Original subtitles

JUNLAN COURT

Junlan Court will be your quarters, Lady Weiyoung.

Madam has given the order.

Should you need anything else,

please feel free to tell me.

I'll be sure to meet your needs.

Please thank her for me.

Lady Weiyoung, you're travel-worn.

Please get some rest soon.

-Young Lady. -Young Lady.

-This place is huge. -It's huge.

-So pretty. -So nice.

Let's go.

Our sister-in-law was speechless when Weiyoung talked back at her.

That was sheer pleasure.

She is always insufferably arrogant.

She made a fool of herself this time.

However, Weiyoung really is impudent.

From now on, our sister-in-law is in trouble.

As for us, we're in for a good show.

Am I right?

It's really boring to talk to someone like you.

RUYI RESIDENCE

Ladies, you've returned.

Are you hungry?

-Shall I serve you some snacks? -Don't bother.

We've had plenty at Changle's.

The snacks there are really tasty.

It is said to be bestowed by the royal concubines.

Changru.

Did you notice the fabric of Changle's outfit as well?

It was so soft and smooth.

What about yours?

It's nothing like Changle's.

If I were the daughter of the first lady,

I'll get to eat, use, and wear

so much better than I do now.

Stop daydreaming.

What is so bad about being the daughter of the second lady?

With my beautiful appearance,

if I were the daughter of the first lady,

I'd definitely be named the second prettiest in Ping City.

By the way,

why did you criticize Weiyoung in front of Changle just now?

Weiyoung just arrived.

She hasn't offended you.

It's because Changle finds that pleasing.

As long as Changle is happy,

she'll offer me snacks.

You're such a loser.

Who knows how you would criticize me in front of Changle?

Even if I do,

I'm just telling the truth.

Changru, I'm being honest.

In terms of appearance and talent,

how are you any better than Changle?

Li Changxi, bear this in mind.

I'm your blood sister.

Does it make you look good criticizing me just to flatter her?

PRIME MINISTER'S MANOR

Young Lady, wash your hands.

Come with me.

Young Lady, we'll get some food.

Let's go.

Hua Mei.

Yes, Young Lady?

Why didn't I see my eldest brother, Li Minfeng, yesterday?

He accompanied King Hexi to a birthday celebration.

Who knew that King Hexi staged a coup?

Young Master then went with General Chiyun to suppress the rebels.

It will take some time before he can make it back.

Staged a coup?

I heard that for the sake of his people,

King Hexi pledged allegiance to Great Wei.

He is utterly loyal to His Majesty.

How could he stage a coup?

I don't know.

Lady Weiyoung, in order to greet the elderly of the manor,

the etiquette of serving tea is essential.

Do I have to learn this too?

There are so much to learn about it.

Lady Weiyoung, give it a try if you don't believe me.

You want me to serve you tea?

Yes.

I'll represent the first lady.

Lady Weiyoung, just serve tea as you would to the first lady.

Be sure to bend low when serving tea.

Raise your hands high up to serve tea

to show respect for your elders.

Again.

Raise your hands up high.

Too high. Lower.

Higher.

I said higher.

-Young Lady. -Young Lady.

Young Lady, your hands are scalded.

You did it on purpose.

Lady Weiyoung, you've misunderstood me.

How would I know that you can't even hold the cup steadily?

It seems you'll have to start with the basic greetings.

Come here.

Kneel.

Bow.

Lower your arms.

Lower.

Lower both of your arms.

Again.

Do it again.

Bow.

Keep your back upright.

Upright.

I told you to stay upright. Hurry up.

Lower.

Lower on this side as well.

How many times have I told you? Why can't you remember?

How will I report to Madam if you behave like this?

What are you doing?

Madam told you to teach me how to bow,

but not to strike me seven times.

Madam said to hit you if you don't perform well.

But she didn't say seven times.

Hold her down.

-Yes. -Yes.

What are you doing?

-What are you doing? -Step aside.

Kneel.

I represent the first lady today.

Hitting me is as good as hitting her.

One.

Two.

Three.

-Stop it. -Four.

-Help! -Five.

-Six. -Help!

-Seven. -Seven.

Help me, Madam!

What happened exactly?

I didn't even get a sip of tea before you asked me to come here.

Weiyoung, this is your father, the Prime Minister.

Hurry, greet your father.

Father.

You're Weiyoung?

Yes.

Master, Old Madam.

I sincerely wanted to teach Weiyoung well.

But look at her.

I sent Chun Ming over, and she had her beaten up like this.

It's obvious that she shows no regard for her legal mother.

Weiyoung, what is this about?

Do you want me to punish you according to the house rules?

Father, I'm not to be blamed.

Chun Ming, answer me.

Didn't you tell me that Mother had you teach me etiquette?

You represented Mother in the garden, am I right?

Mother, was Chun Ming telling the truth?

Father, you know that I grew up in the countryside.

I don't have a clue about any etiquette of a lady.

It won't be easy to learn without any knowledge at hand.

Indeed.

As long as you put your mind to it, you can learn it well.

Grandmother, I really did my best to learn.

But no matter how hard I tried,

I couldn't have learned it in just a few days.

Yet whenever I made a mistake,

Chun Ming...

Chun Ming would hit me.

She also hit hard and viciously.

Isn't that too much?

Look.

How did this happen?

Come here quickly.

Let me have a look. Come here.

Grandmother, look.

Spare the rod, spoil the child.

This is all for your own good.

But a truly good teacher won't just resort to violence.

Besides, I've only just started taking the classes.

Indeed. "The Master is good at guiding step-by-step.

He broadens me with culture and restrains me with ritual propriety.

I can't give up even if I can."

Chun Ming represented Mother.

Those who knew would regard Chun Ming as strict.

Those who didn't might assume that Mother urged her to do it.

Mother's good intention would be misinterpreted by Chun Ming as ill will.

Therefore, I taught Chun Ming a lesson

so as to save Mother from looking bad.

I hope that Mother won't blame me.

Chiyun Rou.

Chun Ming went overboard.

Chun Ming.

You really went overboard this time.

You better ask for Lady Weiyoung's forgiveness quickly.

Lady Weiyoung, it was all my fault.

Please be kind and forgive me.

Chun Ming, you're Mother's head housemaid.

How could I blame you?

Get up.

But you shouldn't behave in such an uncivilized way again.

JUNLAN COURT

I just got here.

And the first lady has already cracked the whip.

If I just took it obediently,

who knows how much worse they would bully us?

It really is outrageous.

Young Lady, I've asked around.

The Seventh Concubine has always been unhealthy.

She has been living in the cold and humid South Court.

She fell ill a few times, but she was too poor to hire a physician.

The illness just dragged on.

She is now ill again.

I have to see my mother.

You must not.

Master has ordered to ban everyone from entering the South Court.

Why don't we ask Madam for help?

Ask her?

I might as well sneak in.

By the way, Young Lady.

Old Madam's 60th birthday is around the corner.

Have you thought of what to get her?

I think Old Madam is the only one in the manor who is kind to you.

If you get her a great gift, you can surely win her over.

Her 60th birthday?

A gift?

Will Minfeng return that day?

Yes, I heard that Young Master returns every year for the birthday celebration.

Prince Nan'an is here to deliver His Majesty's gifts in person.

I'm so moved that I'm speechless.

Prime Minister Li's family has contributed to the nation.

Such an utter dedication and valuable services.

It is my honor to deliver the gifts on behalf of His Majesty

to Prime Minister Li's manor.

Speaking of valuable services, who could outshine Prince Nan'an?

In my opinion,

His Majesty trusts Your Highness even more now.

Since the Crown Prince passed away,

the heir apparent has yet to be chosen.

Perhaps...

The heir apparent is the future emperor.

Only His Majesty can decide on it.

Who are we to discuss it?

Your Highness is right.

I've spoken out of turn.

Minfeng, you rendered merit by suppressing the rebels.

I'll recommend you to my father for a position in the royal court.

Thank you, Your Highness.

I'll surely repay His Majesty and Your Highness with my loyalty.

Come and visit me at my manor in your spare time.

I'm short of someone capable to devise strategies for me.

That's all I could wish for.

Your Highness, this way, please.

-Grandmother, may you live long. -Grandmother, may you live long.

My three beautiful granddaughters.

Get up quickly.

Get up quickly.

LONGEVITY

-Old Madam, may you live long. -Old Madam, may you live long.

Likewise.

Please have a seat. Please sit down.

It's Grandmother's 60th birthday.

I have a gift to present to Grandmother.

Rong'er.

The third young lady is so filial.

-Exactly. -Exactly.

I wonder what gift it is.

What is this?

What is it?

Changru, did you finish this longevity embroidery by yourself?

Of course, Old Madam.

Changru spent three months

working on this longevity embroidery.

She nearly damaged her eyes.

I wish to express my filial piety to Grandmother.

Every needle and thread is not to be overlooked.

That's not an easy task.

Changle.

Don't you have a gift for Old Madam as well?

Yes, Mother.

Changru.

Who knew that we both had the same idea in mind?

My gift is also a longevity embroidery.

Tan Xiang.

It is also a longevity embroidery.

What's the difference?

Take a look.

Let's have a look.

She is so filial.

Exactly.

Lady Changle is indeed the most talented lady in Ping City.

Her skills and materials are all far better than Lady Changru's.

Lady Changle is more filial.

This is...

Could this be the Feiyun gold thread from Luoyang's Feiyun Tapestry Workshop?

It's said that Feiyun gold thread is invaluable.

But Changle,

filial piety towards the elders isn't defined by value.

It's the thought that matters.

It should be so.

Therefore, in order to prepare this gift,

I started a year ago to search the nation

for a hundred 100-year-old elderly people.

I asked them to write down the character for longevity

and I embroidered them myself.

I only finished this longevity embroidery yesterday.

Along with the hundred 100-year-old elderly people,

I wish Grandmother to live long enough to reach the heavens.

Changle, such kind thoughts are indeed one of a kind.

Lady Changle has such a unique idea.

-Old Madam, you're so lucky. -How fortunate you are.

This needlework, embroidery skills, and such kind thoughts

are totally beyond me in this life.

Changle, you really live up to your reputation as a talented lady.

Thank you for your compliments.

Old Madam is truly fortunate.

Let's drink a toast to Old Madam.

-Chang-- -Old Madam, may you live long.

-Thank you, everyone. -Here, Old Madam.

Thank you for your wishes on my mother's birthday.

Here's a toast to all of you.

Enjoy the drinks today.

How horrible.

Not to mention you've wasted three months of hard work,

but she also came up with the longevity embroidery to steal our show.

The Chiyun family is prestigious in status and business.

What can't they afford? Who can't they hire?

I think Li Changle didn't even have to move her fingers at all.

Why isn't Weiyoung around?

Where is she?

She is probably used to misbehaving.

Chun Ming, go and look for her.

Yes, Madam.

Listen. What is that sound outside?

-Exactly. -Exactly.

Let's take a look.

-Amazing. -Great.

-How lovely. -It's really good.

Well done!

This is really fun.

Your Highness, after you.

Look.

Great.

Li Minfeng?

Don't spare any of the Northern Liang rebels!

Drop dead.

You...

Young Lady.

Young Lady, what's wrong?

Young Lady.

Bai Zhi.

-Are you ready? -Yes.

-Well done! -Great!

-Great! -Well done!

Amazing!

PINE LASTS A GREAT MANY YEARS ORIOLES SING FORTH A GOOD SPRING

-Great! -Great!

This is really nice.

Tan Xiang.

Yes, Young Lady.

-Young Lady! -Young Lady!

Thank you.

Your Highness, Prince Nan'an?

-Greetings, Prince Nan'an. -Greetings,

-Prince Nan'an. -Drop the formalities.

I can't have Old Madam bow to me on her birthday.

It's a joyous occasion.

Do as you please.

Please don't spoil the mood with such formalities.

Yes.

This is...

Greetings, Prince Nan'an.

I'm Li Weiyoung.

She is also my granddaughter.

I apologize for her shabby performance.

I'm sorry, Grandmother.

I intended to celebrate your birthday with the lion dance

to bring you some cheer.

Who knew that it would end up in a mess?

Not at all. You did well.

-That's right. -It's my birthday. It should be lively.

Weiyoung, who knew that a playful child like you

could do a lion dance and then trip over yourself?

You had me laughing so much that my stomach hurts.

Laughter takes away ten years in age!

This is the best gift I have received.

Grandmother, Prince Nan'an is here on a royal mission.

Old Madam, please receive the decree.

"As decreed by His Majesty,

the firstborn son of the Li family, Li Minfeng,

rendered great assistance to General Chiyun Nan

in wiping out the rebels.

As it happens to be Old Madam Li's birthday,

His Majesty hereby bestows items confiscated from King Hexi's manor.

A pair of gold Phoebe wood pillows for Old Madam Li.

A ceramic inkstone for Li Xiaoran.

An animal patterned belt for Li Minfeng.

Jade, gold, and fabric will be bestowed to the ladies of the manor as ranked.

Decreed by the Emperor. Express gratitude."

-Long live the Emperor. -Long live the Emperor.

I thank His Majesty for his kindness.

I thank Prince Nan'an for thinking of us.

Two days ago, Prime Minister Li's nephew, General Chiyun Nan,

has been given permission by His Majesty

to use King Hexi's manor as his own residence.

Now that your son, Li Minfeng,

is rewarded by His Majesty handsomely,

Prime Minister Li's family truly is blessed with utmost honor.

I owe it to His Majesty's graciousness.

Prime Minister Li, drop the formalities.

I hope that from now on,

-The Li family can assist my father more. -What's the matter, Young Lady?

-I'll surely do my very best. -Are you unwell?

Changle, look.

What is this?

My grandmother gave it to me as a birthday gift.

Thank you, Grandmother.

Changle, do you like it?

It's so beautiful.

Is this Empress Wei Zifu's jade ornament?

Minfeng, you actually found it?

Certainly, Mother.

Thank you, Minfeng.

This is the legendary Jade of Destiny.

Only the woman who is destined to become an empress can own it.

Who knew that it would be in Li Changle's hands now?

The theory of destiny is but groundless nonsense.

How can an object manipulate anyone's destiny?

Thank you, Prince Nan'an.

I'll express my gratitude formally some other day.

Your joy is the best gift of gratitude I can receive.

Mother, please put it on for me.

Li Weiyoung, what's wrong?

You... Let go.

What are you doing? This is very precious.

Let go!

Li Weiyoung!

Let go.

Li Weiyoung!

Weiyoung...

Let go.

What do you think you're doing?

Young Lady, are you unwell?

Young Lady, are you all right?

Young Lady.

I suddenly recalled,

when I was in the countryside,

an elderly once said

a spiritual jade ornament like this

must be tied with a special knot.

Only then will the owner be blessed with good luck.

What do you know?

Since you know about it,

you should tie it on for your sister.

My daughter behaved immaturely. My apologies, Your Highness.

Lady Weiyoung is tired.

Accompany her back to her quarters.

Yes.

Hey.

Stop crying. Go home.

Be good.

Go home.

You haven't visited the palace for some time.

Don't get into any trouble.

You'll embarrass the Li family.

Yes, Changle.

PRINCE NAN'AN'S MANOR

Your Highness, will you really recruit Li Minfeng?

He voiced his opinion on the heir apparent to us.

He is obviously a fool.

It is his father, Li Xiaoran, that matters.

A few princes have their eyes on the position of the heir apparent.

They recruited many as their henchmen.

We'll also have to strengthen our forces.

Your Highness, among all the princes,

who do you deem as your strongest rival?

Prince Dongping accompanied Father on all his conquests.

He is credited with military merits.

He has also won over much support among the officials.

It is presumed that he is the next Crown Prince.

As for the deceased Crown Prince's son, Tuoba Jun is not to be underestimated.

Father has always been fond of Jun.

Who is to say that he is not likely to become the Crown Prince?

It is still far too early for us to gloat.

Be sure to watch your words and actions.

Yes, Your Highness.

Prince Gaoyang let refugees of Liang into the capital without permission.

Surely, His Majesty will punish him.

Jun might seem reckless,

but he is actually very meticulous.

After he let the refugees in,

he separated those who seemed suspicious.

No trouble arose from it.

He also won the hearts of many.

Father is likely to only reprimand him a bit.

We'll have to plan properly in order to deal with him.

We must not let our guard down.

Young Lady, are you unwell?

I'll tell the head governess to send for a physician.

Don't bother.

I'm fine now.

-Weiyoung. -Lady Changru.

Weiyoung, please sit down.

So should you.

I'm Li Changru, the daughter of the second lady.

You've been here for a few days.

This is the first time I've been here to meet with you alone.

I noticed that you didn't seem well.

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

Thank you for your concern.

Rong'er.

I made this.

You made this?

You're so skilled.

Thank you, Changru.

I'm not good at anything else

apart from needlework.

Would you mind if I visit often?

Why would I?

What more can I ask for than to have a lovely cousin to talk to?

That's great.

I'll have someone to talk to in confidence.

There are many young ladies in the manor.

Don't you have anyone to confide in?

It's fine to do some small talk with them.

However, not all of them can be confided.

You just joined the manor.

You'll understand after some time.

Thank you for the warning, Changru.

Changru, come to my quarters someday to pick up herbal supplements.

Don't overwork your eyes.

Grandmother might not keep your kindness in mind.

If you had discussed with me before taking any action,

I could have given you some advice.

Then perhaps we wouldn't have ended up preparing the same gift today.

Was it really just a coincidence?

Or did you already find out about my birthday gift

and purposely made the same thing to make me look bad?

Even if I did it deliberately,

what can you do about it?

Young Lady.

They are really mean.

Why don't we tell Old Madam about it?

What good will it do by telling her?

There is nothing we can do.

RUYI RESIDENCE

Only a few people knew that I was making a longevity embroidery as a birthday gift.

How did Changle find out?

Your skills aren't good enough.

How can you blame me?

We're blood sisters.

Under such difficult circumstances,

we should assist each other.

I just like being close to Changle.

Let me be.

I noticed that you're also getting quite close

to that new girl.

I wonder what you saw in her.

She went against Changle right after she got here.

I think her good days are over.

Is that so?

All these years,

she is the only one who managed to make Changle look bad.

But she is no match for Changle.

Some people are born with the demeanor of an untamed beast.

They still strike out their claws at a strong opponent.

When cornered,

even the best hunter might get bitten.

Then we're in for a good show.

I have no idea what you've been going on about all day.

Rong'er.

Yes, Young Lady.

Rong'er.

Pour me some almond milk.

I want more.

Sure.

Has that annoying woman been behaving well?

Madam.

Lady Weiyoung has been visiting Old Madam often these days.

Old Madam is very fond of her.

That girl seems to be quite smart.

If she wins Old Madam over,

it won't be easy to deal with her

once she gains a high status in the family.

Indeed.

That day at the birthday banquet,

she fought with Lady Changle

over the jade ornament in front of everyone.

What does that imply?

That jade ornament is known to carry an extraordinary significance.

Whoever owns it will be made an empress.

It seems that the Taoist master was right.

Li Weiyoung will be Changle's obstacle.

We can't allow her to stay.

She is just a peasant girl.

Mother, why would you get so angry?

Minfeng, don't underestimate her.

Judging by the actions she showed since she got here,

it's obvious that she is not merely a peasant girl.

But there is one matter bothering me.

I had her cast out to the countryside,

so that she would have a hard time.

But she seems to have grown up pampered.

I finally get to meet Mother.

I...

I miss you so much.

Could she be an impostor?

That's unlikely.

Old Madam had her fetched from the Liu family by her own servants.

By right, there should be no mistake.

However, it's been years since I last saw her.

It is best to look into this matter.

I'll have someone investigate it.

By the way, Changle, I've received some information.

Do you know that the Crown Princess will be praying at Zijin Abbey

two days later?

Your Highness, you're so thoughtful.

You've traveled all the way here.

May the gods bless my son, Tuoba Jun,

a safe and swift journey home.

Stop right there.

It's Lady Changle.

Qiu Yi, invite her over quickly.

-Let her through. -Yes.

Greetings, Crown Princess.

Drop the formalities.

Come here quickly, so I can have a look at you.

It has been a long time.

You're even more beautiful now.

Your Highness, are you here to pray for the Prince?

Jun has been away for more than a year.

As his mother, how can I not worry?

Speaking of which, it has been a year since I last saw the Prince as well.

Does this mean that you also miss Jun?

I remember when I was little, I used to play with Minfeng often,

His Highness, and the Princess.

The Prince is just as loving to me as an elder brother.

I miss him.

You mean to say

that you see Jun only as an elder brother?

Your Highness.

That's...

That's not what I mean.

All right.

I wonder when Jun will return.

Isn't it quite simple to bring the Prince home?

Is there a way to do so?

That is a good idea.

It seems that Changle does miss Jun.

Young Lady.

Bai Zhi, how is it going with the investigation?

I've sent someone to check the inn.

No one knows about the young man who rescued us.

I don't even know the name of my savior.

How am I to repay him

for saving my life?

That young man was really brave.

If it weren't for him, you might have...

I might have died in that fire, right?

However, at that very moment,

I really thought I was going to die.

Just when I was in great despair,

I suddenly heard his voice.

Lady, I'm here to save you.

Don't be scared.

In that moment,

I really thought he was an angel sent to rescue me.

What are you laughing at?

Young Lady, I think

that the young man must be more than just some angel to you.

Have you been thinking about him all the time?

Naughty woman! How dare you tease me?

-You should consider marriage at this age. -You better watch it.

Why can't I mention it?

Young Lady, what's wrong?

I can't afford to consider that now.

Why?

I'm going for a walk.

Don't tag along.

I'm really unfilial.

Both Father and Grandmother have just passed away.

I have yet to avenge Weiyoung, too.

But I'm thinking about romance.

No.

I'm just grateful to him for saving me.

That's all.

Subtitle translation by Carole Chen