Original subtitles

EPISODE 17

You can go to a place like Xiongzhou,

but do you plan to take Shouhua with you too?

Can she endure the cold at the border? You're putting her life in danger.

Why do I feel you care about Shouhua even more than I do?

I'll be honest with you.

Before you got married, I met Li Shouhua once.

You poor pedantic scholar!

You make a living by writing.

What does my cursing that shrew have to do with you?

It's not your place to speak up.

- Chunlai. - I'm not harsh enough.

- What's going on? - I won't pay you.

- Why are you doing this? - A poor scholar is arguing with someone.

Everything must be done reasonably.

If you don't get along with your wife, get a divorce.

No need to harbor further grudges.

I can write a divorce letter, not a letter cursing your wife.

You…

Stop the sedan.

LETTER WRITING ON CHARGE

Go ahead.

Sir.

My lady would like a letter to be written

for her husband far away.

It doesn't matter what is written.

Just express her thoughts of longing. Can you write it?

So, she wants to ask her husband to return soon.

I can write it. One moment.

My lady.

What are you…

Okay.

My lady's husband has been deceased for a long time.

She said you write letters well.

This is a token of gratitude.

There'll be snow tonight that can freeze you to death.

Hurry back home.

Let's go.

Be careful.

So, what did you write in that letter?

Back then, I was annoyed by that rude customer.

I thought she was illiterate. So, I just wrote something to brush it off.

Little did I expect that she…

When I saw her again, she had become your wife.

Thankfully, she did not recognize me.

Otherwise, how could I keep staying here?

I see.

I once vowed

to never seek beauty or wealth in the future

but to find a virtuous wife with good character and a kind heart.

I never thought you would be so lucky to have such a wife.

You must cherish this fortune.

Shouhua is a delicate lady. She can't go with you to the harsh border.

The news came from the Ministry of Personnel.

It's not officially appointed. There's still room to maneuver.

I know you never bow to others,

but for the sake of Shouhua and your mother,

what's the harm in bowing your head just once?

Sang the Stone,

I never expected that one day

you, a hard stone, would speak such words.

Rest assured.

I know what to do.

LIUFANG HOUSE

FANG

I want to go home. I want to go home.

Do you hear me? I want to go home.

Master Du, my master is waiting in the study.

Please go inside.

Mother-in-law.

You've finished?

Madam Du. My lady.

The imperial court has conferred an official post on Master Du.

Master Du's been named Assistant Officer of Construction Bureau

to the Bureau of Historiography.

Bureau of Historiography?

Shouhua,

what is the position?

The imperial court regards the Zhaowen Bureau,

the Bureau of Historiography,

and the Jixian Academy as the Three Bureaus.

Talents from all over are gathered to fill the positions.

This shows that His Majesty cherishes and values talent

and is unwilling to send your son to a distant post.

This is to have him serve in the capital.

Madam Du, you may not know that those who can enter the Bureau of Historiography

will one day be the key ministers of the court,

close by His Majesty's side.

It's truly a most desirable

and enviable post of unlimited glory.

Congratulations to you both.

The bitterness has ended, and the sweetness begins for us.

Wealth and glory are yet to come.

If one becomes an official for the sake of promotion and wealth,

he'll undoubtedly be a corrupt official.

To benefit the people and to serve the country loyally

is the true duty of an educated man who becomes an official.

As Yangxi's family, we should live modestly, uphold righteousness,

and remain good to the end.

Only then can we accumulate virtue and blessings

so our family is safe and prosperous.

From now on, do not speak these words again.

Yes. I'm truly sorry.

I've remembered your teachings as well.

This is great.

It's great news.

Daughter, it's great news.

Madam Du, it's tremendous good news.

Yangxi has been accepted into one of the Three Bureaus.

I heard about it earlier at the tea house

that many people scurry in all directions to get into the Three Bureaus.

They even offer a hefty sum for a recommendation.

I never expected such a stroke of good fortune

to befall Yangxi.

It's all thanks to Yangxi's genuine talent and learning.

Someday, if Yangxi becomes a high official,

Shouhua,

you'll be a lady of noble rank then, and…

Let's hold a banquet! We must celebrate properly.

We must celebrate properly for Yangxi.

He was dragged off to a banquet by his fellow scholars.

I'm afraid he can't get away for the moment.

On his behalf, I apologize to all of you.

Let's not wait for him and start eating.

No worries. It's his first foray into officialdom.

If he wants a smooth career in the future, he has to connect to his fellow scholars.

When they extended an invitation,

he couldn't reject their good intentions. Being late is not his fault.

Yes, that's right.

It's not his fault.

How about we start first?

The dishes have gone cold. How about we reheat them first?

Let's wait a little longer.

There is no rush.

Chunlai,

heat up the dishes.

- Then I'll also… - No, stop.

Fuhui, you are pregnant. Let me do it.

It's fine. No rush. We're not hungry.

Mom, while having dinner,

you barely ate a few bites. Eat some more.

Mom.

- Bravo! - Du Yangxi

is outright rude.

He becomes so arrogant upon sudden success.

He didn't show respect to his mother-in-law.

Shouhua was clearly forcing a smile.

I feel sorry for her.

Perhaps there is some urgent matter that held him up.

You should stop judging him.

Cousin, why haven't I seen it?

- It's not here. I don't see it. - I remember it was right around this area.

Be patient. I'm here helping you look for it.

In my opinion,

this street has plenty of mustard sauce shoppers.

Why must it specifically be the Wu's?

Don't mention it.

Last night, my wife got up and insisted

on having cucumbers dipped in mustard sauce.

Isn't that strange?

Just now, during the dinner, she wanted to eat dried apricot that is sweet

with a hint of sour and a bit of saltiness.

It's truly a suffering.

As for me,

I almost wish I could carry that belly of hers myself.

Cousin?

Cousin, what are you looking at?

Take a look for yourself.

This is bad. Something terrible has happened.

Cousin! Cousin, wait for me. Something terrible has happened.

Mother-in-law…

Mother-in-law?

Shouhua,

Shiyi cherished you so deeply.

Your affection as husband and wife ran deep.

How can you bear to let him die alone?

You mustn't abandon him.

I'm begging you.

- I'm begging you. - Mother-in-law.

- Mother-in-law, please don't. - I'm begging you.

I don't want to die.

You heartless and ungrateful woman!

My son has been dead for only two days

and you've cast aside the marital fidelity

and the filial respect for your elders!

Then I will confine you here.

I won't beat you or scold you, but I will withhold food and water from you.

Let's see how many days you can last.

Mother-in-law, don't!

Mother-in-law!

Mother-in-law, open the door! Mother-in-law!

Did you have a nightmare?

I dreamt of many past events.

What kind of past events?

Back then,

my late husband had just passed away.

My ex-mother-in-law was utterly devastated

and unfortunately developed hysteria.

She locked me inside the room

without providing food or drink,

wanting me to join in death with her son.

Had it not been for my mother going to find me,

I would have been dead for long.

I didn't expect there to be such a ruthless and cruel person in this world.

That day,

my sedan chair had gone a long distance,

yet my ex-mother-in-law was still cursing incessantly.

She blamed me

for abandoning her son

and cursed me never again to have someone close in this life

but to suffer eternal loneliness.

But even if it meant to forsake my later husband and his mother,

I still wanted to live on.

I wanted to live.

He gave you the pearl curtain

because he wanted you to live well.

Being able to marry you

is indeed my fortune.

Yet I often doubt

whether the heavens truly have had mercy on me

by bestowing me with someone

willing to dissolve the curse

and shelter me for the rest of my life.

It's late.

Stop thinking about this.

Go to sleep now.

I've waited for so long,

hoping you would open up your heart to me.

Why only until today

have you finally responded to me?

It's too late. It's too late for everything now.

Shouhua,

we won't have a future together.

To celebrate your promotion, your mother-in-law

specially prepared a banquet.

As for you,

you didn't even show up.

It's against the etiquette for a son-in-law.

Hurry up and go apologize.

Mother, it was my scholars' invitation. It's truly hard to excuse myself.

I've already apologized to you repeatedly.

It's your mother-in-law that you should be sorry for.

What's the use of apologizing to me?

Eat your breakfast. Hurry and go to apologize.

Mother-in-law, today is the beginning of autumn.

This is the red bean soup that I have just cooked.

Please have some.

Mother-in-law?

Mother, slow down.

Dear, what happened to your mother?

My mother treats you like her own daughter.

Yet you sowed discord between my mother and me.

What exactly are your intentions?

Du Yangxi, come out with me.

Shouhua is your wife,

and she is highly self-respecting.

How could you embarrass her in front of me and the maid?

How do you expect her to carry on?

What?

I was merely a bit harsh on her and you're already pitying her.

What did you say?

That I was a bit harsh and you're already pitying her.

If you truly care for her, it's actually an easy matter to address.

You can just marry her.

When she becomes your wife, you can care for her however you wish.

You scoundrel!

How dare you insult and slander her like this!

That day, you were not drinking with fellow scholars.

You were currying favor and seeking connections with the powerful.

Rumors about you and someone from the Yu family have even reached my ears.

Facing Shouhua and your mother, my conscience cannot bear it.

I have only one question for you.

Do you even know

what you are doing these days?

My business does not need your meddling.

If you are this presumptuous again in the future,

our sworn brotherhood

will come to an end.

Don't bother to feign magnanimity.

I will move out today.

From now on, I will consider I do not have you as a sworn brother.

Yuanming…

Fine, if that's the case,

don't blame me for not cherishing our old bond.

From now on,

you are neither my friend nor my brother.

Our brotherly bond is broken.

Once you leave this door,

we'll go our separate ways.

Even should we meet again in the future, we'll be no more than strangers.

Let him go.

Wasn't it agreed upon

that he'd assume his post in a couple of days?

Why would he rush to move out now?

Even if he had to leave, he should say goodbye to your mother in person.

Shouhua, can't you bear to let him go?

You can just chase him back.

You…

You are being unreasonable.

Shouhua,

you are so virtuous and gentle.

You deserve a secure and worry-free future.

Unfortunately, I can't accompany you until old age.

I have to find someone suitable and reliable for you

to dispel the nightmares that haunt you

and to protect you for life.

Sang Yanrang,

you must not disappoint me.

Lingyao.

- Lingyao! - Yes?

Master, what are your orders?

Clean out the west wing at once.

- I have another use for it. - Yes.

- Greetings, Madam Du. - Greetings, Madam Du.

Greetings, my lady.

Are they the new maids?

Mother,

Jinnu can sing well, and Fufu can dance.

They can keep Shouhua company

and relieve your boredom.

You've forgotten your roots.

You've forgotten your roots!

Mother.

Shouhua, please arrange for them to stay in the west wing.

Yes.

You've spilled it.

Sweep the floor clean first and then check the kitchen.

Choose some light tasks to do.

- Yes. - Yes.

You are just a menial maid.

Who has given you the right to bully the two of them?

If I don't give you a few lashes today, you won't understand the hierarchy.

My lady, help! My lady!

Master, what are you doing?

This morning when I left, I had specifically instructed

that the two of them were gifted a superior official,

and another arrangement, where in this household, they'll be treated as guests.

Yet she didn't take my words to heart at all.

She had them carry water for laundry and tend the fire for cooking.

Now look. Two pretty girls have bruises on their legs and blisters on their faces.

Tell me. Doesn't she deserve to be beaten?

In this household,

your mother spins and weaves day and night, unwilling to slack off.

I am also diligent in everything, doing things myself.

From top to bottom, everyone has to work to eat.

Sangma only has one pair of hands and feet.

If you're reluctant to let them work, who will boil water for them

to wash their faces and serve them tea and meals?

Do you want me to serve them personally

or do it by yourself?

I will not argue with you.

But as for a maid, I still have control over her.

Get out of my way. Move.

- My lady? - Shouhua?

It's all my fault.

Please do not beat my lady.

- If you must beat someone, beat me. - Sangma.

- Don't cry. - Don't beat my lady.

- Shouhua, let me look at your injury. - I'm truly fine.

Don't make a fuss or Madam Du will hear this.

- Sangma, go get the medicine quickly. - Yes.

- Sangma, you may leave now. - Yes.

You are not a lecher.

You never verbally hurt others and certainly won't whip a maid.

Why did you do such act to push me?

What difficulties have you encountered

to make you refuse

to utter half a word of truth to me,

someone who shares the same bed with you?

You are really smart, Shouhua.

Then I will be honest with you.

I can only choose

either to part with you or assume my post in Xiongzhou.

So…

you are going to abandon me?

We haven't been married long.

But I'm not blind.

I can see the members of the Li family

hold each other dear

and protect and help each other.

You are inseparable kin.

As the eldest daughter, you bear even greater responsibility.

If you follow me to the frontier,

it might be bearable for only three to five years.

But if it's ten or 20 years

without seeing your mother and sisters,

will you truly have no regrets or resentment?

Rather than a loving couple eventually turns against each other,

it's better to let you go early.

Once you leave,

the whole world will only curse me

for being a lecher

and abandoning my wife.

No one will absolutely blame you.

My lady? My lady?

My lady, don't go.

- My lady. - Yangxi?

Shouhua? What happened?

Upon seeing that I've taken two maids,

you've become so jealous.

It shows your narrow-mindedness and utter foolishness.

It's only a matter of time before we're enemies.

If you dare to leave today,

don't expect to set a foot back in.

My lady!

Shouhua?

Shouhua?

Madam Du, slow down.

- Shouhua? - Slow down.

Shouhua?

Shouhua?

- Shouhua? - Mother.

She is such a filial and virtuous wife.

You couldn't have loved and respected her enough.

Yet you drove her out?

Hurry and chase her back. Quickly.

If Shouhua doesn't come back,

I'll disown you as my son.

Hurry up and go.

Go quickly.

Hurry up and chase her back.

- Hurry up. - Madam Du.

The medicine has been reapplied.

Bear with it. It won't hurt anymore.

Stop.

Where are you going in the middle of the night?

How dare that scoundrel beat Shouhua?

I'll burn his books, smash his house,

and strike him with a rod to knock him senseless.

After settling scores with him, I'll go to his office

to catch his meddlesome superior officer and give him a good beating.

Only then will my resentment be appeased.

Nonsense.

Have you forgotten what you promised me?

Mom, how come even you are afraid of getting into trouble?

You forbid me of doing anything. Are you just let him bully Shouhua?

Just look at this.

Look what he has done to Shouhua.

Leshan is young and doesn't understand reason.

She is easily irritated.

She doesn't know that in this world,

it's like boarding the same boat for a couple.

They will have

to face winds and waves together in the future.

I think Yangxi

is not that kind of person.

You must have had a terrible quarrel that went south.

I will have him drive those two singers away.

Mom is right.

You married a poor scholar with a generous dowry,

and you've suffered hardships with him.

Now he's made it and is moving into a big house soon

where there be crowds of servants.

Shouhua, don't give away the upcoming wealth and status

and let others enjoy this good fortune.

Wait…

If not for anything else,

I hate that he won't tell me the truth.

Tomorrow morning,

he will definitely come to apologize.

At that time, I'll scold him harshly

and let him personally make amends to you.

Only then will I allow him to take you back.

Alright?

Shouhua.

Shouhua, what's wrong? Don't scare me.

Mom,

this medicine hurts too much.

If it hurts, it means it works.

Applying medicine always hurts.

I guarantee it won't leave a scar.

Shouhua,

all of us sisters together

are not as eloquent as Kangning.

She can both scold

and coax people when necessary.

I'll immediately send Chunlai to tell her about what happened

and have her come to keep you company.

Tomorrow, when you see your husband,

we'll make plans then.

Put it down quickly.

Mom,

Shouhua's husband will come to apologize soon.

If you all play good, someone has to play bad, right?

I'll squat behind that door in a moment.

As soon as he enters, I'll nudge him gently like this.

- Is it alright? - No. Throw it away quickly.

Throw it away.

Hurry.

If you say so.

Just go.

When Shouhua's husband arrives,

I'll teach him a lesson myself.

As long as he's willing to lower his head

and apologize to Shouhua,

this matter will be considered over.

None of you are allowed to complicate matters. Understood?

Mom!

Mom, we know the severity and will not hinder Shouhua

from becoming a noble lady.

Do you really think I care

for the so-called title of a noble lady?

Shouhua widowed at a young age.

It's been so difficult to find her another good match.

Whether her husband can hold office or achieve glory doesn't really matter.

As long as he can treat Shouhua well,

even if it means having to kowtow to him,

I am willing to do so.

That's why

each of you needs to keep your mouths shut

and not act rashly.

Whoever irritates Shouhua's husband away will be held accountable by me.

Do you hear me?

- We've heard you. - Mom, rest assured.

Go ahead.

Master Du?

Mother, Master Du is here.

Mother-in-law.

LETTER OF DIVORCE

What…

When I came to the capital for the exams,

I almost starved and froze to death on the streets in the winter.

Fortunately, you saved my life

out of compassion.

Your kindness is profound, like that of a birth parent.

I thought that since I married Shouhua,

I could be by your side

to toil like a beast of burden and serve you like a servant

to briefly fulfill filial duties.

Unexpectedly, I don't get along with Shouhua anymore,

and our hearts can't beat as one.

Our vow to grow old together has become empty talk.

Today, I present a letter of divorce.

I hope you will forgive me.

From hereafter, all the previous grievances and resentments

between Shouhua and me are gone. She is free to remarry as she pleases.

And all our ties will be severed.

I only wish that she will have a new chapter in life,

find another worthy husband,

have another harmonious marriage,

and live happily ever after.

Lingyao.

Here is a casket with a thousand gold.

It can add to the dowry for Shouhua's new marriage.

For all your kindnesses in the past,

I cannot repay them in this lifetime.

Yangxi, there is no need to do this.

It's just a spat between husband and wife.

It's not to the extent of divorce.

Have you asked your mother?

I don't agree with this. I think your mother won't agree either.

Master Du, Shouhua has always been gentle and kind.

She has dutifully honored your mother and managed the household without fault.

Even the neighbors never cease to praise her.

Now you have acquired a prestigious post and a larger house,

and you want to abandon your wife and remarry.

Won't it damage your reputation?

The name of an ungrateful husband does not sound good.

Well, you are slapping my family in the face.

Say no more with him.

We don't care for your money.

The scores between you and Shouhua are not settled yet.

We'll settle them in the future.

Now, get out of here!

All right. Stop making a scene.

Master Du, Shouhua is right inside.

You two should talk this out properly.

Don't listen to the gossip of others

and ruin your destined good marriage.

Get out! Now!

Both of you are naive.

- Their marriage-- - I've made up my mind.

I will move as soon as noon is over.

The courtyard will return to your family.

From now on, our families will no longer be related to each other.

Yangxi.

Can you truly not change your mind?

Good.

Good.

Very good.

You scoundrel!

- Madam Li, stop hitting him. - You scoundrel!

- It took me a lot to raise Shouhua. - Madam Li.

How could you trample her, my precious daughter, like this?

- You think you can treat her like this? - Let go.

Why are you doing this, you heartless one?

Your career lets you do that?

- I'll beat you, you scoundrel. - Madam Li!

- He is an ungrateful… - You scoundrel!

…and shameless person. Why get angry with him?

- How could you trample her like this? - Stop. Don't harm your body with anger.

You… How can you be like this?

Madam, Lady Shouhua is crying so sadly.

- You… - Master, let's go. Just go.

Let's go.

- Let's go. - You ungrateful scoundrel, scram!

Well…

Let's go.

Let's go quickly, Master,

otherwise, Madam Li will be back.

Let's go, Master.

Let's go.

Master, everything has been arranged properly,

but your mother refuses to move.

We are taking you to have a better life.

Please just move.

Don't make it difficult for us.

Madam Du?

Mother, I know that you are used to living here,

but this courtyard is cramped with age, and the neighbors are noisy.

It's unsuitable for long-term residence.

The new house is spacious and comfortable.

There's also a beautiful garden.

Most importantly, there are people to take care of you.

Only in that way can I be at ease.

Is my daughter-in-law going as well?

Mother,

I have already divorced Li Shouhua.

She is no longer your daughter-in-law.

She is not someone you could divorce.

Since she married into this family,

she has taken good care of our food and clothing, and even me.

She is even more filial than you, my son.

You are such an ingrate!

I do not have you as a son.

Give me back my daughter-in-law.

Give me back my good daughter-in-law.

You little beast.

Mother.

This has always been the courtyard of the Li family.

You can't live here anymore. You should come with me.

Who says she can't live here?

Madam Du, if I say you can stay, you can stay.

Sit down first. Slowly.

Madam Du,

you can stay in our courtyard

as long as you want.

If you grow old and are unable to walk in the future, I will take care of you.

Madam Du, Shouhua is worried about you.

She can't come herself, so she has sent Mother to see you.

Shouhua…

What did Shouhua say?

Shouhua said

that Madam Du is a person of principle and grace

and that she can stay if she doesn't want to go,

so that we will live as we used to.

You go. Go!

I'm not going anywhere. You go.

Mother, since you refuse to come with me,

I dare not go against your wishes.

I will send someone to deliver clothing, food,

and other daily necessities.

Whenever you have thought it through

and want to move,

I'll come to pick you up personally.

You are so shameless.

Even your own mother won't acknowledge you

for fear her reputation will be tarnished by you.

This is my family's courtyard. Unwanted people should scram quickly.

Madam Li,

I really can't face you.

I can't.

Madam Du, please don't say that.

I saw you hit him so hard just now.

Only then did I know what kind of person you are.

Shouhua is right about you.

You are different from your son.

Madam Du,

just stay here with peace of mind.

Over 20 years of enduring hardships,

I had hoped that he would grow up and be successful.

Who would have thought

he is also someone

who is ungrateful and disloyal?

He has been so ungrateful.

Yet I still can't bring myself to reprimand him.

Now he harms others as well as himself.

And it's all my fault.

My lady,

I, Qianniang, am truly sorry.

I'm too ashamed to live anymore.

Today, I will join you in death.

Mother-in-law? Mother-in-law?

Sangma, get some water, quickly.

Being blind, I couldn't even take my own life.

My lady!

I, Qianniang, have let you down.

I'm truly sorry.

I did not teach the young master well.

I did not teach him well.

You've already done very well.

No one else in this world has done better than you.

This is not your fault.

Your lady will understand you.

My lady.

Madam Du mentioned her lady and young master.

How come I don't understand a single word?

You are still well and good.

But Madam Du wanted to commit suicide.

It's so strange.

Yes, indeed.

This matter is indeed quite strange.

The pressing matter is to invite a physician over

to treat Madam Du first.

- Go ahead. - Yes.

PAN RESTAURANT

Dear Kangning, please don't cry anymore.

If you keep crying like this, my heart will break.

That cursed Du Yangxi has put Shouhua through such torment.

How could he…

What should Shouhua do in the future?

Nonsense. With the two of us here, Shouhua won't have to worry in the future.

- Stop crying now. - It's all your fault.

- Don't cry. - It's all your fault.

Be good.

You brought that disaster upon our family.

How come it's my fault?

Alright, it's my fault.

I should have let him freeze and starve to death and let…

Now is not the time to be angry.

- I need to go check on Shouhua. - I'll take you there.

You've always been friends.

If that Du Yangxi comes around again in the future…

From now on, Du Yangxi is my enemy.

If he dares to come again, I'll chase him away with a stick.

Good.

Subtitle translation by: Grace Zhao