Original subtitles

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

The Story of Ming Lan

Episode 68

Your Highness, you didn't know.

When I gave birth to her, it was a difficult delivery.

I was in labor pain for three days before I gave life to her.

Now, Marquis Gu just killed her with one stab of his sword.

I will never be able to see her again.

Your Highness, I'm a person who's lived more than half of my life already.

I hate myself for not being able to die on her behalf.

I'm someone who's not fated to have any children. You are better than me.

Three of my children didn't survive. You are fortunate to still have two

They all said that our children is our debts from the past life—

As Buddha said, because we asks, hence, we suffer.

The child is dead. We are still alive.

You... when you were just a maiden, you are already a very narrow-minded person.

Enough, get up now.

Let the two lonely old women like us sit and chat.

Please get up. Take your time.

Old Madam, you are tired.

Try the peach flower wine that Empress Dowager personally made.

Eunuch, have to trouble you then.

Lord Wang, why are you still kneeling?

Get up now.

Thank you, Empress Dowager.

Look at how lucky you are.

You still have a son. I don't have any single child anymore.

You are better than me. You have your own biological son. You have good luck.

My son is of lowly rank and with poor qualities. How can he be compared with His Majesty?

His Majesty is the son of heaven and is mandated by heavenly fate.

Look at you. Why are you kneeling again?

The two of us have lived through several emperors.

We're just idly chatting here.

We're old. Isn't it just matters about our children?

From the palace to the common folks, no matter how you talk about it, it's just the same things.

Get up now.

Yes.

You just mentioned that Marquis who killed your daughter. I watched him grow up too.

For humans, it's better to be talented and smart. It's just that they are too young.

They lack maturity and prudence.

I even heard that when His Majesty asked him for an audience earlier,

he even defied it and stayed home to look after his child.

He... how could he be so bold?

I've cut it too much.

Empress Dowager is also out of ideas. When the wick of a lamp is too long, it should be cut.

If you cut it, it can then burn longer.

Escort the guests out.

Lord Wang, please.

Mother, about this...

Get two bowls of noodles.

Give me two bowls of noodles.

Alright.

Old wife, cook the noodles.

When you encounter major events, you must be calm.

Eating few when there are a lot of problems isn't a sign of long life.

Eat. Let's talk once we are done.

Mother, Her Highness...

Look at this oil lamp.

You father has died more than 10 years. When the person has left, the tea grows cold.

Our House of Wang is like this lamp, we're about to get extinguished.

Mother, what are you talking about?

Although I'm not successful, that I've diminished a lot of father's prestige,

the political arena is a complex and unpredictable place. I still have some dignity.

Look at this oil lamp again. We currently can still be considered to be at the bright side.

But what's beyond this small lighted area?

If your father is still alive, no matter how grave your little sister's crime was,

would those Gu and Sheng people dare to give us a stern face?

I am not just defending your little sister.

I still need to protect the dignity of the Wang family.

Mother, this is...

My father risked his life fighting for a career from a remote province.

The House of Wang didn't have it easy.

Now, we have a few assets and a respectable official status.

Why must you still pull the chestnut out of the fire? (risking danger to achieve something, but ending up doing it for others)

If a parent loves his child, he should plan for his future.

Your father and I started from a deserted region and struggled to give you all a bright place.

Hence, even if you're not a talented child,

you're able to stay in the political arena until today.

But what have you strove for your own child?

This...

The vast achievements of a lord will be exhausted after several generations.

Now, you're the master of the House of Wang.

It's such an important matter. Think carefully about this.

Be resolute.

Now matter what you choose, as your mother, I will follow it.

[ Sun Great Buns ]

The throne of the current emperor was given by the past emperor.

One must first be the son of the emperor before he can inherit the throne.

But His Majesty listened to the words of fawning subjects like Gu Tingye

training soldiers and horses, preparing for war.

Disobeying the initial intention of the past emperor. He also broke faith and abandoned the right.

He wanted to call both Prince Shu and the past emperor as fathers.

How can there be a son having two fathers in this world?

The emperor is magnanimous, but fawning and evil subjects are holding him up.

It's hard for him to fully practice it.

[ Duke Qi of the State Manor ]

The Marquis barged into your study. He said that he will wait for you there.

Did he say why he's here?

No, but he looks unhappy.

He probably is here for trouble.

- Yuanruo. - If you came here to scold me, I have only this to say.

I brought men to put out the fire. I didn't had any other intentions.

I took the initiative to do this. We are relatives. I can't just watch and do nothing.

What are you laughing at?

I'm not here for a punitive expedition.

Yuanruo, why must you pull your sword and ready your bow like this?

Then, you are...

What is this for?

Last night, you didn't mind the danger and extended your help.

On behalf of my family, I thank you.

This...

I didn't help much too. Come.

Before I returned, I was very perturbed.

What if I didn't rush there on time, I fear the mother and child wouldn't have survived.

Afterwards, I heard from my servants

that the Young Lord Qi of the ducal house brought men to help in putting out the fire.

Yuanruo, only then was I relieved.

I took the initiative. It's good that you don't blame me.

Why would I blame you?

You are a genuine gentleman. I'm eternally grateful.

It's just measly help. Not worthy to be mentioned.

About this...

whatever happened in the past,

it's already in the past.

It was a misunderstanding. I was at fault too.

Now that we've said things out in the open, everything is now transparent.

Yuanruo, you are a smart person.

You surely will have a bright future ahead.

Second Uncle.

You are right.

There are still a lot of things at home that must be fixed and managed.

I'm taking my leave first.

Next time, I'll bring my wife and child together to visit you with some gifts.

- No need to be so courteous. - I'll take my leave.

The imperial decree of Empress Dowager was personally stamped by her.

Yuanruo, you have a kind temperament.

Don't be too stubborn when it comes to official matters, for you might hurt yourself.

What are you doing here?

I heard that Gu Tingye barged in here.

I... I was afraid that he would harm you.

Marquis Gu is skilled in fighting.

You are holding this short sword to kill him?

Aren't you afraid that you would hurt yourself? Give it to me.

Even if he's the reincarnation of a heavenly deity, I won't let him hurt you.

I know.

Thank you.

Now that it has come to this, there is something I need to confess to you.

The Big Madam of the Marquis family was the first person I wanted to marry.

There's no need to mention the past

but...

I would like to hear.

Forget it.

I don't want to listen. It's better not to talk about it.

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

Master, someone from Bianjing asked to see you. The surname is Gu.

Gu? Say that I'm not here. Tell them to leave now.

Master Bai, no need to be afraid. We've seen each other before in the capital's Yuqing Monastery.

Aren't you the main madam of the marquis manor?

I'm not.

You're not? But that day, in Yuqing Monastery—

That time, our family didn't know your intentions.

Naturally, we needed to be careful.

It's enough to just send a servant like me to disguise as the Grand Madam.

But... but...

You will naturally understand everything

once you go to the capital with me to see the Grand Madam.

Go to the capital? The last time I went there, I almost die.

How do you still plan to torment me? I'm not going.

Men, tell her to leave.

- Madam, please. - In the hands of Gu Second is a vast amount of assets owned by the House of Bai,

the top salt merchant of Jiangnan.

Eldest Bai, you've plotted for it all your life and the chance is being given right in front of you.

Never thought that you didn't have any manliness at all.

I had to be alive first.

Now, Gu Second killed a woman with conferred title. He won't be able to deny it.

You have such a good fate.

Using the life of someone else to take back your family's vast assets,

isn't that a wealth bestowed to you by the heaven?

Killed someone?

Not just killed someone, he killed a woman with conferred title, an official's wife.

He killed the legitimate daughter of an Imperial Tutor.

Pack my suitcase and prepare the carriage.

No need.

The carriage of the Marquis is waiting out there for you.

It has a strong horse and soft carriage. Eldest Bai, please.

Have a bite!

I'm old.

I was thinking.

Why don't you let Yong'er

be raised in my palace?

One, you'll get to be more relaxed.

and take good care of the Emperor.

Second, I get to taste the joy of raising a child.

Treat it as a gift to show your respect to me.

Look at how scared this child is.

I haven't said anything yet.

Quick, go and bring the wine here.

Suppress the shock of Imperial Consort.

This is a wine personally made by Empress Dowager.

May Your Highness moist your throat with it.

Your Highness, have you asked it clearly?

It's not suitable to talk here. Let's go to our room to talk.

Third Younger Sister.

My Lady, what's wrong with you?

Let me think.

Let me think carefully.

For the entire day,

what was wrong with you?

Since you came back, you didn't say a single word.

What's going on?

Yong'er. He's still playing so happily.

Yes, the child doesn't know anything.

No matter where he is, he will be equally happy.

What did the Empress Dowager say to you?

My Lady.

My Lady!

Don't follow me!

My Lady.

Imperial Consort, please.

Where's Yong'er?

For Yong'er to be raised by the Empress Dowager is also his good fortune.

What? You gave Yong'er...

Didn't brother-in-law want the commander post of the Palace Front Imperial Army?

Yes. Your brother-in-law has long wanted to be promoted to that position.

He will soon receive the notice from the Ministry of Personnel.

Hence, you left Yong'er...

If a parent loves his child, he should plan ahead.

This is also for Yong'er's great future.

Big Madam, look.

Tuan'er has just finished having his milk. He's now sleeping very soundly.

Is he able to drink milk?

Of course. He's quite energetic in doing so.

Good thing you've hired two milk nannies beforehand.

Or else, he wouldn't have enough milk to drink. It was even Marquis who eventually stopped and calmed him.

He's awake. This is the Marquis first-born child.

He's so meticulous in his care.

He indeed is very meticulous. He's even fixing the courtyard over there.

Where?

Shuixian Pavilion of Miss Fengxian.

Marquis.

It's been 7 to 8 days.

Big Madam just gave birth and didn't have the time to arrange a place for me.

I know this too.

It's just that despite Cheng Garden being such a huge manor, I actually don't have any lodging place.

My current house is badly damaged. May marquis give considerations even for the sake of my status.

Okay. Shitou.

Go to the stockroom and get me that white jade box.

And then go to the Fire Rescue Team and choose some clever and able people

to search through this house and look for the start of the fire.

Yes.

Did Tu Second and Liu Jingli report anything about their inspection of the manor?

Temporarily none. It's been quite peaceful lately.

It won't be peaceful soon. Are you afraid?

Cold weather and frozen ground. Good for killing.

Marquis! Where will my mistress live?

Marquis is here.

It's too cold out there.

Come, let me take a look at my child now.

How's the repair going on?

It won't get fixed that easily.

I think she should be transferred to another place.

In our Jiaxi House then.

Sure, Jiaxi House is fine too.

Anyway, everything is being handled in a hurry right now. There's no way we can find a mason that fast.

Why not just settle her down in our courtyard then?

You're full of cold air. Don't pass it to your child.

Xiaotao, take the food away. I'm sleeping for a while.

Sleep? Big Madam, didn't you just wake up? You are sleeping again?

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

What are you laughing at?

Originally, she kept telling me that she didn't had a place to live in.

Asking me to provide her another living quarter.

I also found her to be too long winded. It was such a hassle.

I so want to just drive her away.

Later, after thinking about it, it was Big Madam

who accepted her in my behalf. She has a status after all.

Seeing how she has been sincere towards me for all these years,

The marquis manor can afford to provide her food. Moreover,

If she comes to Jiaxi,

she can be of help to you. She can serve you tea and water. Is that okay?

You can really plan.

Don't know who it was who reprimanded me harshly

for making Fengxian stay in our manor?

Now, after a fire broke out,

you sincerely care about her and don't want to drive her away anymore?

People say that women giving birth to a child is like going through a great torture.

It's usual to be bad tempered

but you have really changed too much.

Be careful that you don't scare our kid.

My son is a talent worthy to be a future general or a prime minister. How can he be easily scared by you?

Get lost. You're so stinky. Don't suffocate my son with your smell.

You just gave birth to a child. Don't be angry.

I... am angry? Who says I'm angry?

At first, I wonder who it was.

who said words of a deluge of heavenly flowers (extravagantly embellished) just to marry me.

Now, there are problems here and there.

Why are there so many problems in the Marquis manor?

This is not the first time that the Marquis manor is having problems.

Why are you angry after giving birth?

- Right? - Marquis Husband, your power is really far-reaching.

How come you're controlling now when I should be getting angry or not?

You are angry. I'm not angry.

After obtaining a chubby son, of course, you're very happy.

Of course, I'm happy!

You don't know what my feelings are when I see Yuanruo these past years.

Why did you mention him?

Does he want you to keep Fengxian?

Why can't I mention him?

I was jealous of him every day.

You are finally jealous now.

Be more jealous. Come, quick.

You are not allowed to help him to change his clothes. He has hands and legs!

I'm jealous? What would I be jealous of?

You have so many maidservants here in the manor, why are you ordering mine?

Men, help your Marquis to change his clothes!

[ Sanqing Temple Hall ]

How come you're of no use at all?

Don't forget.

If not because my Big Madam rescued you from Qianqiu Brothel,

who knows where your dead family would be.

Mother, there's no need to be angry with me. I couldn't find out anything.

Before, when marquis wasn't around, all the items in his study were stored away.

When I sneaked a look, I couldn't find anything.

Now that the Marquis is back,

the soldiers are standing in front of his study.

I couldn't even get close to it.

You couldn't go into the study? Can't you get into his bedroom too?

When you stuffed me to Madam Aunt, you said it so well.

What marquis being so young is such a womanizer.

What Big Madam being an illegitimate daughter of a lowly official isn't even worth to be mentioned.

Yet, after entering the marquis manor, I wasn't even able to touch the border of Marquis' shadow.

I'm not Deity Daluo. (a deity that can travel through time and space)

I don't have the ability to enter other people's mind to know about what they're thinking.

No need for you to talk back at me and confide your sufferings.

It's just that if you still are not useful from now on,

I fear that you would be very soon.

These past days, because of the fire in our home, Marquis was indeed more diligent in coming to me.

But it's just to look at the works of the masons.

When I left, I heard Shitou said that Big Madam lost her temper.

It's quite rare to see that.

but I don't know why when Marquis heard that, he laughed.

He even rushed there to see what's happening.

Home?

Where is your home?

You better get it straight.

Grand Madam, Imperial Consort Liu sent someone from the palace to bestow us gifts.

I hold ten thousand gratitude towards Her Highness.

I have already set up a banquet outside.

Please stay for a meal before you leave.

The palace is full of busy work and lately, Old Madam Wang comes to visit Empress Dowager often .

I fear Her Highness the Noble Consort will need me.

I'm leaving first.

Tingwei!

Are you not going to have dinner at home again?

Third Young Master.

Third Young Master.

Old Madam Wang...

I will need to find a time to make a trip to the palace.

To express gratitude to Noble Consort Liu.

During this salt patrol, I've already reclaimed the missed tax payments during the last two decades.

The Bureau of Revenue is currently recording the new deposits into our warehouse.

I think soon it can be brought for Your Majesty's view

Your Majesty, now with our dynasty full of prosperity, our state warehouse brimming and support fortified,

I deem this a most opportune time to tidy up the borders.

Are these words from you

or the Marquis of Gu?

Royal Father. Gu Marquis...

Gu Marquis is definitely thinking on your behalf.

This... these words are from my heart.

Our dynasty has not had the rendering of weapons for years .

How long can we last on this peace negotiating practice?

Why not use this opportunity to reclaim our lost lands?

Reclaiming the lost lands would be great indeed,

but Ying'er, there's no need for you to be so obedient to Gu Marquis.

Don't you think so?

When we go in later, see less

and talk less. Answer what you are questioned.

Sister Grand Madam, maybe you're being too careful?

Previously at Yuqing Monastery, you were disguised as a servant.

And now you don't tell me a word of where we're going

It's really hard for others to believe.

Who are they?

Where am I?

There will come the time for you to believe me

Big Madam Qin, please come in.

You shoot well indeed, Grand Madam .

Your Highness, what words are you speaking of?

I am just standing a bit closer .

So I have the advantage, naturally.

Just how close are you standing?

This is inside your palace.

So naturally, I stand closer to Your Highness.

It seems I better stand closer too.

Since this is your own kettle in your own palace, however you stand,

it's still up to you.

Alright. Don't stand there.

Sit, have some fruits

- and rest. - I will abide.

On the method of this tea, it's about meditation.

But you can't be absent-minded.

If you whisk it too hurriedly,

the water drops splash and the appearance is ill to sight.

But too slow,

and it can't grasp the cup.

You end up with water traces.

And that's making a fool of yourself.

You are right.

Certain good things

takes time and experience

in order to see the outcome.

Isn't that so?

In this royal palace, the most seasoned hand with teas

is certainly the Grand Highness (Empress Dowager).

Now, my Yong'er is being raised under Grand Highness.

He will learn some principles from Grand Highness for sure.

Look at this set of Great Jade Tea Set.

It's a gift from Grand Highness.

- Lord. - Don't, sit.

Lord, why are you standing? Sit.

Your family name is Bai?

Yes.

Living in Jiangnan?

Yes, that's right.

Sit.

"Spring breeze makes green again the shores of Jiangnan." [ T/N Poetry by Wang Anshi (Song Dynasty) ]

Jiangnan is a good place.

Lord. Whenever you want to go there for leisure,

I will definitely take good care of you.

Sit.

By the way,

I heard you are in the salt business.

Yes, just a humble enterprise .

I wonder how your family's salt tastes.

Salt is the chief of all flavors.

Salt from my family's business is as pure white as snow.

It's not something others can compare to.

Then, is there an introduction about your family salt?

Is it among the tributes?

How can we presume attention for tribute?

You may not know.

I have a nephew, who is quite a tyrant.

It's not urgent

as long as the item is good.

We don't worry about not having others. Right?

I also hope that when you are here again,

bring some salt for the Imperial Concubine too.

Imperial Concubine?

And the man said,

as long as the item is good.

All others we will have

All have?

This Yong'er is being raised under the Empress Dowager.

What is that place?

A place in heaven and a place on earth.

Big Madam from Fourth House is here.

I got it. Leave now.

Fourth House is here.

It's time she came.

Set up a place for this man and settle him.

Watch him carefully. Don't let him wander anywhere.

I know.

Marquis

My newly brewed Meishou Wine used the recipe from Jinhua and Fengyue House.

Marquis can try it.

Madam Eleventh.

Let me use your room for a while.

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? ♫