Original subtitles

Someone's knocking on the door, old man.

Why are you drinking again?

Can't you hear someone's knocking?

Someone's knocking?

It's late.

Who would visit at this hour?

Scholar Xiao Qing's Study

Old mister.

You two are...

Old mister, I'm student Gai Liangcai,

I'm here to look for a famous teacher,

I came all the way from Wu Jiang,

could you please tell Teacher Yan.

Master Gai, you're here at the wrong time.

Our master has gone travelling.

And when will Teacher Yan be back?

That's hard to say, two weeks at the earliest,

a year and a half at the latest.

Thank you.

Young master, it's dark, how could we travel?

Then...old mister.

It's already late.

I've come from afar and not familiar with this town.

Could I stay here for the night and leave by morning?

That...

Please do us a favour.

Old man.

The young lady sent me to ask

what they're here for.

Miss, I'm Gai Liangcai.

I'm here to seek the famous teacher.

Our master has gone travelling.

I've already told them.

But they hope to stay here for the night,

and leave in the morning.

Yes...please could you ask your lady for this favour.

Um...master is away, and only the young lady is here,

I'm afraid this would be inconvenient.

Ruoyun.

Lady, they are here to look for...

I know.

Miss Yan, it's my honour to meet you.

Ruoyun, they've travelled a long way.

It's late,

let them stay in the study for the night.

Yes.

Thank you, Miss Yan.

Miss.

Please.

Gai Liangcai is delighted even though he couldn't

find his teacher after the long trip.

Miss Yan is so pretty, she's made his heart stomp.

From where do the sad tunes emerge?!

The moon is dim, with sheets of clouds.

The long night is warm yet cool.

The breeze blows off leaves, the shades of flora...

The light shades of flora across the pond.

It's you! How could you...

Oh, I'm too crude.

Qiurong...

Qiurong...

What are you doing here?

Oh it's you.

Yes, it's me.

Don't you know the proper manners?

Walking around our residence in the middle of the night

It's my fault.

You called me?

Since you know you're wrong,

why did you steal this?

This? I didn't steal it, I picked it up.

You picked it up? Show me how.

What are you doing?

Is this medicine for the lady?

Yes, so?

Is the lady sick?

How did you know?

I know a little bit about being a doctor.

You do?

Yes...I'm from a family of doctors.

Internal medicine, surgery, gynaecology, paediatrics,

headaches, leg pains...

I guarantee my prescription could heal anything.

Who needs your prescription?

My lady isn't sick,

this is just a restorative, you shouldn't pry.

Miss.

What are you doing here still?

Are you alright?

Are you alright?

Mind your own business, just leave.

Right away...

Ruoyun, are you alright?

No, I'm fine.

That scholar is really rude.

He sneaking around

over here at this hour

I dropped the medicine because of him.

I'm not too keen on the medicine.

My lady, I don't like that scholar.

I think he's up to something.

Ruoyun, don't make your judgment so soon.

He seems like a gentleman.

Gentleman? He's more like a wolf in a sheep's skin.

I wouldn't have let him stay if I knew better.

Let me kick them out right now!

Ruoyun, never mind.

They're leaving tomorrow.

It will be fine when they've left.

My lady.

I can't believe it.

What is it? Ruoyun.

I tried to kick him out, but he's all those excuses.

Saying Wu Jiang is far away,

he must wait till the weather is fine.

Don't be mad. They've travelled a good distance here.

If one cannot be considerate,

nice people are hard to find anywhere.

You're too kind but it's hard to tell about the others.

The scholar speaks rudely,

he asked me whether you're engaged.

And his servant,

very sly-looking.

I'm sure he's not a good man.

Don't worry, they'll leave when it stops raining.

We'll be careful.

The rain is getting on my nerves.

My wish is granted! Heaven is on my side!

Her eyes are watery,

so pure and elegant.

A chance to meet her after travelling far is worth it.

I must seize my chance.

Scholars are often matched with beauties.

I just need a plan to achieve my goal.

Setting up an artful plan,

and will learn from Scholar Zhang to taste the scent.

Taste the scent?

I thought we brought some incense with us.

Pay attention.

I'm referring to the lady we saw last night.

Oh, she seems nice.

I meant stealing the beauty.

What?

Drink it while it's still warm, lady.

I think it's about to rain again.

Lady.

It's getting cold, drink it before you go to sleep.

Ruoyun, you go and sleep first.

Gai Liangcai, man without conscience, he's violated her

Why does it keep on raining?

Poor girl! She's in grief and indignation.

He's trying to convince her with sweet talk.

She has no idea what to do.

He keeps making pledges of love,

and she hopes he's telling the truth.

Time and tide, summer has past in a flash.

Sister Ruoyun.

What? You almost scared me.

Sorry...

What is it?

Tell you what, my master said

we'll leave tomorrow.

Really?

Of course.

Great.

But I wonder if the lady'd be happy to see my master go

What's that got to do with me?

But me...

What about you?

I'll miss you.

You will?

Yes...

Guess what I think?

You'll miss me too.

Not a chance.

Don't worry, I'll be back.

Although I'm not from an eminent family,

but I know how a lady should behave.

We cannot continue like this,

Hope you'll send a matchmaker soon to ask for my hand.

Don't you worry, lady. I'm not a heartbreaker.

Master Gai, we await your good news soon.

Please don't keep my lady waiting too long,

please don't break her heart.

My husband, time is running out.

It's because I...I...

What is it?

I'm pregnant.

Really?

Really?

My lady.

Gai Liangcai, what do you plan to do now?

I will go back first thing in the morning,

and shall arrange the wedding.

We met in the evening in front of blooming flowers.

And we'll part in the dusk.

I wish it will be a short separation.

This place is where my heart is.

My dear husband, don't forget about this place,

don't forget that I'm waiting for your good news.

It's a long way to go to Wu Jiang,

you must be careful.

Thank you for your deep affection, my lady.

I'll remember everything you say.

I'll tell my father about my love for you.

And I'll return to marry you.

Picking up the bride in a bridal sedan chair.

Greeting the parents in the ceremony hall.

A match made in heaven, and they'll grow old together.

The newlyweds entering the bridal chamber.

The chamber is set romantically.

Pair of Mandarin ducks embroidered on the silk curtain.

The bride waits by the ivory bed,

the groom is drunk and happy.

His wish has been granted.

Lifting up her veil in delight.

What a pretty and graceful bride!

And here she yearns for her husband's return.

Lady...you're in the study again.

Ruoyun, do you think he'll be back?

It's been months, he'd be back by now if he means to.

He wouldn't be so ungrateful.

Master.

Come on...have a drink with me.

Please, master.

My dear husband.

You're...

Come on...have a drink with me.

My lady.

Come on...drink.

You're drunk again.

Have a good time while you can,

who knows what happens tomorrow.

Drink!

Husband, you're indulged in drinking and women,

what about your studies and future?

Future? How much does it worth?

My dear husband.

What?

My dear husband.

Studying hard for ten years,

a man should work towards an scholarly honour.

Please don't waste your youth.

You must know time is precious.

Whether one's rich and successful is all up to destiny.

I'm much happier to make merry while I can,

why should I work hard to get a good title?

Your father is the senior official of Suzhou.

You're born in such a good environment;

If you don't focus on your study,

how could you face your family?

For the last three generations I'm the only son.

Now that we're rich,

you shouldn't care about other things,

just worry about giving me a son next year.

It's okay to bear a child but hard to teach them well

That's a mother's job.

And you should be a role model.

A role model?

Idle young, needy old

I hope you will change for the better in time.

Gan Luo, a teenage minister.

Kuang Heng, a scholar turned minister.

Yue Fei's mother, though poor, taught her son to write.

Old Minister Jiang contributed to his country at 80.

All these generals and ministers of state,

they all studied hard to be successful.

I hope you'll put some thought into this,

stop idling your time away.

Enough...

You think I don't know?

Dear husband...

Mind your own business, you've said quite enough.

As long as you'll deliver me

a healthy baby son next year.

Dad.

Old master.

Shut up! Our Yan Family is a family of scholars,

I often lecture people on having the proper behaviour,

and yet, you've brought upon me such disgrace!

What about my reputation? You...might as well be dead.

Dad...

Old master, please forgive the young lady.

Go to hell!

My lady, you...

You are pregnant.

If you die without a reason,

why don't you go to Wu Jiang and find Gai Liangcai.

The vast landscape is spectacular,

there's no sign of any rotten leaves or branches.

This is the time of enjoyment,

new joy has overcome all old worries.

Good verse!

Master, Gai Fu handed me a letter,

he said it's from two young people.

Place it here.

Gai Fu said they're waiting for your reply, master.

Where's the young mistress?

She's in the back hall.

My husband Liangcai...

Wait outside.

Yes.

To my husband Liangcai.

Qiaoer.

Master.

Where's the messenger?

In the front hall.

Ask Gai Fu to take 10 taels of silver and see them off,

tell them not to return again.

Yes.

Qiaoer.

Yes, my lady.

What's the matter with you?

Someone delivered a letter.

I was asked to send them off with ten taels of silver.

Dear

Who is the letter from?

A poor friend hoping to get a loan, so annoying.

It's kind to help the others in need.

You should be happy to help.

I'm happy to help people in distress.

I'm glad to help the poor.

Look, it's snowing and so cold outside.

Must be a struggle for the poor.

If I don't help them, who will?

My husband.

Dear

Alright...

I'll go have a drink, write poems and enjoy the snow.

We'll talk after I come back.

Master, Gai Fu told me that

the two young visitors

said they're old friends of yours, and must see you.

So ten taels won't send them off?

Tell them I'm not here.

Gai Fu has led them to the study.

Tell them I won't meet them.

It's snowing heavily;

Since they're here, why don't you go and meet them?

So annoying.

You can't ignore your guests.

My husband Liangcai.

And my guests are...?

Master Gai.

You two?

Master Gai, it's been eight months,

don't you recognise us?

Qiurong, you...how?

You never expected we would be here, would you?

My dear husband.

Why are you so reckless? You should have told me.

Master Gai, if we're not so reckless,

how could we see you?

My husband, it's been over half a year,

have you forgotten all about me?

I came all the way to Wu Jiang,

and you are ignoring me.

Alas, poor me!

What do you think you're doing?

Master Gai, because of you...

my lady has lost her reputation and family.

Now that we're here,

what plans do you have for her?

Didn't I give you ten taels of silver

and tell you to go home?

Ten taels of silver?

Is that the worth of three lives?

Nonsense.

Ruoyun.

My lady.

Ten taels of silver...

For old times' sake,

Gai Fu...

Yes.

Master.

Bring three hundred taels of silver here.

Yes.

Think on the bright side.

At this stage, I think I should be frank with you.

You're saying...

Since I got back, I was under my father's order

to marry a daughter of an illustrious family.

No wonder I have no news of you for months.

You heartless man with no conscience.

You drugged and took advantage of me.

I had no say in this because I'm pregnant.

I've been waiting for you day after day.

I've been counting the days you were gone.

And you've married someone else!

What do you plan to do with me now?

My lady.

Think it over carefully.

You're from a low background, it isn't a good match.

It was merely some fun,

it was just a fling, nothing more.

My lady.

Qiaoer.

Who told you to bring the tea here?

The young mistress.

The young mistress?

Leave now.

Yes.

Master.

Leave us.

Yes.

300 taels of silver, this is the best I can do.

Take care of yourself from now on.

My lady, how could we take the money?

We...

Ruoyun, not a word.

Three hundred taels of silver to send me off;

It seems like I've been stabbed in the heart.

I hate that there's no place I could voice my despair.

I might as well kill myself here.

My lady.

You...

My lady.

What's this?

My lady.

Gai Hu, Gai Bao...

Here, master.

Kick them out!

Yes.

Wait.

We can walk ourselves out,

you don't need to worry.

Very well! Go ahead.

Gai Liangcai, since you're so mean,

you can't blame us for what we'll do.

Come on, let's go, my lady.

If you die here,

you might as well take him to the court.

What was that?

I said we'll take this to the court.

You drugged her, impregnated her and abandoned her.

Your future will be ruined.

Let's go, my lady.

Wait.

What else do you have to say?

I tried to be nice, and what you're doing to me?

If that's the case, you can stay.

What do you want to do?

Oh, nothing much. Gai Hu, Gai Bao.

Here.

Lock them up in storage hut.

Go!

Master.

Gai Hu, Gai Bao.

Here.

Burn the hut down at midnight.

That...

Be careful, I'll reward you handsomely afterwards.

Thank you, master.

Be careful.

Yes.

It's ten o'clock, Qiurong and her maid are in danger.

The Gai Residence will be a murder scene.

The whole family can be in trouble for his misdeeds.

I want to stay out of this,

but I must do something to save them.

If I set them free,

I just don't know how to face my husband afterwards.

Sister Qiurong...

Sister Qiurong...

Who are you?

I'm... you don't need to worry about that now,

just run!

Run? Is he trying to kill us?

Yes, that's why...

Who are you really?

I'm his...just run.

You're the young Mrs. Gai.

No wonder you're trying to get us out of here.

Don't you worry.

We don't want to stay here any longer.

Come on, let's go, my lady.

Sister Qiurong... I hope you won't misunderstand me.

How?

Let me be honest with you.

My husband plans to burn the hut down at midnight,

burn you two alive.

Really?

Of course.

My lady...

Sister Qiurong...

I...hate...him.

I hate him that he's so ruthless.

It's terrible that he's abandoned me.

And he's trying to kill us?

I won't let him get away with it even if I die.

He just wouldn't listen to me.

I had to come here on my own.

So that I could save you,

and also to prevent a terrible disaster.

You...

Sister Qiurong.

Run! They will be here soon.

Oh no!

Master! Problem!

What's going on?

Ruoyun and Miss Yan are missing!

What should we do?

You two are useless!

Go and find them!

Yes.

My husband.

It's late, where're you off to, my wife?

What are you doing here at this hour?

I was studying in the study.

Studying.

You better head back to your room.

What are you doing here in the snow?

Nothing much.

More like practising martial arts rather than studying.

Why would I?

If you are not,

then why carry a sword?

That...

My husband

Don't worry about this.

I'd like to ask you something.

You seem to be preoccupied today,

is something bothering you?

My wife, you know what a woman's place is.

Why do you keep nagging?

Why didn't you tell me of your wrongdoings?

Tell me, what did I do wrong?

Then, who's Yan Qiurong?

Sorry?

It's wrong to have drugged someone,

and marry me instead? It's too late for Qiurong now.

But burning someone alive?

Shut your mouth.

You've sinned over and over.

I beg you to think twice, and correct your faults.

So you're the one who set them free.

Yes I did, but it's too late now.

Very well, after I've found Qiurong,

I'll take care of you.

My husband, you must think it over.

Master.

Move aside.

My husband

Have you found them?

The back door is open, I don't see them anywhere.

It's all because of you! Lead me to them!

Yes.

My husband...

Please...let them go.

You've to pay with your own life for killing someone.

Move aside.

My husband...

The mistress and maid run hastily,

poor souls are too tired and they stumble.

Carry on!

Looking at the flowing river,

but where to find a boat to cross it on a winter night?

Heaven has forsaken me,

why should I keep on living in disgrace?

I can't resolve this now,

I should wait to avenge in my next life.

My lady.

A murky sky,

I'm numbed by the freezing snowflakes.

People should treat each other warmly,

but yet they don't.

Good move! It's best that you killed yourselves.

My dear.

Qiurong...

How could you, you killed her?

No...she jumped into the river.

Looking at the running river,

I regret that I'm here too late.

What a shame that you've such a husband.

What a pity that you've drowned.

My wife.

My dear

She's dead, why mourn for her?

Let's go back.

Go back? Where to?

It's freezing, what would you do here?

Let's go home.

I don't want to.

Where are you off to, honey?

I despise a husband like you and rather be with parents.

Sweetie, there's a reason to what happened tonight.

For the sake that we're married.

For the sake that we're married?

Anyone would mourn a loss of life.

What are you trying to say?

We've our different paths.

So you're not coming home?

I'd rather die than turning back.

I hope you will make a wise decision,

at this point you don't really have a choice.

What do you want to do?

Go home with me.

Go home with you?

With a heartless man like you?

How can I live with you?

Unless, unless you wish to take my corpse back.

I think Qiurong is still alive, she's struggling.

Where?

Over there...

Where?

There...

Gai Hu.

What is it?

Nothing. Waiting for your order, master.

Go home now, I'll give you a big reward.

Thank you, master.

Let's go.

Yes.

Master, these are footprints of two people,

I think they're two women, heading that way.

Qiurong and her maid could be alive, just tricking us.

Oh, come on!

It's late and snowing so heavily, how could they be?

That...

Let's go and take a look.

Yes.

Goddess of Heaven.

My lady, rest here.

My lady...

Water...

My lady, you...

My lady.

Are you alright, my lady?

You've a fever, don't eat the snow.

I'll take a look around,

and try to get you some hot tea.

Goddess of Heaven, this is Qiurong,

please hear my prayers.

I pray that you could do me justice.

O Goddess of Heaven...

My poor baby is innocent.

Who is it?

A passer-by.

Can I help you?

Old mister, madam.

I'm a passer-by, and would like to get some hot tea.

Of course...

It's cold, come on in.

Come on in.

Thanks.

Go near the fire.

I'll get you a cup of tea.

Thank you.

It's late.

Why are you wandering around in the snow?

Ruoyun, is it you?

What are you doing here?

You are...young Mrs. Gai, how come you...

You know each other?

If not for this kind old man who saved me,

I'd be drowned.

Anyone would do the same.

Where's your lady?

She...

Come on...have some tea.

Thank you, old madam.

This tea is for my lady.

Your lady?

Where is she?

In the Temple of Goddess of Heaven nearby.

So you tricked us.

Where can you run now?

Master, I think she's dead.

Dead?

It's you.

You don't expect to see me one last time?

Good, now that you're here.

Where's Ruoyun?

She...

What?

Tell me, where's that brat Ruoyun?

Where is she?

She...

Where is she? Tell me.

Speak up.

I'll tell you...she's...

Where's she? Tell me.

She drowned.

Drowned?

Gai Hu, let's go.

My lady, now that you're dead

How am I supposed to live on my own?

Ruoyun, don't cry so loudly.

The cold blooded murderer is still around,

he'll be back if he hears you.

And we'll be in trouble.

My lady, you treat me like family,

I'm willing to die in order to thank you.

And what good would that be?

Who will avenge for her?

My lady.

Sister Qiurong.

My lady.

Sister Qiurong.

My lady.

Sister Qiurong.

My lady.

It's you both.

-Sister Qiurong. -My lady.

It's us. How are you?

My heart is torn apart,

and now my tears have dried up.

This was a bad dream,

there's nothing except regret.

Sister Qiurong, take care of yourself.

We'll take this to the court,

I'm determined to bring that murderer to justice.

I fear that my life's ending.

Poem on the handkerchief is the evidence! I don't...

I don't believe there's justice in this world.

-Sister Qiurong. -My lady.

Stained with blood and ink,

love has turned sour.

Love and yearning that lasts till the end of life.

Blood and tears have turned to hate and sorrow.

It's too late now.

Goddess of Heaven.

An escape in the snow has turned into death.

Why didn't you try to help? Are you not moved at all?

Poor woman! She died for nothing.

How can you fill the loss of two lives?

Would you ever try to help?

Who could avenge for her?

Goddess of Heaven.

I've said so much,

why don't you say anything?

You ignored all my pleas

Trying to seek help from the heaven,

or has heaven abandoned me?

Fair and just

Might and force.

Kneel, bow.

Your honour, the drummer is here.

How dare you! According to the book,

forty spanks on the drummer.

Judge, I'm willing to take the punishment.

Injustice!

My lady was killed, she was pregnant.

Miss Wen is just trying to help.

If you must punish someone, please punish me.

Who are you trying to sue?

My own husband.

There are three types of people one can't sue.

And you're suing your own husband?

According to the book, you would get forty spanks,

and then get thrown out.

Are you aware of this?

Yes, I am. But it's a serious case.

I've proof, and I'm willing to take my chances.

Please Your Honour, give me a chance.

Do you have a statement?

Yes.

Bring it here.

Yes.

The plaintiff is Yan Qiurong,

acting on her behalf is Wen...you...

I'm Wen Shuzhen.

Look at me.

Court adjourned.

Court adjourned.

Your Honour, the plaintiff is here.

Your Honour.

Father-in-law

Now since it's not the courtroom, you may not kneel.

Thank you, father-in-law.

Your Honour, lives were lost,

why aren't you interrogating in the front hall?

Father-in-law.

Who's she?

She's the maid of Yan Qiurong.

She's here with me.

Take her to rest and wait for the trial.

Yes.

Your Honour, you must right this wrong.

Father-in-law.

If this is true,

I'll make a fair judgment in the main hall,

don't worry.

Thank you, Your Honour.

Daughter-in-law, are the accusations all true?

For the sake of justice, I had to sue my husband.

Please give a fair trial, father-in-law.

You claim that Liangcai pushed you into the river.

According to him, he said you were an adulterer,

you killed yourself due to shame, could you explain?

Father-in-law,

I've been observing the proper conduct being a woman,

he wanted me dead,

and he made such slanderous accusations.

Chastity is the most important virtue in a woman,

I won't let him ruin my name.

Do you have proof?

You could summon Gai Hu as a witness.

It's stated in the law that it's wrong

for a wife to sue her husband.

I wouldn't care about my life,

but I must not lose my reputation.

If I'm found lying about this...

And?

I'm willing to be executed.

Please investigate, you could summon Gai Hu.

Send Gai Hu in.

Yes.

Stand aside for now, I'll question him.

Father-in-law, you must be impartial.

I'll make a fair judgment.

Thank you, father-in-law.

Old master.

I want to ask you something, you must be honest.

I wouldn't dare to lie, what could I tell you?

How did young Mrs. Gai die?

That...why are you asking me that, master?

The truth.

Mrs. Gai...she...jumped into the river.

Is that the truth?

I saw that with my own eyes.

Gai Hu.

Young mistress...

How could you?

Stop.

Father-in-law,

Gai Hu is lying, this is wrong.

Your false claims have ruined my reputation.

Not only that Qiurong's case couldn't be solved,

you've done me wrong.

Liangcai is his own son,

it seems like there's no one else I could tell.

I should only kill myself to prove my innocence,

and for the victim.

Gai Hu, do you have anything else to say?

Gai Hu.

Young mistress.

Have some conscience, tell the truth.

Young mistress.

Young mistress, it's my fault...

What else do you have to say?

Old master.

Young master pushed the young mistress into the river,

I saw that myself.

Why did you say she killed herself?

It's because... the young master ordered me to.

Father-in-law, when my husband killed Qiurong,

Gai Hu saw it, he was there.

That...

And?

Yes...I saw that too, the young master...

Shut up.

Lock him up.

Yes.

Father-in-law.

You...

Do you know what does one deserve for killing someone?

A life for a life, the killer should be executed.

No parent could ill-treat their own children.

But you can't bend the laws to your favour.

If your husband is executed, who could you rely on?

I'll become a nun.

But you're married to him after all.

Conjugal love?

The respect between husband and wife?

His wife is drowned, I'm Wen Shuzhen.

We all have parents,

he killed Qiurong and the baby she was carrying.

I'm suing him to save the family from future trouble.

Father-in-law, you're a senior official in Suzhou.

You still have brilliant prospects.

Prospects? It's a disaster.

Liangcai committing a crime brings the family to an end

I'll be taking care of you as if you're my own father,

I'll be doing your son's duties till the end.

Father-in-law.

Guards.

Here.

Old master.

Get the young master here.

Yes.

Dad.

Father-in-law.

My wife.

I hope you can give me a second chance, my dear.

As long as you don't testify, my life can be saved.

Think about how evil you were by the river.

Pushing me in then, did you think of the consequences?

If you were not from a family with status,

do you think you could get away with this?

What's been done is done.

I hope you'll consider our love.

If only you would have said this then,

this wouldn't be happening now.

Sister Qiurong died tragically,

she could never rest in peace.

I'll build a shrine; set up a spiritual tablet for her.

I'll offer her incense and sacrifices often.

It'll be a proper burial ground, and on her tombstone

it will be written that she's Mrs. Gai.

Rituals will be carried on for forty nine days,

monks will be praying for her soul.

Rituals and prayers for her soul,

Giving her the title as Mrs. Gai.

Even I'm ashamed to be a member of the Gai Family,

do you think she would be willing to?

It's all your wrong doings.

Father-in-law is fair and impartial.

National Law is a kindness of the king.

Dad, please have mercy.

Your Honour, impart a fair judgement,

you will be thanked in generations to come.

Gai Liangcai, you learnt nothing from your studies,

you murdered Yan Qiurong; she was pregnant at the time.

Witnesses & evidence point that you've broken the laws!

Behead!