1
00:01:31,640 --> 00:01:32,700
=The Road to Splendor=

2
00:01:32,700 --> 00:01:34,760
(Adapted from China Literature author
Zhizhi's novel of the same name)

3
00:01:35,240 --> 00:01:37,960
=Episode 7=

4
00:01:39,120 --> 00:01:40,599
Ninth Young Lady,
you're full of schemes,

5
00:01:40,599 --> 00:01:42,000
fully capable of handling
all this alone.

6
00:01:42,400 --> 00:01:44,000
Why drag me into this mess?

7
00:01:49,120 --> 00:01:50,200
Unmarried women

8
00:01:50,519 --> 00:01:52,359
can't navigate official social circles.

9
00:01:53,480 --> 00:01:54,879
I need a man by my side.

10
00:02:26,759 --> 00:02:28,000
Helping the Crown Prince with this case

11
00:02:29,080 --> 00:02:30,520
works in both our favor.

12
00:02:31,039 --> 00:02:32,000
Didn't you say

13
00:02:32,479 --> 00:02:34,280
you were tired of everyone
taking their cut?

14
00:02:34,840 --> 00:02:36,159
If we pull this off,

15
00:02:36,479 --> 00:02:37,759
we can clean up the salt trade

16
00:02:38,000 --> 00:02:40,159
and give the powerless somewhere
to turn.

17
00:02:40,159 --> 00:02:41,039
That's one reason.

18
00:02:43,919 --> 00:02:44,759
The other...

19
00:02:48,599 --> 00:02:49,960
I can earn some credit of my own

20
00:02:50,479 --> 00:02:52,039
and ask the Crown Prince
to give me a proper status.

21
00:02:52,680 --> 00:02:55,319
One that no one can simply decide
whether I live or die,

22
00:02:56,199 --> 00:02:57,080
or think they can

23
00:02:58,120 --> 00:02:59,680
take me as a concubine
whenever they please.

24
00:03:07,360 --> 00:03:08,120
Mr. Zhao,

25
00:03:08,560 --> 00:03:09,879
don't you want

26
00:03:10,639 --> 00:03:12,400
to become the real Jiuweijiao?

27
00:03:19,919 --> 00:03:21,439
That little wretch!

28
00:03:21,840 --> 00:03:23,319
Just wait till I get my hands on him.

29
00:03:23,319 --> 00:03:24,000
What happened?

30
00:03:26,319 --> 00:03:27,000
Master Zhao.

31
00:03:27,840 --> 00:03:30,560
That wretch Zhao played me!

32
00:03:30,560 --> 00:03:32,240
He turned me into his henchman!

33
00:03:32,759 --> 00:03:34,000
That scumbag.

34
00:03:34,159 --> 00:03:35,639
I'll cut him down myself!

35
00:03:43,479 --> 00:03:44,680
Who let you out?

36
00:03:44,680 --> 00:03:45,479
Perfect timing.

37
00:03:45,479 --> 00:03:45,759
I...

38
00:03:45,960 --> 00:03:47,960
He's our informant on this case.

39
00:03:48,199 --> 00:03:49,960
From now on, you two work together

40
00:03:49,960 --> 00:03:50,639
and watch each other's backs.

41
00:03:52,439 --> 00:03:54,400
Me? Work with him?

42
00:03:54,400 --> 00:03:55,280
Yes.

43
00:03:55,280 --> 00:03:56,080
Says who?

44
00:03:59,720 --> 00:04:01,080
(Linchun Station)

45
00:04:01,080 --> 00:04:02,039
Miss Fan.

46
00:04:02,719 --> 00:04:04,280
Madam wants to see you.

47
00:04:09,319 --> 00:04:10,439
What do we do, Miss Fan?

48
00:04:10,919 --> 00:04:12,000
This has gotten out of hand.

49
00:04:12,159 --> 00:04:13,080
Don't panic.

50
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Go get my trump card.

51
00:04:16,879 --> 00:04:17,480
Yes.

52
00:04:33,199 --> 00:04:34,759
What was in that wine
you gave me last night?

53
00:04:36,680 --> 00:04:38,199
I only had one cup,

54
00:04:38,800 --> 00:04:40,000
and I could barely keep my eyes open.

55
00:04:41,079 --> 00:04:42,439
There was all that commotion outside,

56
00:04:42,439 --> 00:04:43,079
and I slept through all of it.

57
00:04:45,399 --> 00:04:47,120
Young Master, you've got Miss Fan
all wrong.

58
00:04:47,360 --> 00:04:48,319
That wine

59
00:04:49,199 --> 00:04:50,360
came from Madam.

60
00:04:51,079 --> 00:04:52,800
She insisted Miss Fan

61
00:04:53,480 --> 00:04:55,480
put you and Ninth Young Lady Fu
together.

62
00:04:58,079 --> 00:04:59,199
Ninth Young Lady Fu?

63
00:05:02,920 --> 00:05:04,040
She's alive?

64
00:05:05,160 --> 00:05:06,199
Please don't be angry, Young Master.

65
00:05:07,879 --> 00:05:09,160
I knew you didn't want it,

66
00:05:10,160 --> 00:05:11,680
so I let her go.

67
00:05:17,800 --> 00:05:19,519
I know I've made a terrible mistake.

68
00:05:19,839 --> 00:05:21,120
I shouldn't have let her leave.

69
00:05:22,279 --> 00:05:24,120
But I couldn't go against your wishes

70
00:05:24,120 --> 00:05:25,480
and do something we'd both regret.

71
00:05:26,480 --> 00:05:28,240
If you truly have feelings for her

72
00:05:28,560 --> 00:05:29,920
and want her as your concubine,

73
00:05:30,399 --> 00:05:31,879
tell me now.

74
00:05:33,199 --> 00:05:34,680
I'll take the blame with Madam

75
00:05:34,959 --> 00:05:36,639
and ask her to call off our engagement.

76
00:05:36,639 --> 00:05:37,720
How could you think that?

77
00:05:39,279 --> 00:05:40,319
I never wanted that.

78
00:05:44,920 --> 00:05:46,439
Then that's all I needed to hear.

79
00:05:49,279 --> 00:05:50,800
Whatever Madam does to punish me,

80
00:05:51,319 --> 00:05:52,560
I'll accept it.

81
00:05:58,759 --> 00:05:59,360
Mother.

82
00:06:00,199 --> 00:06:01,240
How strange.

83
00:06:02,199 --> 00:06:03,959
I sent for Miss Fan.

84
00:06:05,040 --> 00:06:06,480
Why are you here instead?

85
00:06:09,079 --> 00:06:10,600
I had too much to drink last night.

86
00:06:11,959 --> 00:06:14,199
If Ninth Young Lady Fu
hadn't set her sights elsewhere,

87
00:06:14,279 --> 00:06:15,959
I imagine I would've woken up
this morning

88
00:06:17,839 --> 00:06:19,439
with someone else beside me.

89
00:06:23,079 --> 00:06:25,560
I underestimated that Miss Fan.

90
00:06:26,199 --> 00:06:28,920
A few words from her,
and she's turned you against me.

91
00:06:30,480 --> 00:06:32,160
All these years I've devoted to you,

92
00:06:32,160 --> 00:06:33,120
raising you, shaping you...

93
00:06:33,240 --> 00:06:34,319
Apparently it was all a mistake.

94
00:06:34,879 --> 00:06:35,680
Mother.

95
00:06:38,759 --> 00:06:40,879
After all this,
you still don't understand?

96
00:06:41,839 --> 00:06:43,839
Whatever came between us

97
00:06:43,839 --> 00:06:45,839
was never because of anyone else.

98
00:06:54,759 --> 00:06:55,519
How dare you!

99
00:06:56,399 --> 00:06:57,319
Her father taught you

100
00:06:57,319 --> 00:06:58,759
all those teachings of the sages

101
00:06:58,759 --> 00:07:00,480
so you could defy your own mother?

102
00:07:02,759 --> 00:07:03,920
But Master Fan

103
00:07:05,800 --> 00:07:07,720
was the tutor you chose for me.

104
00:07:08,680 --> 00:07:09,959
Even what I studied

105
00:07:10,079 --> 00:07:11,759
was decided by you.

106
00:07:12,920 --> 00:07:14,279
My whole life,

107
00:07:15,600 --> 00:07:17,639
you've made every decision for me.

108
00:07:18,000 --> 00:07:19,319
What I eat,

109
00:07:19,439 --> 00:07:20,560
what I wear,

110
00:07:20,680 --> 00:07:21,639
who I see,

111
00:07:21,639 --> 00:07:22,360
where I study...

112
00:07:22,360 --> 00:07:23,759
I've obeyed you in everything.

113
00:07:23,839 --> 00:07:25,560
But when it comes to marriage...

114
00:07:27,199 --> 00:07:29,079
I utterly detest the Ninth Young Lady,

115
00:07:29,079 --> 00:07:30,160
as you well know.

116
00:07:30,240 --> 00:07:31,680
Why must you choose her

117
00:07:31,680 --> 00:07:33,240
to stand before me and irk my eyes?

118
00:07:33,720 --> 00:07:35,519
Do you loathe her,
or loathe my decision?

119
00:07:37,879 --> 00:07:39,959
If I hadn't put so much effort into you,

120
00:07:40,199 --> 00:07:41,800
do you think
you'd be where you are today?

121
00:07:42,439 --> 00:07:43,920
Your character, your talent...

122
00:07:43,920 --> 00:07:45,680
What part of you was not shaped by me?

123
00:07:46,439 --> 00:07:47,879
And now, over some woman,

124
00:07:47,879 --> 00:07:49,120
you dare speak to me like this?

125
00:07:50,439 --> 00:07:51,879
That's ingratitude.

126
00:07:52,759 --> 00:07:54,720
Even your father
was never this heartless.

127
00:08:03,560 --> 00:08:04,399
What are you doing?

128
00:08:04,879 --> 00:08:05,920
When we left Huaying,

129
00:08:07,040 --> 00:08:08,279
you made me a promise, Mother.

130
00:08:08,759 --> 00:08:10,439
I choose whom I marry,

131
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and you decide my exams.

132
00:08:13,120 --> 00:08:14,680
But since you've broken your word,

133
00:08:15,639 --> 00:08:16,600
I suppose I don't need

134
00:08:16,759 --> 00:08:18,279
to go to the autumn provincial exam.

135
00:08:19,040 --> 00:08:20,360
I'll stay home instead

136
00:08:20,879 --> 00:08:22,000
and devote myself to you,

137
00:08:22,160 --> 00:08:23,439
like a dutiful son should!

138
00:08:23,439 --> 00:08:24,680
- What are you doing?
- Young Master!

139
00:08:24,680 --> 00:08:25,920
Young Master! What are you doing?

140
00:08:25,920 --> 00:08:26,600
Young Master!

141
00:08:26,720 --> 00:08:28,279
You can't hurt Madam!

142
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Jingxiu.

143
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My son.

144
00:08:34,600 --> 00:08:36,159
I'm your mother.

145
00:08:37,919 --> 00:08:40,120
The lotus seed and its pod are one.

146
00:08:41,759 --> 00:08:43,960
Do you really mean to shut me out?

147
00:08:44,639 --> 00:08:46,639
A seed only becomes a seed

148
00:08:48,080 --> 00:08:49,360
once it leaves the pod.

149
00:08:51,639 --> 00:08:53,039
If it stays trapped inside,

150
00:08:54,960 --> 00:08:56,440
it will never be more
than a part of the pod.

151
00:09:03,559 --> 00:09:05,080
Were you the one who dissolved the salt

152
00:09:05,240 --> 00:09:06,639
in water and handed it out

153
00:09:07,039 --> 00:09:07,679
to the people that day?

154
00:09:08,080 --> 00:09:08,960
It was me.

155
00:09:14,480 --> 00:09:15,080
Good.

156
00:09:15,919 --> 00:09:16,840
You've got guts.

157
00:09:16,919 --> 00:09:18,279
Miss Xie has the brains.

158
00:09:18,519 --> 00:09:19,720
Once you're in Yongning Prefecture,

159
00:09:19,720 --> 00:09:21,879
if you need anything, tell Master Zhao.

160
00:09:22,320 --> 00:09:23,799
Solve this case,

161
00:09:23,960 --> 00:09:25,720
and you'll both be highly rewarded.

162
00:09:36,159 --> 00:09:37,120
I...

163
00:09:38,200 --> 00:09:39,000
I...

164
00:09:39,399 --> 00:09:41,000
- will do everything I can.
- will do everything I can.

165
00:09:49,000 --> 00:09:51,399
I need access to the officials' wives
in Yongning.

166
00:09:51,559 --> 00:09:52,919
For that, I need a respectable identity.

167
00:09:53,360 --> 00:09:55,159
If you're truly willing to help,

168
00:09:55,399 --> 00:09:56,639
tell them

169
00:09:56,639 --> 00:09:57,960
I'm a distant relative of yours

170
00:09:58,279 --> 00:09:59,559
and vouch for me.

171
00:10:01,480 --> 00:10:03,080
The Snow Salt Ballad
belongs to Zhao Ling.

172
00:10:03,320 --> 00:10:04,679
The connections are mine.

173
00:10:05,200 --> 00:10:06,960
You bring nothing
but your silver tongue,

174
00:10:07,159 --> 00:10:08,399
yet when this is over,

175
00:10:09,080 --> 00:10:10,320
you expect the lion's share
of the credit?

176
00:10:12,600 --> 00:10:13,960
Your position makes it difficult

177
00:10:14,279 --> 00:10:15,919
for you to show your face.

178
00:10:16,759 --> 00:10:18,360
If you wish to sit at my table,

179
00:10:19,200 --> 00:10:20,320
either obey my will,

180
00:10:20,679 --> 00:10:21,480
or

181
00:10:22,399 --> 00:10:23,360
take your leave.

182
00:10:27,120 --> 00:10:28,759
You, I can understand.

183
00:10:28,759 --> 00:10:30,320
But who is Zhao Ling?

184
00:10:30,840 --> 00:10:32,759
Who is he to bargain with me?

185
00:10:33,519 --> 00:10:34,919
What I don't understand

186
00:10:35,159 --> 00:10:37,480
is why you'd choose him over me.

187
00:10:37,720 --> 00:10:38,480
Madam,

188
00:10:39,519 --> 00:10:41,799
if you're so busy protecting
what you bring to the table

189
00:10:41,919 --> 00:10:43,879
that you can't see anyone else's value,

190
00:10:44,399 --> 00:10:45,519
I'm afraid

191
00:10:46,200 --> 00:10:48,360
you'll end up
exactly like my grandmother.

192
00:10:49,159 --> 00:10:51,919
Whether you take that seat is up to you.

193
00:10:56,039 --> 00:10:58,600
The Commissioner of the Western Capital
Salt Transport Bureau is named Yan.

194
00:10:59,120 --> 00:11:00,919
He's the one
behind the salt permit racket.

195
00:11:01,320 --> 00:11:02,399
The actual deals

196
00:11:02,600 --> 00:11:04,720
are handled by his wife, Madam Yan.

197
00:11:06,200 --> 00:11:07,440
Sounds like she's

198
00:11:07,639 --> 00:11:09,440
our way into this case.

199
00:11:10,399 --> 00:11:11,960
I know the salt trade inside and out.

200
00:11:12,159 --> 00:11:13,159
If I have to,

201
00:11:13,519 --> 00:11:15,120
I can pose as a salt merchant
from Jiangnan

202
00:11:15,519 --> 00:11:16,600
and approach her about
buying salt permits.

203
00:11:16,919 --> 00:11:17,759
That should draw her in.

204
00:11:18,879 --> 00:11:20,879
I'll start with the circle
of officials' wives

205
00:11:22,200 --> 00:11:23,360
and coordinate with Mr. Zhao.

206
00:11:25,240 --> 00:11:27,000
I've lived in Yongning for years.

207
00:11:27,440 --> 00:11:29,799
I know the officials' families
and all their connections.

208
00:11:30,200 --> 00:11:31,960
I can make the introductions

209
00:11:32,519 --> 00:11:35,240
and get the Ninth Young Lady inside.

210
00:11:37,159 --> 00:11:39,080
That covers every angle.

211
00:11:39,399 --> 00:11:40,399
Much appreciated, Madam.

212
00:11:45,360 --> 00:11:46,200
Blankets!

213
00:11:46,399 --> 00:11:48,039
(Yongning Prefecture)
Tight stitching, nice and thick!

214
00:11:48,279 --> 00:11:49,000
Come take a look!

215
00:11:52,159 --> 00:11:52,799
Miss,

216
00:11:53,159 --> 00:11:55,480
have you been to Yongning before?

217
00:11:56,039 --> 00:11:57,799
Once, when I was little.
I came with my mother.

218
00:11:58,600 --> 00:12:01,519
Tea parties, cards, the opera...

219
00:12:02,000 --> 00:12:04,279
The ladies in these circles
love them all.

220
00:12:04,679 --> 00:12:06,759
No wonder everyone wants
a life like theirs.

221
00:12:07,799 --> 00:12:09,039
It's not all for fun.

222
00:12:09,240 --> 00:12:10,919
There's another game
being played underneath.

223
00:12:11,720 --> 00:12:14,320
The husbands conduct official business,

224
00:12:14,440 --> 00:12:15,519
and some things

225
00:12:16,159 --> 00:12:17,480
can't be said out in the open.

226
00:12:17,559 --> 00:12:20,720
So their wives use these gatherings
to meet in private

227
00:12:21,159 --> 00:12:22,480
and trade information.

228
00:12:23,039 --> 00:12:24,120
At a gathering like that,

229
00:12:24,120 --> 00:12:25,480
you can't let your guard down
for a second.

230
00:12:26,080 --> 00:12:27,679
Miss one look,

231
00:12:27,919 --> 00:12:29,519
or fail to read one remark,

232
00:12:30,639 --> 00:12:32,039
and we could ruin the whole thing.

233
00:12:47,680 --> 00:12:50,640
(Xie Residence)

234
00:12:53,080 --> 00:12:53,960
The Sixteenth Master

235
00:12:54,279 --> 00:12:55,440
arranged the house.

236
00:12:56,399 --> 00:12:57,120
Get some rest.

237
00:12:57,240 --> 00:12:58,000
I've got something to take care of.

238
00:12:58,720 --> 00:12:59,519
Where are you going?

239
00:13:01,720 --> 00:13:03,840
(Tea)

240
00:14:04,000 --> 00:14:04,919
Fight's over.

241
00:14:05,360 --> 00:14:06,360
So who's this guy?

242
00:14:08,320 --> 00:14:09,440
Caught myself a traitor.

243
00:14:10,039 --> 00:14:11,159
I'll question him myself.

244
00:14:11,159 --> 00:14:12,679
No need for either of you to bother.

245
00:14:18,360 --> 00:14:20,440
I want to take over
Jiuweijiao's operation.

246
00:14:21,600 --> 00:14:22,759
You were his trusted confidant.

247
00:14:23,799 --> 00:14:24,600
You're the only one

248
00:14:25,480 --> 00:14:26,480
who can help me.

249
00:14:26,799 --> 00:14:28,759
You really have no shame, do you?

250
00:14:30,960 --> 00:14:33,080
If I can't have Jiuweijiao's operation,

251
00:14:33,679 --> 00:14:35,720
then this token is useless to me.

252
00:14:47,440 --> 00:14:49,360
But it seems to mean a lot to you,
doesn't it?

253
00:14:58,080 --> 00:14:58,919
Don't burn it!

254
00:15:22,240 --> 00:15:24,279
Now you've got another chance.

255
00:15:27,360 --> 00:15:28,200
So?

256
00:15:40,120 --> 00:15:42,120
(Well Salt. Mahuachi)

257
00:15:43,320 --> 00:15:44,000
The salt warehouse.

258
00:15:45,159 --> 00:15:45,840
So, there are

259
00:15:46,200 --> 00:15:47,600
thirty thousand catties of salt here.

260
00:15:48,120 --> 00:15:49,240
All top-grade.

261
00:15:50,159 --> 00:15:51,440
And there are several more warehouses

262
00:15:51,879 --> 00:15:52,799
just like this one.

263
00:15:57,360 --> 00:15:57,960
Mr. Zhao.

264
00:15:57,960 --> 00:15:59,200
The men are already in place.

265
00:15:59,480 --> 00:16:00,360
Same rules as before.

266
00:16:00,919 --> 00:16:01,960
They answer to you now.

267
00:16:04,759 --> 00:16:06,000
The boats are mine?

268
00:16:07,200 --> 00:16:08,480
The docks are mine too?

269
00:16:08,679 --> 00:16:10,600
They're Jiuweijiao's.

270
00:16:16,799 --> 00:16:18,120
Jiuweijiao's goods,

271
00:16:18,559 --> 00:16:19,360
warehouses,

272
00:16:20,039 --> 00:16:21,600
shops and shipping routes

273
00:16:21,600 --> 00:16:23,159
are all in your hands now.

274
00:16:23,879 --> 00:16:25,679
Why does this token matter
so much to you?

275
00:16:26,279 --> 00:16:27,480
Because it'll help me

276
00:16:27,480 --> 00:16:28,360
find my mother.

277
00:16:32,039 --> 00:16:33,440
I got what I wanted.

278
00:16:34,679 --> 00:16:36,200
Now you should get what you want.

279
00:16:47,879 --> 00:16:48,960
Back then,

280
00:16:49,399 --> 00:16:51,720
I only agreed to work for Jiuweijiao
for three years.

281
00:16:52,320 --> 00:16:53,320
But then

282
00:16:53,919 --> 00:16:55,279
he took my mother hostage.

283
00:16:57,639 --> 00:16:58,600
That's how

284
00:16:58,600 --> 00:17:00,639
he kept me working for him
all these years.

285
00:17:02,080 --> 00:17:03,159
Enough about that.

286
00:17:03,240 --> 00:17:04,799
Thank you for helping me find my mother.

287
00:17:06,440 --> 00:17:09,000
I, Yang Yucheng,
will serve you for three years

288
00:17:09,200 --> 00:17:10,119
without taking a single coin.

289
00:17:11,559 --> 00:17:12,359
Enough.

290
00:17:13,759 --> 00:17:15,240
Once we're done in Yongning,

291
00:17:15,440 --> 00:17:16,440
you're free to leave whenever you want.

292
00:17:18,000 --> 00:17:19,279
When Mr. Zhao

293
00:17:19,680 --> 00:17:22,680
risked his life to save me
at Biyun Nunnery,

294
00:17:23,039 --> 00:17:24,000
I knew then

295
00:17:25,720 --> 00:17:27,640
that he was a man of honor.

296
00:17:33,880 --> 00:17:35,759
That's why he's different
from Jiuweijiao.

297
00:17:37,039 --> 00:17:39,359
He'd never hold a man's mother hostage
to control him.

298
00:17:40,519 --> 00:17:42,079
Yucheng, don't worry.

299
00:17:42,480 --> 00:17:44,400
You can trust Mr. Zhao.

300
00:17:45,359 --> 00:17:46,839
As for your mother,

301
00:17:47,400 --> 00:17:49,440
I'll have Sanniang
take good care of her.

302
00:17:49,720 --> 00:17:50,640
Thank you, Miss.

303
00:17:53,359 --> 00:17:54,359
Thank you, Mr. Zhao.

304
00:17:54,960 --> 00:17:57,000
(Mother.)

305
00:17:57,000 --> 00:17:58,359
(Mother, I hope you're well.)

306
00:17:59,759 --> 00:18:01,079
(It has been over a month
since I left home.)

307
00:18:01,400 --> 00:18:03,160
(I've now reached Yongning Prefecture.)

308
00:18:04,920 --> 00:18:06,960
(At the Fu Residence,
I lived in comfort)

309
00:18:07,319 --> 00:18:08,839
(and knew nothing of real hardship.)

310
00:18:09,359 --> 00:18:10,640
(After all that's happened,)

311
00:18:10,920 --> 00:18:12,720
(this journey has forced me
to reflect on myself.)

312
00:18:13,240 --> 00:18:14,440
(And I still refuse to accept my fate.)

313
00:18:17,119 --> 00:18:19,000
(I know how deeply you love me)

314
00:18:19,279 --> 00:18:20,680
(and want me to return to the capital.)

315
00:18:21,559 --> 00:18:23,279
(But I don't want merely to survive.)

316
00:18:23,839 --> 00:18:27,160
(Not everyone in this world
has a family to shelter them.)

317
00:18:28,279 --> 00:18:29,839
(I want to rely on myself)

318
00:18:30,839 --> 00:18:32,480
(and make a life of my own.)

319
00:18:39,200 --> 00:18:40,920
This little corner of the world

320
00:18:41,240 --> 00:18:42,960
could never hold you forever.

321
00:18:44,920 --> 00:18:46,720
Thanks to the Sixteenth Master's help,

322
00:18:46,839 --> 00:18:48,160
Jiuweijiao's stockpiles, shipping routes

323
00:18:48,160 --> 00:18:50,200
and men in Yongning

324
00:18:50,440 --> 00:18:51,759
all belong to Zhao Ling now.

325
00:18:52,519 --> 00:18:53,680
Then it's time

326
00:18:53,960 --> 00:18:55,799
we paid Madam Yan a visit.

327
00:18:59,320 --> 00:19:00,400
(Madam Yan, Wife of the Commissioner
of the Western Capital Salt Bureau)

328
00:19:00,400 --> 00:19:02,559
Your name is Jin Yuanbao?

329
00:19:02,720 --> 00:19:03,359
Yes.

330
00:19:04,200 --> 00:19:04,960
What a coincidence.

331
00:19:05,720 --> 00:19:07,000
Just last night,

332
00:19:07,240 --> 00:19:09,680
I happened to dream of a gold ingot,
like your name.

333
00:19:09,839 --> 00:19:11,920
(Madam Yan made a fortune
interpreting dreams.)

334
00:19:12,519 --> 00:19:14,119
(Whatever she dreamed of at night,)

335
00:19:14,200 --> 00:19:15,279
(salt merchants had to bring her)

336
00:19:15,279 --> 00:19:16,720
(the exact same thing)

337
00:19:16,720 --> 00:19:17,160
Madam.

338
00:19:17,160 --> 00:19:18,400
(to buy salt permits.)

339
00:19:19,319 --> 00:19:21,880
I had a craftsman make it
especially for you.

340
00:19:22,480 --> 00:19:23,920
Solid gold.

341
00:19:23,960 --> 00:19:26,200
The ingot in my dream

342
00:19:26,200 --> 00:19:27,440
was rather unusual.

343
00:19:27,920 --> 00:19:30,559
It was set with the Eight Treasures.

344
00:19:32,599 --> 00:19:33,279
Eight Treasures?

345
00:19:36,319 --> 00:19:37,920
Rubies and emeralds,

346
00:19:38,279 --> 00:19:39,920
blood amber from the Western Regions,

347
00:19:40,119 --> 00:19:41,799
Hotan mutton-fat jade...

348
00:19:41,799 --> 00:19:42,920
Eight kinds in all.

349
00:19:42,920 --> 00:19:44,160
Those are the Eight Treasures.

350
00:19:44,440 --> 00:19:45,519
Remarkable.

351
00:19:46,519 --> 00:19:48,319
It's exactly what I saw in my dream.

352
00:19:48,559 --> 00:19:50,119
Not a single detail is off.

353
00:19:54,760 --> 00:19:56,720
(Notes on Salt Administration, Volume I)

354
00:19:59,359 --> 00:20:01,039
These are the funds the Sixteenth Master
approved.

355
00:20:01,640 --> 00:20:02,480
Will this be enough?

356
00:20:06,960 --> 00:20:09,200
What do you need all that money for?

357
00:20:09,200 --> 00:20:10,480
Madam Yu can get you

358
00:20:10,480 --> 00:20:12,279
into Yongning's circle
of officials' wives.

359
00:20:12,680 --> 00:20:13,960
But if we want this to work,

360
00:20:14,319 --> 00:20:16,960
we need to play on Madam Yan's greed.

361
00:20:17,640 --> 00:20:19,160
So first, we make a splash.

362
00:20:19,279 --> 00:20:20,000
Get people talking.

363
00:20:20,000 --> 00:20:21,000
Enough to make Madam Yan

364
00:20:21,799 --> 00:20:23,359
tell you exactly what she dreamed about.

365
00:20:30,880 --> 00:20:32,079
Then, Mr. Zhao,

366
00:20:32,240 --> 00:20:35,400
you'll have to learn
how a real salt tycoon carries himself.

367
00:20:36,160 --> 00:20:37,480
Don't give yourself away.

368
00:20:39,319 --> 00:20:40,240
Then I suppose

369
00:20:42,079 --> 00:20:43,119
you could teach me.

370
00:20:50,279 --> 00:20:52,039
People of means

371
00:20:52,039 --> 00:20:53,720
drink only the first infusion.

372
00:20:54,200 --> 00:20:55,559
True wealth

373
00:20:56,079 --> 00:20:58,759
is all about making it look effortless.

374
00:21:00,319 --> 00:21:01,039
Try it.

375
00:21:51,359 --> 00:21:53,400
When you shop, never ask the price.

376
00:21:54,119 --> 00:21:56,119
Choose only what few others can have.

377
00:21:57,279 --> 00:21:58,960
Madam Yan has expensive tastes.

378
00:21:59,119 --> 00:22:01,640
Ordinary things won't impress her.

379
00:22:02,599 --> 00:22:03,480
Remember.

380
00:22:04,039 --> 00:22:05,160
When you raise your cup,

381
00:22:05,279 --> 00:22:06,240
keep your wrist steady.

382
00:22:06,400 --> 00:22:08,559
- See good things? Be unimpressed.
- Keep it steady.

383
00:22:08,559 --> 00:22:09,319
Be unimpressed.

384
00:22:09,319 --> 00:22:11,119
Even if you're only after money,

385
00:22:11,319 --> 00:22:14,440
you still have to make it
seem like you have refined taste.

386
00:22:16,440 --> 00:22:18,039
Maybe you should just show me
how it's done.

387
00:22:18,880 --> 00:22:21,279
I'm nothing compared to those
who are truly great.

388
00:22:23,200 --> 00:22:24,400
The one you should be studying

389
00:22:25,039 --> 00:22:26,000
is him.

390
00:22:34,520 --> 00:22:36,600
(The People Are the Foundation
of the State)

391
00:22:51,920 --> 00:22:54,080
(The People Are the Foundation
of the State)

392
00:22:58,160 --> 00:22:59,359
This inkstone

393
00:22:59,759 --> 00:23:00,839
is so coarse it'll ruin a brush.

394
00:23:02,759 --> 00:23:05,240
The ink it produces is muddy too.

395
00:23:07,119 --> 00:23:08,359
You call this an inkstone?

396
00:23:08,799 --> 00:23:09,799
Please don't be angry, sir.

397
00:23:09,960 --> 00:23:12,240
This is the finest Duan inkstone
we have.

398
00:23:12,480 --> 00:23:13,200
A Duan inkstone?

399
00:23:17,039 --> 00:23:18,200
The stone is porous,

400
00:23:19,279 --> 00:23:20,400
and it sounds dull when tapped.

401
00:23:22,240 --> 00:23:23,519
I want a greenstone inkstone,

402
00:23:24,119 --> 00:23:25,519
preferably with gold-thread veining.

403
00:23:25,799 --> 00:23:26,880
The stone should be smooth and lustrous,

404
00:23:27,319 --> 00:23:29,119
and ring clear when tapped.

405
00:23:29,599 --> 00:23:31,200
You have an excellent eye, sir.

406
00:23:31,599 --> 00:23:34,839
We do have
an heirloom greenstone inkstone.

407
00:23:34,839 --> 00:23:35,480
It's just...

408
00:23:35,480 --> 00:23:36,279
Bring it out.

409
00:23:36,440 --> 00:23:39,480
That inkstone costs five thousand taels.

410
00:23:43,640 --> 00:23:45,440
When Mr. Zhao buys something,

411
00:23:45,440 --> 00:23:46,359
he doesn't ask the price.

412
00:23:48,160 --> 00:23:48,720
Go get it.

413
00:23:48,720 --> 00:23:49,680
- Right away!
- Five thousand taels.

414
00:23:50,559 --> 00:23:52,440
Who exactly is this Mr. Zhao?

415
00:23:52,839 --> 00:23:54,559
What's he doing in Yongning?

416
00:24:03,040 --> 00:24:04,200
(Jinxiu Cloth Shop)

417
00:24:11,839 --> 00:24:12,759
Mr. Zhao.

418
00:24:14,720 --> 00:24:15,839
Miss Xie had a new outfit made

419
00:24:15,839 --> 00:24:16,680
and sent me to pick it up.

420
00:24:16,680 --> 00:24:18,200
Look. It's pretty nice.

421
00:24:19,720 --> 00:24:20,559
Nice fabric.

422
00:24:20,880 --> 00:24:22,319
You have a good eye, Mr. Zhao.

423
00:24:22,319 --> 00:24:23,920
This Huzhou silk just came in.

424
00:24:23,920 --> 00:24:24,759
It's nothing particularly rare,

425
00:24:24,759 --> 00:24:25,799
but the workmanship is excellent.

426
00:24:25,799 --> 00:24:26,880
A fine match for the young lady.

427
00:24:28,799 --> 00:24:29,960
How much more do you have?

428
00:24:30,200 --> 00:24:31,160
I'll take all of it.

429
00:24:31,279 --> 00:24:33,039
For a single outfit,

430
00:24:33,039 --> 00:24:34,720
one bolt is more than enough.

431
00:24:34,799 --> 00:24:36,480
You really don't need that much,
Mr. Zhao.

432
00:24:37,319 --> 00:24:38,720
I don't mean just your shop.

433
00:24:39,440 --> 00:24:41,079
Every bolt of Huzhou silk
in this city...

434
00:24:41,200 --> 00:24:42,359
bring it all to me.

435
00:24:42,799 --> 00:24:44,680
If Miss Xie wants to wear it,

436
00:24:45,319 --> 00:24:46,559
then no one else gets to.

437
00:24:48,640 --> 00:24:49,880
Impressive, Mr. Zhao.

438
00:24:49,880 --> 00:24:51,039
Quite a grand gesture.

439
00:25:01,599 --> 00:25:04,160
Huzhou silk isn't especially rare,

440
00:25:04,559 --> 00:25:07,119
but now I'm the only woman in the city
who can wear it.

441
00:25:07,480 --> 00:25:10,559
That makes it more exclusive
than gold or silver thread.

442
00:25:14,200 --> 00:25:15,519
(Mr. Zhao learns fast.)

443
00:25:15,720 --> 00:25:17,440
(He's already figured out how to take it
one step further.)

444
00:25:18,000 --> 00:25:19,240
(I underestimated him.)

445
00:25:20,799 --> 00:25:22,960
(Mr. Zhao really spends money
like water.)

446
00:25:23,680 --> 00:25:24,559
(He sure does.)

447
00:25:24,720 --> 00:25:26,720
(He drops thousands of taels
without blinking.)

448
00:25:26,720 --> 00:25:27,680
(Exactly.)

449
00:25:27,680 --> 00:25:29,680
(He throws around a fortune
like it's nothing.)

450
00:25:30,079 --> 00:25:30,920
Master Zhao,

451
00:25:31,200 --> 00:25:32,000
I really

452
00:25:32,079 --> 00:25:33,960
can't figure out

453
00:25:33,960 --> 00:25:35,240
what exactly he's up to.

454
00:25:35,599 --> 00:25:37,240
He's burning through money
like there's no tomorrow.

455
00:25:37,440 --> 00:25:38,519
What if

456
00:25:38,839 --> 00:25:40,279
this whole thing falls through

457
00:25:40,279 --> 00:25:41,240
and we lose the money too?

458
00:25:41,720 --> 00:25:42,640
Then what?

459
00:25:45,720 --> 00:25:46,799
We chose to trust him.

460
00:25:47,720 --> 00:25:48,799
Let's keep watching

461
00:25:48,880 --> 00:25:50,559
and see what he's really planning.

462
00:25:59,519 --> 00:26:02,400
Madam Yu asked me
to pass along a message.

463
00:26:03,480 --> 00:26:04,640
The road ahead is narrow.

464
00:26:04,880 --> 00:26:06,240
She asks that you go first.

465
00:26:09,759 --> 00:26:11,880
Madam Yu. It's been a long time.

466
00:26:12,599 --> 00:26:13,759
It has indeed.

467
00:26:14,680 --> 00:26:15,880
And this is...?

468
00:26:16,480 --> 00:26:17,920
This is Miss Xie.

469
00:26:18,359 --> 00:26:20,799
She's a close friend
of my future daughter-in-law.

470
00:26:21,319 --> 00:26:23,079
Madam Yan's birthday banquet
is in a few days.

471
00:26:23,079 --> 00:26:24,400
I'm afraid I won't be able to attend,

472
00:26:24,519 --> 00:26:26,000
so I'm sending these two young ladies

473
00:26:26,000 --> 00:26:27,599
to deliver a small gift on my behalf.

474
00:26:28,480 --> 00:26:29,640
Thank you, Madam Yu.

475
00:26:40,160 --> 00:26:41,200
In a few days,

476
00:26:41,400 --> 00:26:43,599
Madam Yan,
the Salt Transport Commissioner's wife,

477
00:26:43,599 --> 00:26:44,920
is holding her birthday banquet.

478
00:26:45,079 --> 00:26:47,160
She's invited the ladies
of all the prominent families.

479
00:26:47,279 --> 00:26:49,519
I'll be busy entertaining
an important guest

480
00:26:49,519 --> 00:26:50,680
and won't be able to go myself.

481
00:26:52,079 --> 00:26:53,400
You'll go in my place.

482
00:26:53,480 --> 00:26:55,119
It'll broaden your horizons.

483
00:26:57,960 --> 00:26:58,640
(Invitation)

484
00:26:58,640 --> 00:26:59,400
Yes, Madam.

485
00:27:00,279 --> 00:27:03,000
Thank you for the introduction, Madam.

486
00:27:03,920 --> 00:27:05,559
But when you go,

487
00:27:06,720 --> 00:27:08,160
you'll need to take someone with you.

488
00:27:09,920 --> 00:27:11,039
Fu Tingyun.

489
00:27:13,839 --> 00:27:14,960
In public,

490
00:27:14,960 --> 00:27:16,519
just call her Miss Xie.

491
00:27:18,799 --> 00:27:21,519
Fu Tingyun knows how a proper young lady
should carry herself in these circles.

492
00:27:21,839 --> 00:27:24,000
She learned it all from Old Madam Fu.

493
00:27:24,079 --> 00:27:26,359
You're bright and even-tempered.

494
00:27:26,599 --> 00:27:29,319
Stay close to me. Watch and learn.

495
00:27:29,680 --> 00:27:31,039
You won't be any less capable
than she is.

496
00:27:32,319 --> 00:27:33,880
A river does not seek to be first.

497
00:27:33,960 --> 00:27:35,400
It triumphs by never stopping its flow.

498
00:27:36,640 --> 00:27:38,799
This is the first lesson I teach you.

499
00:27:39,960 --> 00:27:41,240
Remember it well.

500
00:27:44,279 --> 00:27:44,960
Yes, Madam.

501
00:27:48,640 --> 00:27:49,400
Go.

502
00:28:00,319 --> 00:28:01,079
Madam,

503
00:28:01,319 --> 00:28:03,119
have you really accepted Miss Fan?

504
00:28:04,000 --> 00:28:05,279
What's done is done.

505
00:28:06,559 --> 00:28:08,839
Since we've decided to welcome her
into the family,

506
00:28:09,240 --> 00:28:11,319
she'll have to shoulder her share
of the responsibilities.

507
00:28:12,720 --> 00:28:14,160
I'll rein in my temper from now on

508
00:28:14,160 --> 00:28:15,319
and let bygones be bygones.

509
00:28:16,640 --> 00:28:18,640
Let's see how well

510
00:28:18,960 --> 00:28:20,799
she plays the hand she's been dealt.

511
00:28:23,920 --> 00:28:25,640
I really got on her bad side.

512
00:28:25,920 --> 00:28:27,559
She hasn't punished me outright,

513
00:28:28,000 --> 00:28:29,599
but she's using others to put me
in my place.

514
00:28:29,720 --> 00:28:32,240
Today she paraded Fu Tingyun
all over town.

515
00:28:32,880 --> 00:28:34,039
Anyone who didn't know better

516
00:28:34,039 --> 00:28:35,799
would think Fu Tingyun
was her future daughter-in-law.

517
00:28:36,079 --> 00:28:37,559
Don't worry, Miss Fan.

518
00:28:37,839 --> 00:28:39,960
You're marrying
into the prestigious Yu family.

519
00:28:40,119 --> 00:28:41,799
You'll be the wife
of a future Grand Secretary.

520
00:28:42,079 --> 00:28:43,000
As for the Ninth Young Lady,

521
00:28:43,000 --> 00:28:45,400
all she can do is run around
with some shady salt smuggler.

522
00:28:45,480 --> 00:28:47,279
That's as far as she'll ever get.

523
00:28:47,880 --> 00:28:49,039
You're right.

524
00:28:51,000 --> 00:28:53,119
I'm the lady Madam Yu chose herself.

525
00:28:53,440 --> 00:28:55,279
The more something matters to Madam Yu,

526
00:28:55,640 --> 00:28:56,680
the more I have to get it right.

527
00:28:57,440 --> 00:28:59,839
How much silver do we have left?

528
00:29:00,359 --> 00:29:01,960
Less than a hundred taels.

529
00:29:03,759 --> 00:29:04,720
A hundred taels...

530
00:29:06,160 --> 00:29:08,279
(Commentaries on the Four Books)
These old books my father left me

531
00:29:08,519 --> 00:29:09,680
are rare and valuable.

532
00:29:10,000 --> 00:29:11,319
You can hardly find them anywhere,

533
00:29:11,880 --> 00:29:13,400
and they contain his handwritten notes.

534
00:29:14,759 --> 00:29:16,000
If I sell them,

535
00:29:16,400 --> 00:29:17,920
they'll fetch a good amount of silver.

536
00:29:18,400 --> 00:29:19,240
Miss Fan,

537
00:29:19,559 --> 00:29:20,519
these books

538
00:29:20,599 --> 00:29:22,640
were part of the dowry
your father left you.

539
00:29:23,440 --> 00:29:24,480
And since they're my dowry,

540
00:29:25,279 --> 00:29:26,519
I can do with them as I please.

541
00:29:27,000 --> 00:29:28,519
There are ten chests in all.

542
00:29:29,359 --> 00:29:30,440
Losing three

543
00:29:31,240 --> 00:29:32,119
won't matter.

544
00:29:32,519 --> 00:29:34,119
But if my birthday gift
isn't impressive enough

545
00:29:34,599 --> 00:29:35,519
and I lose face,

546
00:29:36,240 --> 00:29:37,720
I'll never get it back.

547
00:29:37,720 --> 00:29:38,799
Miss Fan...

548
00:29:41,520 --> 00:29:43,320
(Invitation)

549
00:29:52,480 --> 00:29:53,240
Mr. Zhao.

550
00:29:55,079 --> 00:29:57,680
Miss Xie's trying to decide
on a birthday gift.

551
00:29:59,759 --> 00:30:00,720
What's this?

552
00:30:01,759 --> 00:30:03,000
Something rare.

553
00:30:03,079 --> 00:30:04,119
Wasn't easy to get.

554
00:30:04,960 --> 00:30:06,039
Cook it properly.

555
00:30:06,240 --> 00:30:07,680
Give her a little treat.

556
00:30:08,759 --> 00:30:09,759
I'll go steam it.

557
00:30:16,680 --> 00:30:18,279
Still trying to figure out

558
00:30:19,480 --> 00:30:20,599
what to give Madam Yan?

559
00:30:22,759 --> 00:30:24,839
I've prepared some expensive gifts,

560
00:30:26,079 --> 00:30:27,440
but I'm worried

561
00:30:27,640 --> 00:30:29,839
none of them will truly impress her.

562
00:30:30,160 --> 00:30:33,519
I'd hate to waste all the attention
you've built up for us.

563
00:30:34,519 --> 00:30:35,759
(Invitation)
Are you short on money?

564
00:30:35,960 --> 00:30:37,039
We could go to the market

565
00:30:37,279 --> 00:30:38,480
first thing tomorrow.

566
00:30:40,759 --> 00:30:41,920
I'm not worried

567
00:30:42,440 --> 00:30:43,720
that it isn't expensive enough.

568
00:30:45,559 --> 00:30:46,960
I'm worried it isn't unique enough.

569
00:30:47,519 --> 00:30:49,160
It has to be something

570
00:30:49,519 --> 00:30:51,519
no one but us could possibly give her.

571
00:30:52,400 --> 00:30:54,960
That's how we show
what we're capable of.

572
00:30:55,039 --> 00:30:56,559
On the surface, it's a birthday gift.

573
00:30:56,960 --> 00:30:59,119
But really, it's meant to make
people wonder how deep our pockets go.

574
00:31:07,160 --> 00:31:08,759
I've already had dinner.

575
00:31:09,359 --> 00:31:11,000
Why is Sanniang cooking again?

576
00:31:11,000 --> 00:31:13,039
I just took over
Jiuweijiao's shipping routes.

577
00:31:15,119 --> 00:31:16,680
I got you something fresh to try.

578
00:31:20,799 --> 00:31:21,480
(I've got it!)

579
00:31:25,680 --> 00:31:27,920
(Yan Residence)

580
00:31:31,320 --> 00:31:33,840
(Tian Wanyi, Daughter
of Grand Secretary Tian)

581
00:31:38,559 --> 00:31:39,759
Careful with him.

582
00:31:39,759 --> 00:31:40,920
This little beast of mine

583
00:31:40,920 --> 00:31:42,279
won't sit on anything but brocade.

584
00:31:42,279 --> 00:31:43,319
Is everything ready?

585
00:31:43,319 --> 00:31:44,200
Yes, Madam Wei.

586
00:31:44,200 --> 00:31:45,279
Everything's ready.

587
00:31:45,400 --> 00:31:47,119
Madam Wei, you certainly know
how to make an entrance.

588
00:31:47,519 --> 00:31:49,599
I hear Lord Wei has an excellent record.

589
00:31:49,680 --> 00:31:51,000
Once his performance review is over,

590
00:31:51,000 --> 00:31:52,680
you'll be moving up to the capital.

591
00:31:52,799 --> 00:31:54,599
No wonder you're positively glowing.

592
00:31:55,960 --> 00:31:57,480
What good fortune?

593
00:31:57,680 --> 00:31:59,160
More like bad luck.

594
00:31:59,480 --> 00:32:01,640
What married couple wants to live apart?

595
00:32:01,880 --> 00:32:02,640
Quite right.

596
00:32:23,200 --> 00:32:23,960
Tingyun.

597
00:32:24,400 --> 00:32:25,079
Yake.

598
00:32:27,120 --> 00:32:30,000
(Lanyun Pavilion)

599
00:32:37,119 --> 00:32:37,920
Tingyun,

600
00:32:38,599 --> 00:32:39,839
given your low standing,

601
00:32:40,119 --> 00:32:41,119
you should wait here for now.

602
00:32:41,720 --> 00:32:43,279
I'll find the right moment

603
00:32:44,200 --> 00:32:45,680
to introduce you to the ladies.

604
00:32:50,200 --> 00:32:52,880
Miss Fan, daughter of Master Fan,
has arrived.

605
00:32:53,920 --> 00:32:55,359
So that's Miss Fan.

606
00:32:55,359 --> 00:32:56,240
She certainly carries herself well.

607
00:32:56,240 --> 00:32:58,119
She does. Just look at her.

608
00:33:01,960 --> 00:33:03,200
Greetings, Madam Yan.

609
00:33:04,920 --> 00:33:06,640
Madam Wei, you know everyone here.

610
00:33:06,839 --> 00:33:08,680
Why don't you make the introductions?

611
00:33:08,680 --> 00:33:11,000
This young lady is quite something.

612
00:33:11,000 --> 00:33:12,640
Her father is a renowned scholar,

613
00:33:12,640 --> 00:33:14,359
Master Fan Kun.

614
00:33:15,000 --> 00:33:17,160
Young Master Yu of the Yu family
here in Yongning

615
00:33:17,240 --> 00:33:19,559
is one of Master Fan's finest students.

616
00:33:19,640 --> 00:33:22,119
The two families
arranged their marriage long ago.

617
00:33:22,119 --> 00:33:24,720
So she's Madam Yu's
future daughter-in-law?

618
00:33:24,880 --> 00:33:27,359
If Madam Yu chose her herself,

619
00:33:27,559 --> 00:33:29,559
she must be the cream of the crop.

620
00:33:29,559 --> 00:33:30,400
Indeed.

621
00:33:30,400 --> 00:33:31,359
I'm here today

622
00:33:31,839 --> 00:33:33,400
on Madam Yu's behalf.

623
00:33:35,519 --> 00:33:37,119
I've brought you an incense burner.

624
00:33:37,759 --> 00:33:40,039
It's gilt-brass, begonia-shaped.

625
00:33:40,599 --> 00:33:41,920
I hope

626
00:33:42,279 --> 00:33:43,640
it's to your liking.

627
00:33:47,400 --> 00:33:49,839
Have incense burners suddenly

628
00:33:50,079 --> 00:33:51,759
become all the rage in Yongning?

629
00:33:51,880 --> 00:33:53,319
Not just incense burners.

630
00:33:53,440 --> 00:33:55,000
Incense, spices...

631
00:33:55,119 --> 00:33:56,920
Madam Yan has received
several of each already.

632
00:33:57,240 --> 00:33:58,160
But that's all right.

633
00:33:58,319 --> 00:33:59,400
A few more sets

634
00:33:59,400 --> 00:34:01,160
and she'll have one for every room.

635
00:34:04,799 --> 00:34:06,480
So the gifts happened to overlap.

636
00:34:06,559 --> 00:34:08,920
It's the thought that counts,

637
00:34:08,920 --> 00:34:09,679
isn't it?

638
00:34:10,039 --> 00:34:12,000
Yes. The thought.

639
00:34:18,039 --> 00:34:20,360
May I introduce someone

640
00:34:20,880 --> 00:34:22,039
to you ladies?

641
00:34:25,599 --> 00:34:26,559
Her name is Xie.

642
00:34:26,880 --> 00:34:28,639
We've been close friends
since childhood.

643
00:34:28,840 --> 00:34:32,000
Her fiance has quite a head
for business.

644
00:34:34,519 --> 00:34:37,119
Aren't you the one
with all that Huzhou silk?

645
00:34:37,800 --> 00:34:38,960
Huzhou silk?

646
00:34:39,119 --> 00:34:40,360
This young lady

647
00:34:40,360 --> 00:34:41,960
has been the talk of the town lately.

648
00:34:41,960 --> 00:34:43,079
Is your fiance

649
00:34:43,400 --> 00:34:44,519
surnamed Zhao?

650
00:34:45,239 --> 00:34:47,199
Mr. Zhao.

651
00:34:49,039 --> 00:34:50,280
That explains it.

652
00:34:53,840 --> 00:34:55,719
My friend only just arrived in Yongning.

653
00:34:56,159 --> 00:34:57,199
She came in such a hurry

654
00:34:57,440 --> 00:34:58,559
that she had no time
to prepare a birthday gift.

655
00:34:59,039 --> 00:35:01,280
I hope you won't hold it against her,
Madam.

656
00:35:02,000 --> 00:35:03,440
No need to worry, Miss Fan.

657
00:35:04,360 --> 00:35:05,679
I did prepare a gift.

658
00:35:06,360 --> 00:35:07,199
That's right.

659
00:35:07,480 --> 00:35:08,920
The matron mentioned

660
00:35:09,559 --> 00:35:10,840
one of today's dishes

661
00:35:11,039 --> 00:35:13,239
was Miss Xie's birthday gift.

662
00:35:19,840 --> 00:35:21,920
(Longevity)
Miss Xie,

663
00:35:22,639 --> 00:35:23,840
I can't quite tell

664
00:35:24,000 --> 00:35:25,480
which of these dishes is your gift.

665
00:35:26,559 --> 00:35:27,679
Do tell.

666
00:35:28,039 --> 00:35:29,440
We'd love to know.

667
00:35:30,360 --> 00:35:31,559
Miss Fan,

668
00:35:31,559 --> 00:35:33,679
Miss Xie's gift is quite exceptional,

669
00:35:33,800 --> 00:35:35,559
so we've made it today's main course.

670
00:35:35,559 --> 00:35:36,519
It'll be served at once.

671
00:35:36,840 --> 00:35:37,840
Miss Xie,

672
00:35:37,960 --> 00:35:39,119
tell me.

673
00:35:39,119 --> 00:35:40,039
What is it?

674
00:35:40,159 --> 00:35:41,719
It is fairly well known,

675
00:35:42,000 --> 00:35:44,559
but it's nothing terribly expensive.

676
00:35:44,719 --> 00:35:46,880
Just something fresh for you ladies
to enjoy.

677
00:35:48,639 --> 00:35:50,360
These are Huajin crabs
from the Lianghuai salt region.

678
00:35:50,519 --> 00:35:53,000
Mr. Zhao had them
delivered straight to the kitchen

679
00:35:53,000 --> 00:35:54,199
while they were still alive.

680
00:35:55,000 --> 00:35:59,079
Huajin crab, Yangcheng crab
and Shengfang crab

681
00:35:59,199 --> 00:36:00,760
are known as the three finest crabs.

682
00:36:01,239 --> 00:36:03,320
But it is crab season right now.

683
00:36:03,639 --> 00:36:05,800
It's not as though we ladies
can't afford them,

684
00:36:06,039 --> 00:36:07,000
so they're hardly priceless.

685
00:36:07,400 --> 00:36:08,679
It's just that

686
00:36:08,800 --> 00:36:11,360
Lianghuai is a long way
from Yongning Prefecture.

687
00:36:12,239 --> 00:36:13,519
Just something fresh for you to taste.

688
00:36:14,079 --> 00:36:15,719
But that's exactly
what makes them special.

689
00:36:15,719 --> 00:36:18,280
Getting them here fresh
is the hard part.

690
00:36:18,280 --> 00:36:19,519
A person can survive
such a long journey,

691
00:36:19,519 --> 00:36:20,559
but

692
00:36:20,559 --> 00:36:22,679
how could the crabs possibly survive it?

693
00:36:24,159 --> 00:36:25,559
What's your secret?

694
00:36:25,559 --> 00:36:27,920
How did you get them here
alive and fresh?

695
00:36:28,239 --> 00:36:29,440
There's no secret.

696
00:36:29,519 --> 00:36:30,920
You simply ship enough of them.

697
00:36:30,920 --> 00:36:32,880
If a hundred baskets aren't enough,
send a thousand.

698
00:36:33,119 --> 00:36:35,199
If that's still not enough,
dedicate an entire boat to them.

699
00:36:35,199 --> 00:36:36,719
Then surely enough will survive

700
00:36:36,719 --> 00:36:37,840
for you ladies to enjoy.

701
00:36:38,440 --> 00:36:41,079
The Yellow River is treacherous.
Shipping isn't easy.

702
00:36:41,679 --> 00:36:43,119
Who handled the shipment for you?

703
00:36:43,119 --> 00:36:44,280
They must be very capable.

704
00:36:45,920 --> 00:36:46,960
Mr. Zhao

705
00:36:47,920 --> 00:36:49,599
happens to be a salt merchant
from Lianghuai.

706
00:36:52,039 --> 00:36:53,639
So you used the salt routes.

707
00:36:54,079 --> 00:36:56,079
No wonder these crabs are so special.

708
00:36:56,639 --> 00:36:58,079
How thoughtful of you, Miss Xie.

709
00:36:58,800 --> 00:37:00,159
Though I hear

710
00:37:00,440 --> 00:37:02,320
the salt trade runs smoothly
in Lianghuai.

711
00:37:02,320 --> 00:37:03,719
Here in Yongning,

712
00:37:03,719 --> 00:37:04,960
people have to open new channels.

713
00:37:05,920 --> 00:37:07,119
We're new to Yongning.

714
00:37:07,119 --> 00:37:08,960
Going to the wrong people
could get us into real trouble.

715
00:37:09,199 --> 00:37:10,159
On that matter,

716
00:37:10,519 --> 00:37:12,519
I was hoping you might advise me,
Madam Yan.

717
00:37:14,400 --> 00:37:15,360
Me?

718
00:37:15,599 --> 00:37:17,880
I know plenty
about food and entertainment,

719
00:37:18,079 --> 00:37:20,079
but I know nothing about business.

720
00:37:21,599 --> 00:37:23,280
Let's eat the crabs. Come on.

721
00:37:23,920 --> 00:37:24,519
Of course.

722
00:37:29,880 --> 00:37:31,079
I hate the rain.

723
00:37:31,079 --> 00:37:32,559
It's gotten the hem of my dress filthy.

724
00:37:37,119 --> 00:37:38,840
Thank you both for your hospitality.

725
00:37:43,039 --> 00:37:43,960
Miss Xie.

726
00:38:00,480 --> 00:38:01,800
So that's her fiance?

727
00:38:01,800 --> 00:38:03,039
Mr. Zhao?

728
00:38:11,559 --> 00:38:12,079
Come.

729
00:38:13,119 --> 00:38:15,239
I didn't expect him
to be so young and successful.

730
00:38:15,400 --> 00:38:16,480
Indeed.

731
00:38:16,679 --> 00:38:17,719
And quite handsome too.

732
00:38:17,719 --> 00:38:18,760
He is.

733
00:38:18,840 --> 00:38:19,480
Please.

734
00:38:48,000 --> 00:38:48,480
Here.

735
00:38:59,559 --> 00:39:01,400
Mr. Zhao really does treat her well.

736
00:39:01,800 --> 00:39:03,039
Look at him. He's actually...

737
00:39:04,000 --> 00:39:04,920
Come on up.

738
00:39:05,480 --> 00:39:06,400
The longer we stand here,

739
00:39:07,119 --> 00:39:08,199
the more people will see us.

740
00:39:22,079 --> 00:39:23,440
No wonder they say

741
00:39:23,760 --> 00:39:25,800
marrying a good man

742
00:39:25,880 --> 00:39:27,719
is one of life's greatest blessings.

743
00:39:28,159 --> 00:39:29,840
People are talking.

744
00:39:29,840 --> 00:39:30,960
Lord Yan

745
00:39:31,119 --> 00:39:33,679
is over forty with no son,

746
00:39:33,679 --> 00:39:36,079
yet he refuses to take a concubine
for Madam Yan's sake.

747
00:39:36,840 --> 00:39:39,599
And now Mr. Zhao is holding
his lady's shoes with his own hands.

748
00:39:40,000 --> 00:39:41,679
Then I think of my husband

749
00:39:42,079 --> 00:39:43,639
and it makes my blood boil.

750
00:39:48,239 --> 00:39:50,119
You don't have to go this far.

751
00:39:52,199 --> 00:39:53,440
Wasn't the whole point today

752
00:39:54,679 --> 00:39:55,960
to get people talking?

753
00:39:58,960 --> 00:40:01,800
We've already put on enough of a show

754
00:40:02,199 --> 00:40:03,400
for everyone watching.

755
00:40:06,679 --> 00:40:07,559
What about you?

756
00:40:08,760 --> 00:40:10,320
Did she tell you
what she's been daydreaming about?

757
00:40:11,440 --> 00:40:13,000
I know what she wants now.

758
00:40:17,080 --> 00:40:19,560
(Next Episode)

759
00:40:20,400 --> 00:40:22,960
(I come from a lesser branch
of the Xie family in Jiangnan.)

760
00:40:23,199 --> 00:40:25,760
(We control some salt trading business.)

761
00:40:26,039 --> 00:40:27,880
(I'd like, on behalf of my fiance,
Mr. Zhao,)

762
00:40:28,480 --> 00:40:29,480
(to ask)

763
00:40:29,880 --> 00:40:30,920
(for a salt permit, Madam Yan.)

764
00:40:30,920 --> 00:40:33,280
She was already betrothed to me,

765
00:40:33,920 --> 00:40:37,440
and threw me over to chase
after an Imperial Envoy!

766
00:40:37,920 --> 00:40:38,800
For me,

767
00:40:38,960 --> 00:40:40,400
I hate being lied to more than anything.

768
00:40:40,880 --> 00:40:42,159
You came to do business with me,

769
00:40:42,519 --> 00:40:43,760
but hid who you really are.

770
00:40:44,880 --> 00:40:46,559
If you can't explain yourself today,

771
00:40:47,079 --> 00:40:48,679
I'll kill your man.

772
00:40:51,039 --> 00:40:51,760
Run.

773
00:40:52,440 --> 00:40:53,519
They're going to kill you.

774
00:41:05,440 --> 00:41:09,760
♪The past brushes by
like a falling leaf♪

775
00:41:13,360 --> 00:41:17,720
♪So light, yet my steps still pause
for you♪

776
00:41:19,840 --> 00:41:24,480
♪Through every rise and fall,
our memories remain without regret♪

777
00:41:24,720 --> 00:41:27,520
♪Carved into the rings of time♪

778
00:41:28,680 --> 00:41:33,320
♪How I wish I could stay
a little longer, but I can't♪

779
00:41:36,520 --> 00:41:43,360
♪I turn away, afraid goodbye will fill
my eyes with tears♪

780
00:41:44,240 --> 00:41:50,760
♪Etched deep within my heart,
yet buried without a word♪

781
00:41:51,720 --> 00:41:55,160
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

782
00:41:55,680 --> 00:41:59,880
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

783
00:42:00,160 --> 00:42:05,840
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪

784
00:42:17,960 --> 00:42:21,840
♪For one fleeting moment, I found you
in the crowd♪

785
00:42:25,760 --> 00:42:29,760
♪Without a word, you lit up
half my life♪

786
00:42:31,480 --> 00:42:36,160
♪In silence, a love too deep for words♪

787
00:42:36,480 --> 00:42:39,160
♪Kept close within my heart♪

788
00:42:40,240 --> 00:42:45,080
♪From now on, no one else
is worth waiting for♪

789
00:42:48,600 --> 00:42:55,520
♪I turn away, afraid no one
will ever come home to me again♪

790
00:42:56,400 --> 00:43:02,880
♪If we can build our future together,
no storm can chill my heart♪

791
00:43:03,760 --> 00:43:07,280
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

792
00:43:07,720 --> 00:43:12,080
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

793
00:43:12,280 --> 00:43:18,000
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪