Original subtitles

EPISODE 27

- My lord. - I've waited a long time.

I haven't told you yet.

I won't go to the office today.

I gave the medicine to Qingshi.

Just heat it up before you take it.

Yes, my lord. It arrived before dawn.

You left in a rush. I couldn't inform you.

Are you heading to the office? I'll see you out.

Going out today?

When I returned yesterday,

Granny mentioned arranging a match for your cousin Fang Yuchan.

You don't need to oversee it yourself. The matchmaker can handle it, right?

She should make her own choice.

But she's alone in the capital.

She has no elders to guide her.

Granny asked Aunt to assist,

but it's hard for young women

to speak freely.

Granny asked me

to help with advice.

Can't risk her future.

Two matches today, three tomorrow.

Granny said

we must find a perfect match for her.

Then, do your business. No need to see me out.

Take care.

- Shall we go? - Sure.

Enough.

Seven days of meetings nonstop.

Three or four suitors daily.

Talented and rich. You fancy no one.

What are you looking for exactly?

Just tell us

to save our time.

Aunt, these things can't be rushed.

Cousin…

your aunt even introduced past candidates

for Guiniang.

They're from noble,

educated families.

If you have other thoughts, tell me privately.

Your choices are excellent.

But appearance matters too.

That aspect should be considered.

You heard her. She wants a handsome match.

Of course, we have.

There's one. The wealthy Lu family from the west.

They own over 20 cargo ships, a rich household.

Their ninth son, Lu Sheng,

is dashing and refined.

A true gem, cultured and charming, a rare find.

He's been picky

and hard to match. They take a lot of time and energy.

Isn't this fate?

But he's studying at the academy. It's too soon to meet him.

His twin brother looks just like him.

You can barely tell them apart.

Why not meet the brother instead?

That might not be appropriate.

Let's wait until Lu Sheng returns.

I've heard good things

about the Lu brothers.

Meeting the twin is fine too. They're both great.

Of course. I'll bring him over. Please wait.

It's already late, but she's still out?

Yes.

When she returns, have her come to the study immediately.

Yes.

Qingshi, what's wrong with the lord?

He looks so pale.

Xi'er,

no millstone turns without a pivot.

Tell your lady to think carefully.

The one with the yellow flower, that's him.

There are so many with flowers. Which one is him?

The one with the yellow flower,

tall and fair-skinned.

Take another look.

What does this mean?

Why is she leaving?

Aunt, I think she's decided.

Please inform the Lu family.

If he is unmarried, let's proceed.

I'll do my best, my lady.

SHEN'S MANSION

Greetings, my lord.

Did you have a good day, my lady?

Thank you for asking. Everything is fine.

What have you been busy with?

I was about to report to you.

Fang chose the Lu family's tenth son.

But his elder brother, the ninth son, insists that he should marry first.

Good thing is, the ninth son, Lu Sheng, is a student at Bailu Academy.

He's handsome, poetic,

and even artistic.

A rare gem, perfect for Fang.

Aunt wants to verify his character.

He's truly worthy

of his reputation.

So, this match was done.

Handsome? You saw him?

I only saw him briefly across the street.

But if Fang approves,

his brother should be similar.

So,

you've completed your task?

Making a match isn't that simple.

The dowry is another big task.

Once the engagement is confirmed, gifts must be exchanged.

The formal ceremony

requires careful preparation.

Not a single mistake can be made.

The Old Lady assigned me to handle it.

I'm nervous about doing it right.

Do you think I can do it?

If you can handle crime cases,

you can, of course, plan a wedding.

If you say so,

I'd believe that.

Then, I'll do my best.

Helping with this wedding

can make up

for what I did to her.

I need to report this to the Old Lady.

If there's anything else, I'll take my leave now.

Anything else, my lord?

You may go.

Family Fan's cloth shop is the best in Bianjing.

Not just the silks from Qingzhou and Qizhou…

My lord.

Where are you going?

I'm taking her to choose wedding fabrics.

I'm grateful for sister-in-law's help.

Thank you, cousin.

We are relatives. No need for thanks.

Go ahead.

The lady's been so busy with wedding plans.

My lord, I've inquired about it.

The wedding is set for June 18th. No matter how busy, it'll all end in June.

Husband and wife grow close, then distant.

She keeps her word to treat each other with respect.

It's time!

Lift the sedan.

SHEN'S MANSION

It should be all joyful. You made it.

Yet you feel sad.

She has the groom greeting her in this life moment.

But I came with a smile on my face and left with tears. Tragic for me.

I will, of course, feel sad.

You're right.

Granny isn't well and stayed away.

She's likely upset. I'll go comfort her.

Would you like to join me?

It's fine. Just go.

Sure.

Qingshi, Qingshi.

- I'm here. - Send invitations

to my elder brothers-in-law to Pan Restaurant.

My lord, you meet Mr. Du daily at court.

What if he asks why?

Tell him I want some advice.

Yes.

Everything feels dull.

I'd rather join Brother at his desk.

Sweet talks first

and then take control by punishments.

You need to punish him hard for him to learn the lessons.

Until he regrets his missteps,

I must hold myself.

I have no choice but to endure.

My lady.

Lord is waiting for you in the garden.

Let's go.

PEACEFUL VIBES

Orchids are the most popular this season.

Vendors sell them in the early mornings.

All sold out by dawn.

How did you know I love orchids?

I also know you like wearing flowers.

Always adorned with fragrant blooms.

The scent in this pavilion, what is it?

Didn't Sifu House sell incense cakes and powders?

You can't tell?

With orchids and jasmine in this garden,

it's hard to pinpoint the fragrance.

Last year at the palace banquet,

His Majesty gifted ambergris incense to us all.

It smelled too musky. So, I kept mine in storage.

I heard you love incense, so I had it retrieved.

Is that so?

I know you dislike the heat.

I stopped by a shop for cooling drinks.

Fresh treats

sent from the estate today.

Try some.

This plum blossom wine

is from Liang's shop.

The blossoms were picked in early winter. Preserved in honey jars with salt.

Wait until June for it to brew.

We sell it too,

but it's less fragrant.

I used to sneak out

with Leshan to buy it.

That's not a stop-by.

You bought it just for me?

Haode, I just

wanted to make you happy.

Happy? I'm very happy.

You don't need to trouble yourself for me.

I lack nothing in this house.

Though it's hot, too much cold drink isn't good

for the health.

My lord, bees! Bees!

Qingshi! Qingshi!

- Remove the flowers. - My lord.

- Don't sting me. - Hurry.

- Come here. - Don't sting me.

- Hurry! Move them all! - Hurry up!

- Quick! - Huizhao.

- Move them all. - Hurry up.

Come here.

Haode, it's okay.

Brother.

There are flowers everywhere, yet you still burn incense.

Are you upset I've been distant lately?

Is this to tease me?

Of course not.

Your brothers-in-law suggested this…

My brothers-in-law?

I wasn't sure what you liked.

So, I asked them for advice.

They said you love flowers, fragrance, and elegance.

That's why I tried to please you.

I'm sorry.

Does it hurt? Let me see.

Wife's favors,

you can know from daily life. Why ask others?

I fear I've been too attentive before.

Now you've seen me change my way,

you feel bad

and make insincere flattery.

People value what's hard to obtain.

Once they have it, it feels less special.

If I give you my heart,

will you change and leave me behind again?

Couples can live without deep love,

as long as there's respect.

But if you constantly fool me

with disrespect,

our marriage will end soon.

Haode.

Haode.

OFFICIAL RANKING LIST

Aren't you still upset?

Why come here?

Just speaking my mind. Who said I'm upset?

I'm not that petty.

A few days out of the study, and it's a mess.

Qingshi deserves punishment.

I told him not to clean up.

If it's neat, you'd never come back.

Haode.

You've done so much for me, I want to do something for you too.

But for so many years,

I've never tried to impress a woman.

I don't know how to do it.

Could you forgive me for being rusty?

I'd never blame you.

I painted it for you.

But they said you prefer flowers and incense.

If you like jeweled hairpins, I can…

Did I mess up again?

Forget it. The painting isn't good.

My sisters told me to be reserved and strategic.

But I'm not them. I can't do that.

What I treasure

isn't flowers or jewels.

It's a person.

I love his honesty and integrity.

I admire his devotion to justice

and truth.

I love his straightforwardness

and his rusty behavior.

I don't need him to learn from others.

I don't need playful moments with him.

I just want

a promise from him.

Haode.

I'll never let you go,

never lie to you, never hide from you, never hurt you again.

You're the mistress of the Shen family

and my only wife.

So, Brother,

did you find a solution to your worries?

I've figured out these days,

I don't want you mistreated by others.

I don't want you suffering somewhere I can't see.

Nor do I want you here

but keeping distance.

This makes me feel uncertain and out of reach.

Compared to the old traumas,

I am now afraid more

of losing you.

Promise me,

if you lie to me again,

- I'll-- - Never forgive me, never come back.

Never look back again.

I barely got a good look at it.

Haode, you're so unpredictable.

Among my sisters, I'm the easiest to please.

I haven't even used

half my tricks yet.

Then I should

pity my brothers-in-law.

- What did you say? - I said…

This painting looks like you but doesn't get your spirit.

It can't compare to the real you at all.

I'll paint another for you someday.

It's nothing. I'll go check on it.

My lord.

I can't handle it.

Haode.

Didn't you say no one would disturb us?

Are you deceiving me again?

There's a murder at the Lu house. Fang is accused.

What?

My lord, there was no fraudulent marriage.

It was my tenth son who went to meet her.

When the matchmaker proposed,

we didn't want to mess up the family order.

So, we arranged for my ninth son.

After setting the marriage date, we wrote to him

to return for the wedding.

But he took a shortcut to be on time.

Robbers attacked him,

leaving him scarred.

At the time of the betrothal,

he was handsome and talented.

This accident can't be called deception.

Moreover, once a marriage is promised,

wealth, status, or beauty shouldn't matter.

That vicious woman

despised his appearance. She schemed to murder him.

If he was injured on the way,

why didn't you explain before the wedding?

And who exactly came for the bride?

My lord, it wasn't intentional concealment.

The wedding date was fixed,

invitations sent.

A delay would've brought bad luck.

Who would do that?

We hoped the bride would join early and dispel the misfortune.

My son couldn't show his injured face.

Luckily, they look alike, and people can't tell the difference between them.

So, his brother acted as the groom.

That's not against the law, is it?

Still trying to cover it up?

Even if it wasn't fraud, it was deceit.

Before marriage, you should've explained,

waited for him to recover,

or annulled it. Both are okay.

Hiding the truth forced the bride to comply.

My lord, we admit the fault for concealing this.

Punish us however you see fit.

But Fang's attempted murder is heinous.

She deserves the death penalty. Please judge fairly, my lord.

Haode, you're finally here!

- Don't cry yet. - Haode.

Tell me. What happened exactly?

Sit here.

Haode.

On my wedding night,

the front hall feast went on forever.

The servants in the room were sent away.

I got tired waiting

and dozed off.

In the middle of the night, I heard

- three drumbeats. - My lady.

- Then I saw… - Wake up.

My lady, wake up.

- Hey. - Who are you?

My lady, I'm Lu Sheng.

- I don't know you. Go away. - What's wrong?

- My lady, I'm Lu Sheng. - Don't touch me!

- Don't be scared. - It's me.

- I'm Lu Sheng. - I don't know you.

Don't touch me! Go away!

- Don't be scared. - Don't touch me!

Why did you carry a weapon with you?

The trip to the capital was long.

I feared bandits,

so I had one made. I wore it under my dress.

The skirt covered it. No one noticed.

I meant to remove it before the wedding.

But as an orphan with only one servant,

I feared gossip about my character.

Showing the dagger to my husband would prove my purity.

Who'd think it would cause this disaster?

Haode.

Is Lu Sheng dead yet?

He's not dead,

but not alive either.

He's hanging by a thread.

If he dies,

won't I be buried with him?

Haode, I was terrified.

I didn't mean to kill him.

I didn't mean it!

Haode.

- Please help me! - Yuchan.

- Haode. - Yuchan, get up.

- Haode. - This won't do.

- Please save my life, Haode. - Get up.

Now, the Lu family claims in unison

that you planned to murder Lu Sheng.

According to Song law,

killing one's husband is a heinous crime.

It's one of the ten great evils.

I… I can't help you.

A heinous crime…

Yuchan! Yuchan!

Brother, the Lu family deceived her first.

This whole thing seems absurd. I doubt it too.

After investigating, we found Lu Sheng was indeed injured by bandits.

Merchant Wang Mu

and Dr. Liu Zaichang can both testify.

The fraud claim is baseless.

But they did hide the truth.

If Lu's family admitted it earlier, what would you have done?

Cancel the wedding.

And if the Lu family refused?

They'd take it to court in Kaifeng.

Any betrothed woman who backs out

would be punished with 60 lashes.

Even if she's promised to another, she must return to her original fiancé.

Haode.

The contract is no trivial matter.

Canceling a wedding over appearance

is no better

than the Deng family's greed.

Yuchan turned herself in,

so her penalty should be reduced.

But harming her husband is excluded from leniency.

She was terrified that night.

It was understandable to make such mistake.

If the Lu family had been honest, this wouldn't have happened.

Lu Sheng is only injured. Her crime doesn't warrant death.

It's pointless.

By law, her crime is punishable by death.

My lord.

Official Du and Commander Qiao are here.

- Let them in. - Sure.

My lady, Leshan is looking for you.

Got it.

Haode.

Is the court sentencing Yuchan to death?

Shen told you this himself?

Murdering her husband. Is it beheading or cutting from the waist?

Leshan, stop it.

Why are you here?

Haode, don't be mad.

Everyone in Bianjing

is watching this case. Even Mom is.

I prepared Yuchan's dowry myself.

Seeing her like this,

I can't bear it.

I keep thinking of a way to save her.

Murdering her husband on the wedding night.

Even the gods can't save her now.

Haode, why not ask her

if she has any last wishes?

We can help her fulfill them and ease her mind.

Isn't that Cui from Yuchan's side?

What's she sneaking around for?

If Master's spirit is watching,

please protect my young lady.

Don't let her die alone

as a wandering ghost.

Don't let her

end up without a burial place.

Please. Please protect her.

Cui.

You wretched maid.

Running off after seeing my sister. What guilt are you hiding?

How could I dare, living under your roof?

I was just mourning for my young lady,

alone and helpless,

hoping for a place to stand in this world.

I thought she'd found a good match.

Who'd expect it to end like this?

I just hate the heavens' unfairness. All I could do was cry for her.

She was rejected here and there.

But she chose the Lu family herself.

Your words are full of blame for my sister.

She helped prepare her marriage greatly. Now, it's all her fault?

What were you just burning? Are you cursing my sister?

I wouldn't dare! I was only…

Praying for your lady's blessing? Then, why hide it?

Who were you mourning before I came?

Murdering a husband is a death sentence.

If you want Yuchan to live, there's only one way.

My lady, may I say?

I've visited the Lu family to check on Lu Sheng.

He's still in a fevered coma.

The Lu family is furious.

They insist on sentencing her to death.

That's troubling.

If Lu Sheng survives, Yuchan may have a chance.

If not, she faces execution.

- Qiao Du. - My lord?

Send men to watch over the Lu family. Report immediately if he wakes.

Understood.

This can't wait.

This case

has the whole city's attention.

The verdict should be out tomorrow, so I came here for instructions.

Should we sentence her to dismemberment?

You're the presiding judge.

Do it by the law. It's your call.

No, no.

Absolutely not!

Haode, we're discussing the murder case.

Don't act rash.

Official Du,

what's the punishment for marrying during mourning?

Children must observe mourning for their parents.

Marrying in mourning is disrespectful.

It also violates state law.

During mourning, marriages are annulled

with a three-year sentence and a divorce.

So, they can't remain husband and wife?

She was engaged before her mourning ended?

Not just engaged.

Today is her last mourning day.

I saw Cui sneaking off earlier, burning offerings.

I questioned her, and she admitted it.

Turns out, they feared

her stepmother's provocations.

They lied about the mourning ending,

rushed the marriage to escape.

So, Fang stabbing Lu Sheng

isn't a murder case. Also, it can't be seen as a great evil.

Murderers get a three-year sentence,

but injurers face strangulation.

She still can't escape death.

Yuchan confessed

immediately after arrest.

The injury was to an outsider.

Turning herself in reduces her sentence.

Strangulation becomes exile.

Under the law,

exile spans 3,000 miles. She can take 20 lashes instead.

Plus--

One year of labor.

Fine, marrying in mourning unexpectedly saved her life.

What a twist of fate, life from death!

But marrying during mourning defies morality.

Taking a life is even more heartless.

Why would you go to such lengths for someone like her?

If she's good, I defend her.

If she's bad, I still defend her.

Because her crime doesn't warrant death.

Haode,

you've grown so impressive

since marrying Lord Shen.

Yuchan owes her life to you. You saved her.

Credit should go to my fair brother-in-law.

Qiao Du, send someone to Hangzhou

to investigate the Fang family.

- Write a full report. - Yes.

Brother, you're being overly cautious.

Even if Yuchan was careless,

she wouldn't forget

her own father's mourning period.

This is too serious. Cui wouldn't lie.

Just a routine check. Go.

Right away, my lord.

- You? - Since my brother-in-law is here,

and we've discussed the case,

let's move to the tea hall.

I've got some Jianzhou white tea.

It's the finest tea in the world. I'd like to share it with you.

Haode, your charm is something else.

Lord Shen finishes court business,

and then entertains guests?

- Please. - Please.

SIFU HOUSE

CLOSED FOR A DAY

She married before mourning ended.

So, it's not murder of her husband.

Mom, you should've seen Haode today.

She even outwitted Du.

I don't think so.

He's great at governance

and cases.

I think

he's showing mercy to Yunchan, letting her off.

But you were the one who found the flaw.

Without that, Yuchan was done for.

Mom, don't you think I'm right?

- Mom? - Mom?

Why are your eyes red?

My Haode's grown up.

You're so capable now.

I barely recognize you.

- Mom. - I'm just happy for you.

If I'd set this up myself,

I could've made a fortune.

Mom, what are you even saying?

Come here. Give me a hug.

Come here.

Mom.

I wish you'd all never grow up.

Then you'd always stay by my side.

But that's not how life works.

One day, I'll grow too old

to protect you.

That's why

you need to stand strong.

Mother, once Yuchan's case ends,

I'll move back home. I miss you so much.

Alright, alright.

Find someone for you sisters.

They haven't found anyone suitable yet.

My husband won't be easy to find.

He must be smarter than Du.

And funnier than Fan.

Richer than Chai and more respectful than Shen.

- Right? - Why are you scoffing?

Nonsense.

Find someone devoted to you.

- Someone who'll cherish only you. - Sure.

Haode,

you're here. It's chaos outside right now.

- What happened? - The marketplace is buzzing.

Many are discussing the case.

Lord Shen is impeached.

Officers from the Censorate claim he favors family in court.

What's going on?

All higher courts insist she violated the law.

And they know she's in a mourning period, yet they still charged her with murder.

They're insisting on a death sentence. It's completely unjust.

That's absurd.

Dali Supreme Court argued, even if this broke tradition,

she's an orphan, poor and helpless.

For survival,

marrying in mourning isn't rare.

Officials have often shown leniency.

Their families followed tradition.

But without legal resolution,

their marriage isn't officially annulled.

So, they're still a couple.

Breaking the law for sentiment?

If they cared about humanity, why sentence her to death?

My lord, the palace has summoned you.

The officials must've brought this case forward.

I handled the case, but they're blaming you.

They're accusing you of favoritism.

They want to use this case to stir trouble.

I'll go with you to explain.

I oversee Kaifeng Court.

Even if you judged this case,

you can't report it without my approval.

The palace summoned me. I'll go alone.

How will you argue alone against others?

Trust me.

My lady, you should advise him

to accept the death sentence and end this.

A life hangs in the balance.

How can we change the verdict out of fear?

He won't agree to it.

The lord has always been fair and just.

He's offended many powerful officials.

He'll become a target for this case.

Will they sentence her to death?

Some officials believe she doesn't deserve it.

But public opinion drowns them out.

I fear Yuchan

may not escape.

My husband said mobs are surrounding the court.

They demand the sentence be changed to death. Ridiculous.

His Majesty has ordered a joint trial.

But most officials support the death sentence.

Even the two lords

could be implicated.

I came today

to ask for your help. Convince Lord Du to reconsider.

If we act now, it'll be seen as justice served.

Any later, it might be too late.

I don't interfere with his work.

He's stubborn by nature. Advice won't sway him.

I told you this trip was pointless.

Shouhua would never ask him to change.

Kangning, you're the one with ideas. The priority now is saving her.

Shouhua,

your calmness is surprising. It's about his officialdom.

You don't want him to be punished, right?

It's not that I won't. It's that I can't.

Unless someone can turn the tide,

there's nothing I can do.

Do you have a plan, Mr. Qiao?

Why not just say it?

This shouldn't be done recklessly.

But the lord's been like a brother to me.

I can't stand by while he refuses to change it.

The storm is here, and there's no escape.

If we want to get rid of it…

- Unless… - Unless what?

Unless we remove the root of this mess. Forget it.

Pretend I never came.

Unless Fang Yuchan dies immediately,

the case ends for good. Is that right?

What are you saying?

LIU'S PHARMACY

Haode, this is risky.

If it goes wrong, we all go down.

Shouldn't we talk to Shen first?

Would he agree?

Enough. I've made my decision.

Don't talk me out of it.

Thank you, my lady.

This isn't the only trouble I'll handle.

Shouhua said her husband takes on everything.

I think you're the same.

You promised not to hide things from me.

But when things happen, here we are again.

Haode.

I just didn't want to worry you.

You were ready to send me away before.

Now, it seems you can't be without me.

Brother,

I'll help you, even without being asked.

Thank you, my lady.

Write it down.

Tonight

will not be easy.

Dr. Liu, when will my son wake up?

His injuries are severe. He's very weak.

I've changed his prescription. Let's wait.

Lord Xue,

I could never commit such an evil act.

Please, spare my life.

People only know Dr. Liu's fame.

But they don't know you sell faulty medicine.

How many lives has it taken?

Lord Xue!

I… I…

What's going on?

Help!

Someone help! The prisoner is ill.

Someone help!

Stop right there.

The Supreme Court's reviewed the case

under His Majesty's order.

I'm about to question the key suspect.

Where are you taking her?

Lord Xue, the prisoner fell suddenly ill.

She had chills, fever, and then delusions.

With this summer heat, malaria spreads fast.

To prevent an outbreak,

we'll isolate her. I've reported to Lord Shen.

She's ready to be sent to the infirmary

to control the spread of disease.

Malaria?

This is clearly an attempt to free the prisoner.

- Arrest them all! - Yes, my lord.

Subtitle translation by: Yi Yang