Original subtitles

[The Legend of Rosy Clouds]

[Episode 4]

Your Excellency.

Look.

Haven't my painting skills improved quite a bit?

Even this bird can't bear to leave.

I wouldn't be so sure.

Don't go.

Your Excellency, the bee you drew on the flower

is truly lifelike.

That's a real bee.

Is that so?

The carrying pole you drew under the tree

looks very realistic.

What carrying pole?

That's a door bolt.

I drew an erhu here.

No.

That's not why we're here.

Your Excellency.

What's wrong?

My two trusted generals, do you like the iris flowers

I gave you?

If Your Excellency wished to bestow flowers,

why give us dried ones?

Your Excellency always likes to tease us.

We're here today to ask Your Excellency about this.

What's wrong with dried flowers?

They're still beautiful even after being dried.

It'd be a shame not to give them away.

Wei Sui.

I've finished my drawing.

Take it and have it mounted.

Old fox.

The wine last night was poisoned.

-It was poisoned? -What?

Someone is trying to harm Your Excellency?

The wine was offered to my wife,

but I didn't let her drink it.

But now I'm in the open, and the enemy is lurking in the dark.

Every move we make from here on

will affect their next move.

So,

we must not alert them.

Then,

what does Your Excellency intend to do?

I need the two of you to help me

root out the treacherous person

targeting Fan Yun, along with the forces

behind them.

Here in the Qi Residence,

there are very few people I can trust.

But these iris flowers

represent my trust in you.

This is also a tradition of my family.

For generations, the rulers of the Nine Cities have bestowed flowers.

This is the first time I've ever done so myself.

Wei Ying, Yan Jiang, hear my command.

Yes, Your Excellency.

Though the flowers I bestow this time

are dried,

their significance is immeasurable.

By accepting them,

you pledge

lifelong loyalty to me.

Are you willing?

We're willing to follow Your Excellency for the rest of our lives,

never wavering.

Good.

Rise.

Ever since Second Young Master Qi was exiled,

the Nine Cities have longed for a worthy ruler.

We have waited all this time.

Fan Yun?

Governor.

Perfect timing.

I was just about to look for you.

I have something to discuss with you.

I also have something to discuss with you.

Come on, let's go inside and talk.

There's no time.

Something has come up at my home.

I'd like permission to leave the residence.

Leave the residence?

Your father holds a post at the Qilin Pavilion,

and Gao Ran is with the Guardian Corps.

What could possibly be happening at your home?

Well,

I just received a letter

saying the private school was bought by someone else.

I want to go back and check.

No.

Right now, no matter what's happening, you cannot leave.

Go back inside.

Why?

I...

I-I just...

don't feel like it.

I want to paint.

You need to stay by my side and grind ink for me.

Hurry, go inside.

You don't understand.

I'll station the Guardian Corps at the gates

so you can't set foot outside!

You...

Where are you going?

Qilin Pavilion!

I'm getting angry now!

Why are you still standing there?

Hurry up and follow her!

Yes.

[Juyun Pavilion]

Boss.

We've found something.

Go ahead.

Fan Yun was originally the only daughter of the Fan family.

She loved reading

and worked as a teacher at a private school in Ling'an.

She married

the Governor only recently.

Just an incompetent ruler.

Never mind him.

The walls of the Qi Residence

can't stop anything.

There have indeed been

quite a few scandalous rumors about Qi Zheng before.

Even after their wedding,

they continued to sleep in separate rooms.

But word has it that they finally consummated the marriage a few days ago.

So?

So...

I don't really understand these matters

between men and women.

Ling'an is full of beautiful women anyway.

Whatever type of girl you like, Boss,

we'll just find you another.

I just want to hear her play music again.

Do something for me.

Here to admit your mistake?

Wait until I finish reviewing this memorial.

Then we'll discuss whether you can leave or not.

What mistake...

does Your Excellency think I should admit to?

Zheng...

Mr. Zheng.

Who's leaving where?

Me?

I was talking about...

relieving oneself.

Since it's not exactly a refined topic, I won't elaborate.

Have you come to discuss something urgent?

It's about the matter of raising taxes.

Your Excellency once said

it required further deliberation.

Well, how is that going?

When will it be promulgated,

and when will it be implemented?

I simply found

your arguments so profound and well-reasoned—

every word a gem, so eloquently put—

that I'm still savoring them.

Savoring them?

The treasury is running dry.

These days, we old officials

can barely get an audience with Your Excellency.

We understand that Your Excellency

is deeply enamored with Her Ladyship

and has no time for us old folks.

That's only natural, I suppose.

Although

I don't expect

Your Excellency

to be as diligent and devoted as

Second Young Master Qi once was...

I still hope

Your Excellency can

exercise self-discipline

and maintain a proper balance.

Do not...

indulge in sensual pleasures.

I've indeed been neglecting my duties

lately.

Right.

Doesn't the Guardian Corps

hold a martial arts tournament every two years?

That's right.

It's held to select talents,

and regular competitions also help improve combat skills.

You... you mean...

That's exactly it.

Could we hold one again soon?

I'd also like to see if the Guardian Corps

has improved over the past two years.

Your Excellency,

the treasury is empty.

We just finished celebrating Your Excellency's birthday,

and now you want a tournament?

This is hardly the conduct of a wise ruler.

Well...

We can cover the expenses

by cutting back

on my personal expenditures.

In any case, keep everything simple and quick.

Hold it immediately.

Yes, Your Excellency.

In the end, he didn't listen to

a word I said.

Mr. Zheng!

Make sure everyone participates.

Remember,

every single person.

Yes, Your Excellency.

Looks like we've had a thief in the house.

Brother.

Don't call me brother.

It makes my skin crawl.

I'm warning you—

if you lay a finger on my access badge again,

I'll send you straight back to Gao City.

Okay, no problem.

Whatever you say goes, Brother.

I'm going to the Qi Residence today.

The Guardian Corps is holding a martial arts tournament.

I can't be late.

Have fun by yourself.

Guardian Corps? Qi Residence?

Gao Ran?

Brother! Brother...

Stop right there.

I know what you're trying to do.

No way.

Brother...

I'm so bored

at home every day.

Our parents sent me here for a marriage alliance,

yet I can't even see the person I love.

I'm so pitiful.

The person you are about to marry

and the one you love are two different people, right?

Yes.

There is absolutely no way I'm taking you into the residence.

Give it up.

Why?

Why?

That guy Gao Ran

is as thick as a brick when it comes to romance.

He's completely clueless.

Why waste your time on him?

Because he's so handsome.

Even if he makes me angry in the future,

at least I'll enjoy looking at him.

Him?

Handsome?

Yes.

Is he as handsome as me?

He is more handsome than you.

You...

See? See?

I can tell from that alone

that your taste is terrible.

You should give up on him as soon as possible.

Brother,

I was wrong. I was wrong.

You're the most handsome man.

If

Gao Ran is the most handsome in the world,

then you're second.

Get off me. Get off.

No.

Wei Rong, my brother! Do me a favor!

You...

The phoenix soars to the highest heavens,

resting only upon the parasol tree.

A worthy man may dwell in any land

but serves only the master he deems worthy.

Today,

we convene this martial arts tournament for two purposes:

first, to gather heroes and talented warriors

from across the Nine Cities

so that all may showcase their skills and exchange techniques;

second,

to further...

Slow down.

Block me better.

Select talents,

ensuring that no one

willing to serve the Nine Cities goes unnoticed.

Where is Gao Ran?

Why don't I see him?

However,

a blade doesn't care who it cuts.

We hope you all

-That one, I think. -can demonstrate your skills,

-but stop before any real harm is done. -I see him. There he is.

Good thing I have you, the Unrivaled Talent of the Nine Cities,

personally appointed by the Governor,

so I can enter the residence at will.

You're truly the pride of our family.

Even though his looks are only average,

everyone has the right to pursue beauty.

Moreover,

it's rare to see you pursue something with such stubborn determination.

No need to thank me for such a great favor.

Just remember you owe me one.

You're the one with average looks.

I want some water too.

I'm a little thirsty.

Suyin, pour some tea for His Excellency.

Yes.

This tournament

is being conducted under the principle of simplicity and efficiency.

The prize is set as follows:

first place will receive 50 taels of gold.

Fifty taels?

You call that keeping it simple?

That's so much money.

I want it too.

It'd be great if I could have it.

Let the tournament begin!

Incompetent.

What a waste of time.

Fan Yun.

Do you want that prize money?

I'll win it for you.

Really?

Of course.

Actually,

I can give you as much money as you want.

Just...

could you stop being mad at me?

Don't ignore me, please?

I wasn't mad.

I was anxious.

I was just worried about the private school.

Besides,

do I really seem that petty?

Really?

Really.

You're the dignified Governor, after all.

So just

sit here and enjoy the tournament.

How could I just sit here?

I have to win that prize money for you.

Keep the goodies within the family, right?

It won't.

Because...

Because I'm waiting for my Gao Ran to win.

Gao Ran?

Who else

dares challenge me?

Come on!

Move forward a bit. Move forward a bit.

Gao Ran is on the stage.

Since you've won,

why not have a match with me as well?

I wouldn't dare.

A true warrior

doesn't keep retreating out of mere courtesy.

Now they're both on the stage.

For a moment,

I don't even know who I should be cheering for.

But no matter what,

those 50 taels

should end up in my hands, right?

Qi Zheng,

in close combat, your dodges must be quick.

But your attacks must be even quicker.

The moment your sword is at your opponent's throat,

you win.

If anyone bullies you, Second Brother,

I'll use this move on them.

You're still young.

Focus on protecting yourself first.

Don't keep letting our brothers push you around.

Come on, one more time.

Once you've mastered it,

I'll take you to see Father.

Okay!

I haven't seen Father in so long.

Thank you, Second Brother.

I lost.

Well done!

Gao Ran!

Gao Ran...

I...

I have something I want to tell you.

I have a second brother.

His name is Qingyuan.

When I was little...

he was the only one by my side.

He was also the only one

who always stood in front of me and protected me.

When my second brother disappeared,

I cried.

I felt so heartbroken then.

The figure that had always protected me

was gone from my life.

So for all these years,

I've never given up searching for him,

just hoping to see him with my own eyes again.

Then I could personally return the position of Governor

that rightfully belongs to him.

But I never could have dreamed

that he'd been here all along,

so close.

I'm not your second brother.

And I don't belong here.

I know there are still many problems in the Nine Cities.

I know I seem like an incompetent ruler

who neglects state affairs.

But actually, I...

I have my own plan.

I've been waiting for the right opportunity all this time,

hoping that when he finally returns,

he'll find a better Nine Cities.

I know

your second brother

would definitely be happy to see you

become a true ruler.

But he no longer exists.

Stop looking for him.

You really are good at lying.

If my second brother's spirit can hear this,

please tell him

that I, Qi Zheng, will definitely become

a worthy governor.

That push-pull tactic might backfire.

[Ningxiang Pavilion]

Look.

Just look at your brother.

-Good tea. -I don't care.

Another cup.

Stop.

Where are you going?

I need to use the restroom.

Escort Miss Wei to the restroom.

Keep a close eye on her.

She's a grown woman. Where could she possibly run off to?

Bad news! Miss Wei is gone!

What?

See?

Didn't I say so? Didn't I say so?

The second you take your eyes off her, she's gone!

What are you yelling for?

I...

I'll help you find her.

Stop right there.

If you go look for her,

I'll have to go look for you later.

I...

Forget it.

I can't keep her under control.

Then let her learn her lesson the hard way.

Yes.

Let her suffer a bit.

No, seriously, I've noticed...

What?

Governor, have a cup of tea first.

Governor?

Governor!

Have a cup of tea.

Governor,

I've noticed

that ever since you sparred with Gao Ran,

you haven't

quite been yourself.

No. I'm fine.

There's still something I'd like to ask.

You mentioned Gao Ran used to work as a servant

in your household, right?

Then, when did he come to your family?

About...

13 years ago.

-There was a famine back then. -Thirteen years ago...

Gao Ran was on the verge of starving to death,

and my father brought him back.

Did your father ever mention

where he found him?

Did he go into any detail?

No.

We grew up together,

just like family.

So I never asked.

What's wrong?

Why are you suddenly so interested

in Gao Ran?

I'm just a bit envious of you—

having a family member like that by your side

must make you very happy.

You and Mr. Fan Qi have treated him well, right?

Of course.

I've treated Gao Ran

like my own brother since childhood.

I even

got angry at Father and him

because Father was always favoring him.

That's good.

That's good.

Are you okay?

Have you...

caught a cold?

I'm not sure either.

I've just been feeling very tired

and weak lately.

You don't have a fever though.

Let me check.

What's wrong, Governor?

Nothing.

Let me have a look around here.

Governor...

what are you doing?

Where did you get this inkstone?

Oh, that?

This was a gift from the students at the private school.

You like it?

But

I can't give it to you even if you do.

Since it's something you treasure...

I won't take it from you.

If you're not feeling well,

go to bed early.

I'll head out first.

Why did he act so weird?

The water is poisoned.

Your Excellency, well...

Just as I suspected.

This ring changes color when exposed to poison.

The stain on it came from the ink

on the inkstone in Fan Yun's room.

It seems this matter isn't simple.

They failed to poison her at the banquet,

so they've turned to the objects around her.

It seems someone really wants Fan Yun dead.

That woman just now...

Wei Shisan?

That's my sister.

I see.

Let me go see what she's about.

Guardian Corps, listen to my command.

We're now entering the night patrol shift.

Squad on the right,

follow the garden path through the Qi Residence

and proceed to Ling'an City's main gate.

This squad here,

remain in the garden on standby.

Remember not to let anyone in.

Squad on the left,

head to Ling'an City's east gate.

As for the last squad,

proceed to the west gate.

Is everyone clear?

During the night patrol,

stay alert at all times.

You must be starving.

A feast for the eyes won't fill your stomach.

You've got a point.

Indeed...

Why are you staring at me?

I'm telling you,

I'm already taken.

Don't get any funny ideas about me.

I do have an idea,

and I want you to do me a favor.

I knew it.

There's no such thing as a free meal.

Go ahead. What is it?

I want you to...

Will you kill me if I refuse?

Of course not.

Then I won't do it.

I'll just make sure you can't get in here

and can't see Gao Ran ever again.

My Lady,

you have a visitor.

Who is it?

It's the eldest miss of the Wei family.

I'm here!

Miss Wei.

You...

Miss Wei,

what

brings you here?

I heard you were sick.

So...

So I'm moving in.

Such impeccable logic.

Did your house collapse?

Could you not curse me like that?

I'm here to save...

I'm here to be your friend.

B-Be my friend?

I have her covered. We don't need you.

You may leave now.

Go.

Fan Yun, sit.

Okay.

You...

Miss Wei,

why do you keep staring at me like that?

When someone's sick,

they need friends around.

And between friends,

we should have a heart-to-heart and get to know each other.

Get to know each other?

Then, Miss Wei,

how would you like to get to know me?

What's your relationship with Gao Ran?

Why do they say

you're the closest person to him in the residence?

Gao Ran?

That's because

we've known each other since childhood.

Since childhood?

I'm done for.

What kind of childhood sweethearts story

have I stumbled into?

What do you mean?

Wait, his surname is Gao, and yours is Fan.

Why have you two known each other since childhood?

Because when Gao Ran was young,

my father took him in.

But all these years,

I've always treated him like an older brother.

So if you think about it,

we're basically like siblings.

Siblings?

But you're not related by blood.

What's with all this "brother" and "sister" talk?

Miss Wei,

didn't you say you wanted to get to know me?

Why do you keep asking about Gao Ran?

Because I'm not interested in you.

Then you...

You...

I-I get it now.

You like Gao Ran.

Obviously.

So that's it.

So you like Gao Ran.

Even though you're

a bit reckless

and impulsive,

I actually like that about you.

Let me put it this way.

Gao Ran and I have indeed known each other since childhood,

but I've truly always

regarded him as my own brother.

And he has

always treated me like his own sister.

It's not what you're imagining.

Believe it or not,

that's the truth.

If

you want to be my sister-in-law...

the two of you

do seem like a good match.

Come here, future sister-in-law.

Scoot a little closer. Come on.

Tell me—

just how well-matched are we really,

and in what ways exactly?

Look,

both of you

have a dimple

on the same side.

And you're both

fair-skinned

and adorable.

Very nice. Very nice.

A perfect match.

Tell me more

about your interesting childhood stories.

Miss Wei,

I've been talking for a whole day and night.

And I've already told you everything,

even what I shouldn't have.

I really have nothing left to tell.

Really?

Then think of more today

and tell me tomorrow.

I have to tell you more tomorrow?

My Lady,

I'm here to attend to you for the night.

-You're here, Suyin. -I can take care of my friend.

You...

You may leave.

Miss Wei,

I've really told you everything.

What else do you want me to talk about?

Sometimes,

even the people closest to you can't be trusted.

Nothing.