Original subtitles

=The Road to Splendor=

(Adapted from China Literature author Zhizhi's novel of the same name)

=Episode 8=

You don't have to go this far.

Wasn't the whole point today

to get people talking?

We've already put on enough of a show

for everyone watching.

What about you?

Did she tell you what she's been daydreaming about?

I know what she wants now.

Madam Wei,

(Longevity) I heard

you obtained a rare set of Pai Gow tiles.

This set of Pai Gow tiles

was crafted by a master artisan in Yunze.

I acquired it from him.

Its tiles are carved from premium ivory

with exquisite workmanship.

Every pattern on them

is inlaid with fine gold thread.

Thanks to Madam Wei's reminder just now,

it brought a dream to mind.

Once I dreamed of a set of Pai Gow

just like this one.

Ivory base with gold-thread inlay.

It matches exactly

what Madam Wei described.

When we meet the Sixteenth Master later,

think carefully what to say.

There's one thing I fail to understand.

When seeking bribes,

silver and gold suffice.

Why hunt for rare curios instead?

From what you told me,

this Pai Gow is Madam Wei's

most cherished treasure.

I fear

she will not bear to part with it.

Madam Yan cares deeply for rare curios

for a particular reason.

She has only three daughters

and no sons

to carry on the family legacy.

Those precious artifacts

are meant to be dowries

for her girls' weddings.

Lord Yan holds a vital role in salt transport.

He ought to act with great caution.

Yet his wife openly takes bribes,

a sign that the couple has long been at odds.

The one the Sixteenth Master picked

is truly sharp-witted.

Then what shall we do

to get started?

Since Madam Wei holds the key,

let me take this matter in hand.

I have long been acquainted with her.

And I can grasp her inclinations well enough.

I may mediate between the sides.

Very well.

I shall leave this task to you, Madam Yu.

Is this the Pai Gow

you just acquired?

We finally get to lay eyes on it today.

I thought we played just yesterday

and now again today.

How can you be so fond of Pai Gow?

It's truly a treasure, isn't it?

It feels cool to the touch

and the gold-thread inlay work is exquisite.

The feel is utterly unique.

Why don't we

just start playing?

Let's play.

Come on.

Madam,

Madam Yu has arrived.

Madam Yu?

Madam Yu.

Madam Wei, I've heard

you've acquired a rare set of Pai Gow.

I'm hoping to get an identical one for myself,

but I don't know where to find it.

You are always well-informed,

Madam Yu.

Sadly,

such fine treasures

are never sold on the open market.

I've exhausted all my connections,

searched far and wide,

and finally managed to obtain this set.

I have no wish to part with it for the time being.

So I truly cannot tell you

where you might find

another exactly the same.

Your husband, Lord Wei,

has served as a sixth-rank governor

under your father for five years.

Word has it recently

he's in line for a promotion.

A curious tale came to my mind.

The other day I watched an opera

telling the story

about a wealthy merchant who married his daughter to a poor scholar.

After the scholar passed the imperial exam,

his father-in-law bought him one official post after another.

When he reached the senior sixth rank,

the merchant refused to spend another coin on him.

Since you love operas, Madam Wei,

might you enlighten me?

Why was that?

What other reason could there be?

He did not wish the young man to rise too swiftly

lest he forget his roots.

I see now.

Look at this dog.

It receives such lavish favor.

Does it not rely entirely on its master's power?

If you dote on it,

it becomes a precious plaything.

If you withhold your favor,

it is nothing at all.

But all that aside,

it still manages to amuse me.

You don't wish Lord Wei to climb ranks too hastily,

yet you cannot bear to see him wronged.

I have a plan that satisfies both sides.

My husband holds the post of Left Censor-in-Chief.

All promotions and appointments

of officials fall under his jurisdiction.

A single letter from me

will make him know exactly how to arrange this.

In the official world,

steadiness comes first.

We can grant Lord Wei a minor half-rank promotion first.

Let him train under his father-in-law for several years,

to temper his character.

Once he is transferred to the capital,

he shall receive a full promotion at once.

You truly understand me, Madam.

(Yu Residence)

Madam,

this was delivered by Madam Wei's messenger.

Ms. Shu,

deliver this Pai Gow

to the Xie Residence on Yangliu Lane.

Yes, Madam.

(Yan Residence)

Master, you're home.

You must be worn out today.

I've prepared soothing tea for you.

Would you care for a cup later?

No need.

You should rest early tonight.

(Lord Yan, Western Capital) From now on,

(Salt Transport Commissioner) you must restrain yourself.

Grand Secretary Liu sent word.

The Imperial Envoy has left the capital in secret.

But there's no trace of him to this day.

When things seem off, something's wrong.

Yes, Master.

I shall decline all banquets tomorrow.

I'll remain in the residence to pray.

Then...

Master...

(Yan Residence)

Miss Xie.

What brings you here?

Madam, perhaps you should take

a look first.

You are truly resourceful.

Everyone has their own way.

It suffices if I can ease your worries, Madam.

I recall

your surname

is Xie?

Yes.

I come from a lesser branch of the Xie family in Jiangnan.

My fiance goes by Mr. Zhao.

We control

some salt trading business.

Where do you source your salt?

And how exactly

do you transport it into Yongning Prefecture City?

Madam,

we load the salt at Qinglong Gully in Lu Prefecture.

We travel by mule caravan across the Weibei Tableland.

We pass Xiang Prefecture without entering Xuantie Pass,

taking a detour through Cuiping Valley to reach Yongning Prefecture.

The Yulin garrison troops up north are short on salt.

You dare to ship salt through the ancient road to Fu Prefecture?

The patrol station at Sanyan Bridge over there

is not to be trifled with.

On the seventh of every month, the patrol changes guard.

Hide twenty cartloads of wheat straw in the Huanglong Mountain hollow.

The salt bags go underneath.

Slip the guards some tea money,

and they'll let you through.

Take a seat.

No wonder you come from a proper merchant family.

Business must be quite substantial, I imagine?

Throughout the northwest,

no matter how big the business,

it still has to go through you, Madam Yan.

The other day,

your fiance seemed quite fond of you.

It's all just for show.

Isn't that why he sent me to come and pay my respects?

When it comes down to it,

it's only for his own business.

He trusts you, though.

This family business is vast,

and you know it inside out.

After all, there are some tasks

he can't show his face for.

Putting a woman forward

is much more convenient than acting himself.

Madam.

I'd like, on behalf of my fiance, Mr. Zhao,

to ask

for a salt permit, Madam Yan.

May I ask

if you would grant me this favor?

When salt permits are issued in a few days,

have Mr. Zhao wait

at the Salt Inspection Station.

Thank you, Madam.

Mr. Yu.

In a few days,

the autumn provincial exam will be held.

The weather's turning cold.

I have sewn a pair

of silk shoes for you.

I hope you stay healthy

and pass the exam with top marks.

Keep them safe.

You think of me every day,

but you should take care of yourself, too.

Take good care of Miss Fan.

She's feeling upset.

Mozhan,

stop it.

I know Madam favors the Ninth Young Lady Fu.

I should be more diligent.

Chengxin.

Madam,

recently,

indeed has been keeping much closer company

with Ninth Young Lady Fu.

My imperial exam is near.

She can't interfere anymore.

So she goes to pester Miss Fan.

Find someone.

My master sent

these Huzhou brushes and Huizhou ink for you, sir.

May you succeed

in the imperial exams.

Once you get it done,

I can arrange a top-tier examination hall for you.

Thank you, Mr. Yu.

I am

a Xiucai from Huaying County.

After ten years of hard study,

his talents

remained unrecognized.

But instead,

the Ninth Young Lady Fu favors me.

Good!

Go on!

Her father

is a fifth-rank official in the capital.

Her mother's family, the Xie family of Jiangnan, is wealthy.

She is blessed and brilliant.

Everyone praises her.

But who knew...

What happened?

What's wrong?

She turned out to be a shameless woman!

Good!

The Xie family of Jiangnan?

Miss Xie?

She was

already betrothed to me,

and threw me over

to chase after an Imperial Envoy!

(Grand Secretary Liu sent word:)

(the Imperial Envoy has left the capital in secret.)

(But there's no trace of him to this day.)

Have someone look into her fiance,

Mr. Zhao,

and find out who he really is.

Yes, Madam.

(Yan Residence)

Found it.

The Fu family of Huaying

does have a Ninth Young Lady.

Her mother's family is the Xie family of Jiangnan.

But Mr. Zhao's background is unknown.

Nothing can be found on him.

(Could he really be an Imperial Envoy?)

(Yong'an)

(Miss Xie,)

(Madam Yan has invited you)

(for tea at Yong'an Wharf right now.)

(Her intentions may not be good.)

(Mr. Zhao is at the wharf today.)

(I must go.)

That's wonderful.

Madam.

Let's leave.

For me,

I hate being lied to more than anything.

You came to do business with me,

but hid who you really are.

If you can't explain yourself today,

I'll kill your man.

Madam.

It's not that I won't be honest.

It's truly...

It's truly hard to speak of.

That Xiucai was right,

but not entirely.

I am indeed from the Fu family of Huaying.

To appease my cousin's wife

and keep the memorial arch,

they agreed to my betrothal to that Xiucai.

But right then,

Mr. Zhao came to Huaying on business.

He falsely claimed to be an Imperial Envoy.

To save myself,

I had no choice but to cling to him.

An Imperial Envoy?

Falsely claimed?

He...

He's nothing but a salt smuggler.

I feared you would worry, Madam,

so earlier

I dared not say more.

After all, we've pledged our lives to each other.

Mr. Zhao comes from bandit stock.

He's been wanted by the authorities for ages.

I just...

I just want

a peaceful life, that's all.

That's why I thought

I'd seek your help, Madam,

to ask for a salt permit.

Madam,

I beg you to show mercy.

Even if you won't give us the permit,

I beg you.

Please don't take our lives.

You poor thing.

Quick, help Miss Xie up.

You're overthinking this.

I'm just an ordinary woman.

What could I possibly do to him?

You're so worried about him.

How about

you go and see him?

Thank you, Madam.

Mr. Zhao!

What?

She just ran up and hugged him right away.

She really did.

Run.

They're going to kill you.

On the boat.

Pass my order. Stick to the plan.

I need to test his true colors.

Your reputation...

Now that we're leaving,

the case can't be investigated anymore.

But just now, with everyone watching,

you acted so close to me.

If you're branded as a woman who eloped,

you'll truly have nowhere to go.

But I can't watch you die.

I'm the one who brought you into this.

I have to make sure you get out alive.

Even if she believes

I ran off with a salt smuggler.

She must not believe

you are the Imperial Envoy.

Too late.

Madam Yan is no ordinary woman.

She's already set her mind on killing us.

Looks like we'll have to fight our way out.

Take the water route and there are our men waiting.

I'll clear a path for us.

Mr. Zhao!

Look who I brought you.

Catch.

(Fur Shop)

So you're the one who fired the signal arrow.

Who are you?

This is Jiuweijiao.

Mr. Zhao.

Mr. Zhao?

This disguise is pretty good.

Much more handsome than last time.

Show some respect.

This is

Mr. Zhao's true face.

Then remember this face well.

From now on,

we recognize the face, not the token.

Greetings, Mr. Zhao.

(He really is Jiuweijiao.)

Madam Yan, you still dare to come?

I was blind not to recognize greatness.

I didn't know you were

the fearsome Jiuweijiao himself.

So, are we still doing

the salt permit business

or not?

Right now,

the heat is on outside.

The heat is on outside.

If you and your husband are of one mind,

then that's fine.

But unfortunately,

I see that you and Lord Yan

are not on the same page.

What do you mean by that,

Miss Xie?

You know, Madam,

I'm not from a humble family.

I do have some insight.

Madam,

you accept goods but not silver.

That's because once silver

enters the Yan family's accounts,

it will never find its way back to you.

Only as stored goods in the warehouse

can it remain untouched

and be packed into your three daughters' dowries.

A parent's love is the same everywhere.

Madam,

the storm is indeed fierce right now.

But in these raging waves,

you just happened to run into Mr. Zhao's ship.

Mr. Zhao wields immense power.

Once you miss,

there'll be no more chance.

Women

fight and claw their way,

all for one thing,

to survive

on what men provide.

Yet some folks

would still share

that little with outsiders.

Enough of this.

Miss Xie,

fate has brought us together.

I'll take

this deal,

but

I have one condition.

Since Madam Yan said finding the mistress

will earn us the salt permit,

you need not worry too much, Miss Xie.

It'll just take some time.

If he intends to hide his mistress,

he won't easily slip up.

But if Lord Yan begins to suspect

that the child he's carefully raised

is not his own.

What then?

(Peace and Order Prevail Under Mighty Rule)

You shameless lecher.

Do you confess your crime?

Calm down, My Lord.

I'll confess.

My Lord.

I did indeed steal

into young ladies' chambers.

But

I never defiled

any innocent maiden from a respectable family.

The one I took a liking to

was a mistress.

A mistress?

You shameless wretch!

Silence!

Just state the facts clearly.

There is no need to recount

your crimes in detail.

Yes, I understand.

Why did I find a mistress?

Mainly for peace of mind.

She usually

doesn't cling to me at all.

Her husband takes Mon, Wed, and Fri,

while I take Tue, Thu, and Sat.

And I don't even have to pay

to raise our child.

Did you hear?

That deflowering thief just escaped from jail.

Really?

Like a Jiao returning to the sea.

Hope he doesn't strike again.

He wouldn't dare.

What he's looking for

is his old flame.

They even have a child.

Surely

there's still feeling between them.

I heard they got

quite a bit out of that scoundrel during interrogation.

Dainty undergarments, sachets,

and a rattle-drum.

I wonder which poor fool

got caught up in this mess.

The woman and child

are someone else's.

That child

was born with two fathers.

Isn't that a blessing?

Master, you are back.

(Notify Miss Xie.)

(The fish has taken the bait.)

Ride the horsey!

Having fun?

Yes!

I knew

those people were all talking nonsense.

Your father has things to do.

He'll play with you later.

I want more!

You want more?

Here, sit tight.

Ride the horsey!

Come on!

Ride!

What do you want to eat?

Anything tastes better

with you.

Up you go!

You found the mistress for me.

I'll give you the salt permit from the Salt Inspection Station.

Do you like that?

(Yan Residence)

Nice.

How is it?

Let me try.

You're pretty good at this.

How about now?

You've got talent.

Just one more stroke.

You little troublemaker!

Stop right there!

I'll get you for that!

(The man thinks a daughter can't inherit the family legacy.)

(He gives her food and clothes and calls that love.)

(Yet they are gentle and kind.)

(If they have no money of their own,)

(who will they rely on once they leave their parents?)

Mr. Zhao,

Zuo Junjie

spreads slander about you and the Ninth Young Lady.

He's scared

and hiding somewhere.

He must know he's made mistakes

and is hiding from everyone on purpose.

No matter.

The autumn provincial exam draws near.

So we might as well wait

for him.

(Examination Hall)

Give it here.

(Exam Admission Slip: Yu Jingxiu)

Go on.

Grant me success.

Grant me top honors in all three exams.

Go on in.

This young master's features alone

promise certain success.

Indeed.

Look at that finely shaped nose.

You flatter me.

Go on.

I am innocent!

My Lord, you have it wrong!

I am wronged!

Next.

May you two also succeed

and pass with distinction.

Let's go.

(Exam Admission Slip: Zhao Guanlan)

(Exam Admission Slip: Zuo Junjie)

Zuo Junjie cheated on the exam!

My Lord!

This is not mine!

Guards!

Throw him out!

My Lord, this isn't mine!

Move!

Out!

- I need to take the exam! - Out!

My Lord!

- I have real talent! - Move!

My Lord!

(Examination Hall)

(Tian-Class Examination Cell No. 9)

Sit down.

I didn't cheat!

You're framing me!

So what if we are?

Mr. Zhao.

What are you going to do about it?

Back when you were in Huaying County,

how did you slander Miss Fu?

Tell me everything in full detail.

I'm just a poor scholar.

I don't know anything.

My nose!

My official career!

According to the law,

you're to be sent to forced labor.

But whether you go there whole

or go there maimed,

that's two different ways.

Tell the truth now.

Write a full confession.

I'll send you to labor.

But if you still dare to talk back,

what gets broken won't just be your nose.

I'll talk!

I'll tell you everything!

This was all

my sister's idea.

The night before the betrothal proposal,

she called me to her room.

And I went.

(Just follow my instructions)

(and propose to the Old Madam.)

(Tingyun will be yours.)

She also told

Moxiang to steal that thing.

I only took it that day.

Every word I've said is true.

Not a single lie!

(Written Confession)

(Grandmother,)

(I've always taken your teachings to heart.)

(I would never do anything)

(so shameless)

(or disgraceful to our family.)

(Those two could not help their feelings.)

(It was fated.)

(Tingyun)

(will soon take root in the Zuo family.)

(Tingyun has fallen ill.)

(Send her to Biyun Nunnery.)

(She'll remain there in seclusion.)

♪Bearing wings through stormy tides♪ (Written Confession: Zuo Junjie)

♪Wash away the stain of every false accusation♪

♪May all common folk share one roof♪

(If I)

(head to the capital without clearing things up,)

(won't I be admitting to adultery?)

(Zuo Junjie)

(is going to Yongning Prefecture for the examinations.)

(I want to go there)

(and find a way to have him captured. I'll have him interrogated)

(and force him to sign a written confession.)

(Then I'll go to the capital)

(and use it to clear my name.)

♪Let the past remain beyond recall♪

♪Trade it for boundless blue skies to fly free and far♪

♪I seek no mercy♪

♪Lent by mortal world♪ (Signature of Declarant: Zuo Junjie)

♪This mortal world♪

♪Let this mortal world carry me♪ (Signature of Declarant: Zuo Junjie)

♪Through a life adrift♪

♪With wit and strategy, I enter this game without regret♪

To climb the ranks,

he framed a defenseless woman.

Send him to the authorities.

♪I crave no clarity♪

♪From outside my soul♪

Thank you, Mr. Zhao.

No need for thanks

between us.

You don't intend to charge Zuo Junjie.

But I thought,

when you look back on this journey,

your heart should be at peace.

We're now in the same boat.

It's only right.

I'm always this way with my men.

The results are out!

The results are out!

Wonderful!

Shangwen!

(Top: Yu Jingxiu, Second: Shen Demao) You're the third!

(Third: Zhou Shangwen) I'm the third!

You passed!

Mr. Yu!

You're at the top of the list!

You're the Top Scorer!

Congratulations to you, Mr. Yu!

Congratulations!

Thank you.

Thank you.

Congratulations to you, Mr. Yu!

Thank you.

A future pillar of the state!

Indeed!

Impressive!

Madam Yu.

Master Zhao.

I heard Mr. Yu came in first as Top Scorer.

I've come especially to offer my congratulations.

The Sixteenth Master left the capital in a hurry,

and didn't bring any valuables.

So please accept this small token.

My apologies.

I am deeply honored.

My son is still lacking in learning.

It was only by good fortune

and His Highness's blessing

that he passed.

Please rise.

Mr. Yu is both virtuous and talented.

What's more rare

is that he chose not to seek fame too soon,

in order to help us keep a low profile.

Madam, please be patient for a few more days.

Once the salt case is solved

and the mission is complete,

you too shall share the success.

I understand.

The Yu family

will continue to act with discretion.

This auspicious sign of blossoming splendor

has finally come to you.

Mr. Yu became a Top Scorer in his very first provincial exam.

His future is truly limitless.

If he later scores the other two tops,

wouldn't that be just like in the plays?

Three top honors in a row?

My Lady,

that would make you a most illustrious lady.

We must ensure

the Deer Banquet is properly prepared.

Have you heard any news of Fu Tingyun lately?

I heard

her fiance is quite a big shot.

Many families are trying to curry favor with him.

But I also heard

she's brought shame on herself.

In broad daylight,

she admitted she had eloped.

My Lady,

you're worlds apart from her.

In all of Yongning Prefecture,

which lady

doesn't envy you?

Miss Fan.

Regarding the Deer Banquet,

Madam said to postpone it for now.

Postpone it?

First, we have honored guests.

A noisy feast won't do.

Second,

in a few days,

Jingxiu will leave for the capital exam.

We shouldn't distract him.

Well,

how about hosting a poetry gathering in my name?

We can rent a garden outside

and invite some ladies to join the festivity

as a way to thank friends and family.

What do you think, Madam?

Ms. Shu knows a few places.

Have her take you to have a look.

Remember,

keep everything simple.

Be discreet.

Go.

She has improved, hasn't she?

Hosting a poetry gathering.

I'm footing the bill,

but she gets the credit.

Then she'll keep all the congratulatory gifts,

and win Jingxiu's favor as well.

Such petty schemes

can't escape your notice, Madam.

You simply don't want to let the young master down,

so you're humoring her.

You know me best.

Take a seat.

I never expected

these little flower cakes

from the imperial kitchen could be so exquisite.

Send some to Jingxiu.

Let him have a taste.

I'll go right away.

At Cuifu Garden, the banquet can be humble or lavish.

Ms. Shu suggests

we go with the fifteen-tael spread.

Not overly extravagant.

It's about wit, not cost.

We'll follow it.

Just one thing.

I'll decide on the calligraphy supplies

for the gathering.

Get the Pine-soot ink

and Chengxintang paper.

Pine-soot ink comes from Huizhou.

It may be hard to find on short notice.

Still, we must find it.

I don't have glittering gold headpieces,

or priceless Huzhou silk,

or a decade's worth of Pai Gow skills.

So I'll make elegance my statement.

On the Pine-soot ink sticks

are hidden patterns of "Five Sons Passing the Exam."

The Chengxintang paper

is crafted like the former dynasty's imperial style.

In its watermark

is a hidden mark of "Standing Alone at the Top."

That way,

even if the banquet uses fifteen-tael spreads,

no one will dare look down on you, Miss Fan.

Not enough.

Remember Fu Tingyun's gift

at Madam Yan's birthday feast?

Just a few small crabs.

Nothing more than a side dish.

Yet somehow,

it won over all the ladies.

What makes a gift precious is its rarity.

That's what makes it unforgettable.

We've put thought into this,

but we're still missing some finesse.

We need

something truly unforgettable.

=Next Episode=

Jiuweijiao is such a big shot.

You did business with him

and didn't even tell me?

I told you before,

with the heat on lately,

I need you to be vigilant.

Vigilant!

(You slandered me)

(in front of my future mother-in-law.)

(How can I ever have a smooth path ahead?)

Even without me,

your days ahead

will never be smooth.

In a few days,

I'm leaving too.

Take care.

Take care.

♪The past brushes by like a falling leaf♪

♪So light, yet my steps still pause for you♪

♪Through every rise and fall, our memories remain without regret♪

♪Carved into the rings of time♪

♪How I wish I could stay a little longer, but I can't♪

♪I turn away, afraid goodbye will fill my eyes with tears♪

♪Etched deep within my heart, yet buried without a word♪

♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

♪Still makes us want to believe♪

♪One promise for a lifetime, echoing long after we part♪

♪For one fleeting moment, I found you in the crowd♪

♪Without a word, you lit up half my life♪

♪In silence, a love too deep for words♪

♪Kept close within my heart♪

♪From now on, no one else is worth waiting for♪

♪I turn away, afraid no one will ever come home to me again♪

♪If we can build our future together, no storm can chill my heart♪

♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

♪Still makes us want to believe♪

♪One promise for a lifetime, echoing long after we part♪