, it will accompany you when you get married.

You didn't use this? Then...

How did you survive?

In peaceful times, how can you not find a way to survive?

Here, let me place it on your hand.

I know that you didn't steal those items.

You were framed.

My matters are in the past.

What's important is Mistress Wei.

We've thought about it. Other than Mistress Lin,

there can't be anyone else.

I've also brought a doctor with me.

Wait here. I'll go get him.

You have found him?

It's Doctor Zhang who treated our Mistress Wei before.

I just returned from picking herbs on the countryside. I haven't even entered the city gates

when you two dragged me to travel several miles here to Biancheng.

There's still a pile of sick people waiting for me at home.

Don't be mad. Please calm down.

Sit. Please sit down.

Quickly ask your questions.

Doctor, do you still remember what happened that day?

Only a ghost will remember things that long ago.

I have several tens of thousands of patients. If I can remember everything about all of them, can I still live?

I apologize, Doctor. My auntie was just too concerned.

Hope Doctor Zhang can recall that incident when you examined my Little Mother,

so as to resolve this knot in my heart that has been here for many years.

I'm also not venting my anger on you.

It's just that I've repeatedly explained to your relative

that this matter has happened so long ago. I really can't remember it anymore!

I can't just bluff to you, right? It will just delay things.

But she won't believe me and insisted on dragging me here!

You must recall it.

If it has nothing to do with you, there won't be anyone else going outside your house to monitor you.

I really can't remember anymore!

I can't just make up things, right?

I remember that when you examined my mother,

there was a noble young lord that had fallen into the water in Yangzhou.

There were soldiers everywhere in our house. The whole city of Yangzhou was also focused on searching for him.

Hurry up! Hurry up!

Doctor.

Doctor, no need to worry.

Just make sure to examine Mistress Lin properly.

I remember. I remember.

Your house was quite unique.

It was the Mistress Lin that was stewarding the house, and not the Big Madam.

That's right. That was my house.

When your house invited me,

I was even very happy,

because I would have a long-term working relationship with an official from now on.

But when I arrived at your home that day, there were soldiers everywhere.

I was so scared.

I was thinking then that if I got invited again,

what excuses could I come up with to refuse it?

But afterwards, no one asked for me again.

Yes. What happened that day? Do you still remember?

I... first, I...

went to examine Mistress Lin.

Afterwards, I went to examine...

that one after her was pregnant!

She seemed to be giving birth soon.

Right. Right. What happened that day?

After examining the pregnant woman, I went back to talk with the Mistress Lin.

I told her that the pregnant woman's child is a bit too big, but it's not a big problem.

She just had to watch the pregnant woman to not overly-nourish herself,

eat lighter-flavored meals and walk more often, she surely would safely give birth.

Eating this for breakfast is too wasteful.

Mistress, you've suffered a shock. You should rest peacefully and not walk around!

Alarming the snake... never thought that the snake was like that.

So... what really is going on?

That Little Mother died from hemorrhaging during childbirth.

She died with the child in her womb.

What! That's impossible!

As long as she eats less and moves more, that child should have been delivered safely!

What if someone kept stuffing her with very nutritious and delicious food,

and even asked her to rest more?

Isn't that asking for trouble?

She surely will have a large fetus that's going to make her labor difficult!

Do you dare to swear by the heavens that you haven't spoken any lies?

I swear by the heavens that I didn't tell any lies.

That Minglan went out again today.

She said that she went to Yuqing Monastery for some Buddhist ritual.

How can there be so many religious rituals? She must be up to something.

Mistress, don't worry. My man has been in Yangzhou guarding them.

That Doctor Zhang who once examined Mistress Wei

never showed up.

Without any evidence, what trouble can they create?

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? ♫