Original subtitles

EPISODE 6

PAN RESTAURANT

I'm not exaggerating

about our Lady Wang.

Her beauty is beyond words. She is also elegant and intelligent.

The flowers she embroiders outshine the real ones.

It can even attract bees and butterflies.

The fabric she weaves

is prettier than the rosy clouds.

How can someone be so graceful and so skillful at the same time?

If you miss this chance, you'll have to look in heaven for someone like her.

The Chai family owns thousands of acres of land and hundreds of shops.

Wealth is not even worth mentioning.

In times of flood or drought,

they donate food or repair bridges and roads.

They've given away untold amounts of money and goods.

They are truly famous

for their generosity.

When we marry off our daughters,

we don't only look at wealth.

With talent like hers,

even if I had a thousand tongues,

I wouldn't be able to praise her enough.

Her good points are plain to see.

There's no need for me to say more!

A match made in heaven.

Truly a match made in heaven.

Deqing.

I checked their astrological compatibility,

and their birthdates align perfectly for marriage.

Yes, yes, indeed.

This…

You…

Let's go.

An'er!

That Wang Shiba, though from a military family,

she is well-versed in arts and etiquette and is truly exceptional in every way.

She far outshines those self-important officials.

She doesn't even care about your wealth.

She values your talent, above all.

Isn't she asking me to fund her brother's honorary officer position?

You! Why are you so picky?

How many matches have you dismissed in three years?

You're just trying to make me unhappy on purpose.

Stop right there.

Do you even remember your father's last wish?

Yes, I do.

Good that you remember.

Alright, Mother. I've set my sights on Li Kangning from the Li family.

Get ready to arrange the marriage proposal.

Which Li Kangning?

Who's this Li Kangning?

The one from across the street.

Which family is that?

The family owns Sifu House.

Madam!

Madam!

Sir!

Sir!

My lady. It's the middle of the night. Why aren't you asleep?

What's wrong?

Did you hear anything outside?

Listen closely! Doesn't it sound like footsteps?

No, no, my dear.

Don't let your imagination run wild.

Those people have been arrested and sent to the authorities.

How would they dare come back?

Who says so?

They just rested at an old abandoned temple.

Did the interrogations reveal their hideout?

Their leaders should all be arrested.

They will hold grudges to the death.

Well, they did uncover something. I'll check with the officials tomorrow.

No, go ask them now.

I'm scared.

Please, just go now.

Get up, husband.

Don't worry, my dear.

Before dawn, the soldiers have raided their lair.

They are all caught.

My brother told me not to tell you.

Just sleep. Sleep now.

My lady. I was wrong, my lady!

I was wrong! It's all my brother's fault for making me play the hero.

It's all his fault, my lady!

My lady! My lady!

Help! Help!

BETROTHAL LETTER

Mother! Shouhua!

Did you know that the bandits even colluded with them?

Mother!

Is there any happy occasion in the house today?

Two matchmakers are here to arrange a marriage for Kangning.

That's wonderful!

They say fortune follows misfortune and hardship brings prosperity.

Seems like that's true.

This is a blessing from the heavens. Which family are they talking about?

What a coincidence!

It's the cousin of Fuihui's husband.

The young master of the Chai family. The owner of Pan Restaurant.

It's the Chai family.

The Chai family?

Master Chai?

He admires

Kangning's virtue and beauty.

As for the dowry,

he hasn't even asked about it.

In all my years as a matchmaker,

this is the best match I've encountered.

You know, there are countless mismatched marriages in the world.

A beautiful woman marrying a rough guy, or a talented man with a foolish wife.

It's such a pity!

A match like yours, with a gifted man and a beautiful woman,

is truly rare!

You must not miss this opportunity. I've said all the good things I can.

If you're willing, fill out this marriage agreement.

On such a good day, we'll head back with your answer.

Why would the Chai family come to propose marriage?

How could it be the Chai family?

I know,

it must be the Bodhisattva

who is touched by my sincere prayers.

They've sent an incredible blessing to our family.

Thank you, Bodhisattva. Thank you.

Wait, no, no.

That's not right.

Kangning!

Can she really be this lucky?

It feels like a dream.

Pinch me, Shouhua!

You actually pinched me!

That hurt!

Kangning, that night I rushed over,

I begged so many people and even met some soldiers.

But in the end, the only one who came to save you was Master Chai.

Marry him or not, it's up to you to decide.

It's real.

Yes, yes.

It's real. The Chai family really came to propose marriage.

This must be a conspiracy.

The Chai family is tricking my third sister into a life of suffering.

Who would use marriage as a trap?

Unless they have many sons, that doesn't make sense.

No.

Kangning.

Don't you have anything to ask me?

Master Chai, why have you suddenly come to propose?

I want to marry you.

I have something to ask you.

Why hasn't your family responded to the proposal?

Are you dissatisfied with the arrangement?

Have you forgotten

how I teased, scolded, and even beat you?

Are you holding a grudge

and using the matchmaker to humiliate my family?

Kangning, you hit and scolded me because of a misunderstanding.

I've played tricks on you too.

It's only fair.

With your intelligence and character, I admire you more than anything.

How could I possibly hold a grudge?

That would be so petty.

But Kangning, why haven't you agreed to marry me yet?

They say the women of the Li family in Luoyang are easily jealous.

Didn't those words come from your mouth?

I've long realized I was wrong.

If you don't believe me, bring out Fuhui.

I'll bow to her and apologize. I'll make amends to you all.

Admitting it is good enough.

Just so you know, I'm even way tougher than her.

If you want to marry me, you must agree to one condition.

Kangning, please tell me.

If you marry me, you can only have me in this lifetime.

No concubines, no maids, not even one.

My mother gave birth to five daughters and one son,

showing that the women of the Li family are strong and blessed.

If we reach 40 and still have no children,

it's because your greed has hindered you from having descendants.

Then you may only adopt from the same family line,

and no other thoughts are allowed.

If my fate is unfortunate

and I pass away before you,

you may remarry only after three years.

When the time comes for us, you must share the same tomb

with me and remain by my side.

How is this just one condition?

However,

I agree.

Every word of mine is meant to make you back out.

Yet you still agreed. Did you hear me clearly?

You are Li Kangning.

Before I came to propose, I already saw everything clearly.

You said a lot, but I only have one thing to say.

The madam of the Chai family

must be intelligent, decisive, exceptionally resilient,

and someone who truly moves my heart.

Kangning, you are the only one.

Kangning, apart from me, Chai An,

there is likely no other man in this world

who truly understands, appreciates, loves,

and respects you.

I hope you can think it over carefully

and agree to this marriage.

And you said it was just one thing!

How do you know that apart from you,

I can't find another soulmate?

Kangning.

When I was a child in Luoyang, I planted a plum tree.

If you can help me pick the highest branch,

I will marry you.

I won't eat.

An'er, what do you see in Li Kangning of the Li family?

Isn't it just that she's a bit prettier than the rest?

Fine.

You didn't like Wang Shiba,

so I got the sixth daughter of the Lu family for you.

Her dowry is generous beyond words,

and her talents and appearance are unmatched.

- Yes, yes! - An'er!

Just meet her once.

Just one look. I promise you

she won't lose to Li Kangning.

If you agree, I'll eat.

Mother,

all the marriage agreements have been done.

Whether you agree or not,

I am determined to marry Li Kangning.

I don't agree. Can't you see how worried I am, son?

Mother, all the small matters have been arranged.

I've chosen several auspicious dates for the wedding.

Of course, as a son, I would like you to decide.

But since you feel troubled,

I'll make the decision myself this time. Set it for the second month next year.

If you'd agree with me, I'd rather marry her tomorrow.

It would mean I could quickly bring you a lovely daughter-in-law.

The Li family can't bear to let their daughter go,

and want to keep her a few more days.

See, if anyone should be anxious or worried, it should be me, your son.

Mother, don't worry.

Wait to enjoy the wedding tea from your daughter-in-law.

An'er, are you trying to drive your mother crazy?

How does it taste?

I specially asked the head chef to make it for you.

Mother, I have an urgent matter and need to go to Luoyang.

I'll be back in a few days.

I hope you will soon change your mind

and stop worrying.

I'd be heartbroken to see you like this.

Mother, I'm heading off now. Take care of yourself.

You heard it all?

That's my good son!

When it comes to marriage, parents decide, but he dares to act on his own.

He clearly doesn't care about his mother.

Cousin, if you ask me, this is your fault.

When your husband passed away,

it was you who pushed An'er to be independent in everything.

This entire family business

was placed solely on his shoulders.

I remember that year, he was only 13, wasn't he?

At such a young age,

he was traveling around the world with caravans.

Wolves, bandits, he's faced it all.

His personality was shaped through those hardships.

Your son is responsible,

and now, you complain about it?

She comes from a humble family.

It does not match with our family. I am already disliking this.

And yet she has such a mother.

Don't you know about her?

How could I not know?

My useless son.

I don't care if you laugh at me.

I don't know what he did to upset his wife,

but he's been hiding.

Just this morning,

I pulled him out of the chicken coop.

My face burned with shame.

I only recently heard that

this family in Luoyang

is called the six fierce ladies of the Li family.

They're no joke.

You must keep a close eye on An'er

to avoid any future disasters.

A daughter of the Li family wanting to enter the Chai family?

Nothing but a pipe dream.

Someone, come here.

- Yes, Madam. - Go invite Madam Li over.

- Tell her I have something to discuss. - Yes.

Using cross-stitch with straight-stitch makes the design flow better, doesn't it?

But this part isn't embroidered delicately enough.

Straight-stitch…

Kangning, I'm afraid you won't make it in time.

Let me embroider a shoe for you.

Pick a pattern you like.

No, I don't like osmanthus flowers.

Plum blossoms look much better.

How about this design of a magpie on a plum branch?

Then, we can add gold and silver thread with some beads. How does that sound?

Straight-stitch and cross-stitch…

How is it?

It's beautiful.

Fifteen, 20.

Fifteen, 20…

Mother!

Why are you here?

Shouldn't you be helping your sister embroider her wedding clothes?

She's faster at calculating accounts than doing needlework,

so I'm worried she won't finish on time.

Mother, I prepared the return gift for the Chai family.

Were they satisfied?

Satisfied. Very satisfied.

Everything was well-prepared by you, as always!

There's absolutely nothing to be dissatisfied with.

Mother, did Madam Chai make things difficult for you?

Well, even though the betrothal is already settled,

she keeps causing trouble.

She even claimed the original date set by the groom's family wasn't good.

She said the dowry wasn't clearly listed

and demanded a new auspicious date to re-confirm the engagement.

In all my years, this is the first time I've encountered someone so difficult.

But it's true.

I offended the Chai family in the past.

So, whatever they ask for,

I will do my best to fulfill.

As long as Kangning can marry smoothly.

That's the most important thing.

What I just said, you must not tell her.

Did you hear me?

Everything has to be placed properly.

Be careful. Take it slow.

Mother, this is the returned engagement gift,

prepared exactly to the Chai's wishes.

Why has it been sent back untouched again?

Even the fish chopsticks have been returned this time.

Did Madam Chai say anything?

Madam Li, you don't need to ask. Just take a look and you'll understand.

Shouhua, how could you overlook this?

Go and prepare everything again.

Yes.

That's why arranging a marriage is so difficult.

From the draft invitation to the formal engagement,

every detail must be handled with care.

The living fish died halfway.

How unlucky is that?

Don't you agree?

Yes, it's my fault for not thinking it through.

This time, I'll inspect everything before sending it to the Chai family.

Our lady also shared a little tip for your reference.

Replace the live fish with goldfish

and the fish chopsticks with silver chopsticks.

It will look elegant

and ensure no delays.

So the match for both families won't be ruined.

What do you think?

Madam Chai's suggestion is absolutely right.

We'll follow everything exactly as suggested.

No wonder my mistress says

you're the most reasonable woman in this world.

As long as it's explained clearly,

she'll never act like those families without a sense of propriety.

Some families don't consider the difference in status,

whether they can match or not.

They always try to climb higher, yet during marriage discussions,

they end up causing so many jokes.

You're different!

Whatever is asked of you, you agree wholeheartedly.

You would never nitpick or make a fuss.

You short-lived soul.

If only you hadn't left us so early,

abandoning us halfway through life.

Why must I endure such treatment today?

I'll hit you, so you can't rest easy day after day.

I'll curse you, so you can't sleep soundly night after night.

I don't truly mean to hit you,

but Kangning…

She's such a considerate child.

Back then, when your family

pressured us to give up our house and land,

she was so young.

Even so, she dared to take up a knife to protect her mother.

Daughters in other families were raised carefully,

but ours?

Every day was filled with fear,

hardship, and suffering.

It's all your fault.

If you have any spirit left

in the heavens,

can you protect Kangning?

Can you make sure her marriage goes smoothly?

Can you ensure

there are no more obstacles?

Can you truly bless her?

You…

Can you

make her marriage smooth and free from further trouble?

I am all alone now.

It's really

so hard to be a single mother.

Please ensure her marriage is smooth.

No more twists and turns.

Please.

Madam Chai, dear in-law,

everything was done according to your instructions.

If there's still anything unsatisfactory, just tell me, and I'll change it.

This time, nothing is wrong with the preparations.

But the person is not right.

The person? What's wrong with the person?

What person?

Madam Chai, dear in-law,

I know there were some past grievances

between our families.

But it's all my fault.

I was blind and unreasonable.

I offended kindhearted people

and was lucky you that tolerated me.

Today, I'm here to sincerely apologize.

I hope you'll consider the marriage between our families.

Drink this reconciliation wine

and let's wipe away

all the unpleasantness of the past.

Let's happily complete the wedding arrangements.

Shall we?

You're overthinking.

I'm not so petty and unwilling to see the bigger picture.

- It's just that… - Just what?

Madam, we're all family here.

As your daughter-in-law, I'll speak out of turn.

It seems Aunt has concerns

but doesn't want to state them outright.

Since our families are about to be joined,

if there's truly a difficulty, it's best to speak openly.

You're just a child.

What do you understand about the ways of the world?

Your aunt doesn't speak up

because she has a soft heart.

She's afraid that saying it will cause suffering for someone else.

Since you're pressing for an answer, fine,

I'll be the villain today

and speak on her behalf.

The gifts from the Li family are fine,

but the person who prepared them is absolutely not suitable.

For wedding preparations,

it's customary to choose a woman whose parents are both alive,

and enjoy a harmonious marriage,

and have many sons and daughters.

Those who lost their father young,

became widows early, or have no son

are considered unlucky

and should be avoided.

Madam, how could you say such a thing?

- My eldest sister, she-- - Fuhui,

don't interrupt the elders.

Fine.

We'll find a perfect woman.

We'll redo… everything.

There's no need for that.

Mother, sister.

The adults are discussing the marriage.

How improper. Go back at once.

My eldest sister could compose poetry at three

and write essays at seven.

She is the only one who read every book

in our late father's study.

My skills in tea brewing, flower arranging,

embroidery, and sewing were all taught by her.

To protect her widowed mother and sisters, and to keep the family's land and estate,

she married into the Wu family of Luoyang at just 15,

to a man stricken with tuberculosis.

She is not some woman who brings misfortune to her family.

She is the pride of our Li family.

I kindly ask the two ladies not to speak such hurtful words.

Otherwise, the ones disgraced will be your own family.

You!

How dare you be so rude?

Do you still wish to marry into the Chai family?

Kangning, hold your tongue.

Our family statuses are unmatched. The marriage is disharmony.

Why force it then? It would only lead to mutual resentment.

This marriage ends here.

Mother, let's go.

Sister.

Arrogance!

Truly, like mother, like daughter.

This is the legacy of their upbringing.

Kangning!

Madam Li.

Look, I brought back the plum blossom you wanted.

Madam.

Aunt.

I must return to check on my mother and sisters.

I'll take my leave.

The old plum tree in your courtyard is 30 feet tall. Climbing it wasn't easy.

But nothing is too difficult for me if makes you happy.

Kangning, let's go.

Kangning!

An'er.

This time, it's not that I don't want to help you.

Just as the betrothal gift was about to be sent,

the Li family suddenly changed their minds.

It seems this marriage truly isn't meant to be.

Cousin Chai, matters of marriage are determined by fate.

Knowing it's destined to fail, it's better for both sides to retreat.

To avoid becoming a couple who hate each other and hold grudges.

Following my mother's wishes,

although the marriage didn't succeed, the familial ties remain.

We'll still have to interact.

From now on, you and my third sister should regard each other as siblings.

Let's not discuss marriage again.

Please look for another match and find a suitable partner.

I don't believe all these excuses about mismatched status

or disharmonious marriage.

Before I left, the families exchanged betrothal notes,

the bride price was given,

and the marriage was agreed upon.

There were no changes.

There must be a reason

for the sudden cancellation.

Was it something my mother said?

Whatever the difficulty, Kangning should disregard it entirely.

She should trust only me!

Even if this marriage is to be annulled,

bring her out

to tell me directly.

Speak up!

It's your fault to begin with.

Arguments during

marriage arrangements are common.

My aunt only asked you to find someone perfect.

It was out of a desire for a smooth marriage,

which is entirely reasonable.

And yet you guys instigated her to cancel the marriage.

If you want to annul it, you should never have let him

travel that far to pick those plum blossoms.

Isn't this just fooling him?

I asked you to mediate.

Whose side are you on?

Whoever has reason, that's the side I'll take.

Cousin Chai's affection is sincere enough to move even a stone,

let alone your third sister.

Your family annulled the engagement for no reason, and refuses to show face.

How could the Li family display such heartless behavior?

Say that again!

I just did.

Instead of considering my cousin,

they cater to his mother.

Is she marrying my cousin or trying to become my uncle?

- You-- - Enough!

Does Kangning truly refuse to see me,

not even willing to offer an explanation?

Cousin, it's over.

Let it go.

There are countless great women in Bianjing.

Why worry?

Kangning.

In the end, you don't trust me.

Cousin!

Why are you so heartless, unwilling to speak the truth?

If I tell the truth,

it will create conflict between his mother and him.

Marriage is meant to unite two families.

When they repeatedly insult my family,

how can I bear it?

Yet his mother raised him with great care.

If I speak out too much,

how can he not resent me?

Over time, even the most loving couple

will turn against each other.

Why suffer through that?

This plum branch was originally from the Li family.

I'll keep it.

But please return these jewels to him.

He won't accept them.

What a shame!

Such a perfect match!

Sister Qiongnu!

- Sister Qiongnu. - What…

What are you doing?

Sister Qiongnu, why aren't you speaking?

Third sister, look.

She's undoing your wedding dress.

Qiongnu!

Every stitch and thread here was embroidered by me for you.

I think it's unlucky and inauspicious,

so I'm undoing it for you.

What's so unlucky about it?

I thought it looked fine.

Kangning, I have no parents. I've been cursed with misfortune.

I'm afraid I've tainted your wedding dress and ruined your marriage.

Blame me.

Blame me for it.

Tear it apart if you want. It's not needed anymore anyway.

There are plenty of good men in the world.

If this one doesn't work out, we'll find another.

That's easy for you to say.

Where are we going to find a match better than the Chai family?

Have you noticed lately

how many scholars have come to the capital?

Our tea house is packed with people discussing poetry and philosophy.

All they ever talk about is knowledge.

It's making my head spin.

Even Mother is finding it hard to keep up.

The Spring Examination is approaching.

The scholars from all over our country are flocking to Bianjing

to prepare for next spring's provincial exams hosted by the Ministry of Rites.

This is truly a gathering

of brilliant minds and talents.

Aren't you worried about finding a husband?

Here they are, delivered to your doorstep.

Are you thinking of catching someone straight off the ranking board?

They say, a farmer by day, a court official by night.

Everyone says the top scholar is the best.

Did you know a top scholar is fit only for a prime minister's daughter?

Once they make the list,

all the prominent officials will be vying for them.

How will you get a chance?

So, are you suggesting that…

Most of the brightest scholars come from humble origins.

Not only must you know how to identify talent,

but you must also act before the rankings are announced.

Kangning, apart from me, Chai An,

I don't think there is another man in this world

who truly understands, cherishes, and respects you.

I hope you'll think it over carefully and agree to this marriage.

Let Daddy pick some red plum blossoms for you.

Alright.

Kangning.

Dad, the plum blossoms are so beautiful.

LI CHANGAN, LI'S FATHER

When you come of age,

this plum tree I planted would have grown tall.

By then, I'll pick the highest branch of red plum blossoms for you.

And I'll watch as your brother carries you on his back to your wedding.

Dad, what's wrong?

My Kangning is the most resilient in our family.

In the future, you must help your brother

look after your mother and sisters.

Master Chai, my master is entertaining guests in the hall.

He specifically instructed us to bring you in as soon as you arrive.

Thank you.

What an ungrateful boy!

No matter how much I reasoned,

he wouldn't agree.

He's just a poor scholar heading to the exams.

Whether he can succeed is still uncertain.

Yet, he dares

to look down on my daughter.

Who would be so bold

as to anger you, my uncle?

Nephew, you're here.

Uncle, with the winter solstice coming and the weather turning colder,

my mother asked me to bring you some winter greens from our estate.

She said that the pears and clams Aunt sent last time have been received.

She is very thankful for those.

This time, we've brought ten melons from Jiyang.

Though out of season,

they are as large as jars, sweet, and crisp.

My aunt, who complains of a bitter taste

during winter, will be delighted.

Such small matters.

No need for you to come personally next time.

You can just send someone.

But I also wanted to pay my respects to you, Uncle.

Well…

I happened to see him near Xingguo Temple selling calligraphy.

He writes beautifully, and I couldn't help but admire his talent.

I had the thought of marrying my daughter to him.

I hinted at it subtly,

hoping he would appreciate the gesture.

But who would have thought he would outright reject me?

Such disrespect!

Old Master, you said you invited me here

to paint a mural. Which is why I agreed to come here.

But once I'm here,

you're offering a dowry and suddenly proposing a match.

I politely declined yet you persisted and pressured me.

Do you not realize that forcing someone into marriage is unreasonable?

Du Yangxi, you haven't even taken the exams yet

and you already think you'll pass?

Even if you pass and work in government, there will be so much suffering.

Do you know what it takes to survive in the capital?

Could your yearly salary even afford a house

or get a wife?

I came here to paint, not to marry.

If I'm not painting,

I'll take my leave.

Let's see if you can walk out of here.

Guards!

Uncle, calm down.

If he's here to paint, then let him paint.

Within one hour, if the painting turns out well,

will you let him go for my sake?

If it's not satisfactory and ruins the wall,

you can punish him by making him repaint it as a laborer.

How about that?

Fine, let him paint.

I won't need two hours. The burning time of an incense is enough.

Bring it in.

It's too small.

Uncle, who is this?

Just a servant.

Mr. Du,

no matter how well or poorly you paint, the outcome won't matter.

If my uncle wants someone to stay, they won't escape.

Master Chai, we're old acquaintances. Won't you lend me a hand?

When have we met before?

Two years ago, during the floods in Ezhou,

while traveling for business,

you saw desperate refugees pleading for help.

You ordered all the silk on your boat to be thrown into the river

so the refugees could board.

You saved the lives of three full boats of people.

How do you know about this?

My mother was old and blind.

I carried her all the way, fleeing.

Without your help,

we would have drowned in the river.

The memory of that moment is still vivid.

I thought you were still the righteous merchant I remembered.

Who would have thought

you'd now aid in such oppressive acts?

The painting is done, right? Let me see it.

This… This painting isn't that remarkable.

Uncle.

Uncle, the scholar taking the capital exams has submitted his application

and family guarantees to the Ministry of Rites.

He's registered, so you cannot detain him. Detaining him would cause trouble.

Besides, the capital is full of talented scholars.

Why worry about not finding a good son-in-law?

If you forcibly detain him here,

rumors of this marriage refusal will spread.

It'll make your daughter's marriage prospects worse.

Fine. You're lucky this time.

Escort him out.

Why is there such a crowd?

What's going on?

You asked someone to write these.

"Doing good deeds brings blessings.

Forcing someone into marriage cannot lead to lasting happiness."

This…

"Every small kindness has its rewards,

and withholding goodness cannot be hidden from God's eyes."

This…

Who wrote this? Why didn't anyone stop them?

We can't read, and the guest said you wanted it written.

You fool!

Hurry up and erase it.

Erase it now! Quickly!

What are you standing around for? Nothing to see!

Such audacity, Du Yangxi.

What's there to see? Move along. Nothing to see here!

Move along, quickly!

Something's wrong.

Head to Xingguo Temple. Now!

- Why are we going? - To save someone!

What's going on here? Stop it!

Let's go! Let's go!

Mr. Du.

Are you alright?

Sir, his injury is even worse!

Subtitle translation by: Yuke Ran