Original subtitles

=The Road to Splendor=

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

=Episode 22=

Sanniang,

get a new set of clothes for Mr. Zhao.

Sure.

Let's go.

Come on.

Your father

not only made me kneel,

but also said I had no manners,

and wasn't properly raised.

You deserved it.

Who told you to kneel?

I am Xie Tingyun.

I have nothing

to do with the Fu family anymore.

Why insist on claiming him as your father-in-law?

I...

Stop pretending.

I was wrong.

I thought I was doing the right thing,

but I upset you.

The medicine is about to burn.

I was wrong.

You must tell me everything

from now on.

I don't want to grow distant from you.

Neither do I.

Actually, I don't want to return to Ganlin alone.

I want to take you

with me.

All this time

in the capital,

we've gained power

and wealth.

But you can barely have a peaceful meal.

I just want you to live a little lighter.

Everyone says

you are exceptionally brave,

and that you have the power

to stir up storms in the capital.

But you

don't want me caught in those storms.

Once the salt reform begins,

the political turmoil at court

will only grow worse.

But no matter how hard it gets,

I will face it

with you.

I will help you.

I know.

Father.

This empty plate is...

This is an offering, Father.

Besides,

it has been rained on.

Are you really going to eat that?

What do you know?

This is an offering bestowed by the Emperor.

Who are you to turn your nose up at it?

Then

I will go and prepare it with care.

Someone!

Fetch a healer!

(Yu Residence) I heard Commander Zhao

stirred up quite a storm at the Fu household.

(Yu Residence) You've arranged everything well.

The Anzhou Imperial Salt Censor

may only oversee one region for now.

Once the pilot is completed,

it will become a model for the entire realm.

When he returns to the capital

to report his results,

he will be the key figure in overseeing the salt reform.

Such a critical position

must naturally be held by one of our own.

Jingxiu has been at the Hanlin Academy for years.

It is time for him to take the next step.

It can only be him.

Tell him to get prepared.

This opportunity must not be squandered.

At court,

I can put in a good word for him.

But for matters beyond the court,

I will rely entirely on you.

Rest assured.

Madam, your calligraphy grows ever more refined.

Mother.

Is there something you need?

I heard

that the family intends to have my husband

compete for the post of Imperial Salt Censor.

You are well-informed.

Madam Wei is close to me.

Her husband is the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

He can bypass Zhao Ling

and submit the list directly upward.

If you permit it, Mother,

I would be willing to put in a word

and ensure my husband's name is added.

I know I am not the sharpest,

but I only wish

to do what little I can for the family.

From now on,

I hope you'll continue to guide me, Mother.

Very well.

You may proceed.

If you need silver, ask for silver.

If you need to pull strings, tell me.

But remember,

this position

is one I am determined to secure.

I understand, Mother.

Go.

The Young Madam is still young.

She was too eager

and overstepped her bounds.

When I was young,

I never had to go to such lengths.

Now,

I must teach my son to strive,

and my daughter-in-law to prove herself.

I wonder which one of them

will fail me.

Call Jingxiu in.

Yes.

Madam,

the Young Master is here.

Mother.

Your father has told you

about the salt reform.

Now is a critical time.

The position of Imperial Salt Censor is vacant.

I have also asked Fan

to make arrangements on your behalf.

And you

must turn your attention back.

For a family like ours,

the worst thing is to have

scandal in the inner quarters.

I understand, Mother.

You have not returned to your room to rest in days.

Fan gave you a son.

Do you know the pain

a woman endures in childbirth?

She gave everything

for Ji.

Rest assured, Mother.

I will

remember your kindness.

You may go.

I take my leave, Mother.

Chengxin!

Where are the magnolia paintings I did?

In the past few days,

has anyone come to my study?

Madam

and Ms. Shu did stop by.

But they only stayed for a moment

and left.

Just as I thought.

In this household,

I'm nothing more than a clay Buddha on a shrine.

I have no seat in the front hall when matters are discussed.

They don't ask my opinion on matters in the inner quarters either.

Even my husband...

I don't know how long it's been

since he last set foot in my room.

Since I volunteered for this assignment,

I have to see it through.

Otherwise, what place do I have in this family?

As much as I dislike Tian Wanyi,

I still have to pay her a visit.

(Wang Residence)

Look at Sen.

Sen,

this robe you're wearing

is new.

And your hair tie is new too.

If we wait much longer,

you'll probably

end up sworn brothers with that stone lion.

Sanniang.

We're here.

Finally.

Long time no see.

Easy.

- Miss Xie. - Miss Xie.

Greetings, ladies.

I don't deserve such courtesy.

I said I didn't want to come,

but they feared I'd be lonely in the northwest

and insisted I join.

Where is Madam Mo?

She?

She's worried about General Mo.

She insisted on traveling with the men.

Here they come.

Here they come.

Here they come.

Here they come.

(Second Young Lady Wang)

Sister.

It's been so long.

I trust you've been well.

I brought some things from Ganlin,

goji berries and red astragalus.

They all grew in your soil.

How have you been?

Good.

Tingyun,

I have something to ask you.

Please go ahead.

Do you know

if the candidate for Imperial Salt Censor

has been decided?

I'm not sure about that.

The post of Imperial Salt Censor

carries great weight.

We both know the impact of the new salt law

on the northwest.

But the court

has already decided to implement it.

So be it.

But if the right person is chosen,

they could share Zhao Ling's burden

and leave a lifeline for the northwest.

For you,

for Zhao Ling,

for the northwest,

it would be for the best.

Do you have someone

in mind?

I do have a suitable candidate

named Shen Congsi.

I've learned through my inquiries

that he is your sister-in-law's elder brother.

He has no factional ties

and conducts himself fairly.

Most importantly,

his Memorial on Salt and Grain for the Nine Border Garrisons

is remarkably thorough.

The grain-for-salt system

has been in place for over a century.

Merchants transport grain to the frontier

in exchange for salt permits.

Border granaries have thus been well stocked.

If we abruptly switch to silver payments,

allowing merchants to pay in silver instead of grain,

then the grain transport to the northwest

will inevitably decline.

If the border is ever in crisis,

and the granaries are empty,

we may regret it too late.

(Submitted by Record Keeper Shen Congsi) He understands border affairs.

He is a moderate.

He is the best choice.

I understand.

(Memorial on Salt and Grain for the Nine Border Garrisons)

It's not resentment.

It's just that

after Yucheng passed,

I haven't had a proper talk

with Mr. Zhao.

Honestly,

I got over that anger a long time ago.

I just feel

I miss him

and I'm a little scared of him.

It's like

when I look at my father.

I want to act all sweet with him,

but he's always busy,

and he's always scolding me.

So I don't want to talk to him.

I don't act sweet.

I'm too old

for that.

You may have grown taller,

but your personality

is still the same as when you were little.

Oh, right.

I...

What is it?

I spent three whole nights making this.

The bowstring is soaked roe deer sinew.

It won't break.

It may not look very pretty,

but

it's definitely better than what the armory gives you.

I...

I'll get going.

Idiot.

How could you give this to a girl?

Sanniang.

Please run an errand for me.

Tell my sister-in-law

to meet me at the Xie's shop

at nine tomorrow morning.

Alright.

Got it.

Ninth Young Lady.

In the Fu family's household matters,

as a daughter-in-law,

I truly cannot overrule the elders.

Rest assured.

Today's invitation

is for public matters, not private ones.

I heard that your elder brother

is interested in the Anzhou Imperial Salt Censor post.

His Majesty is pushing forward with the salt reform.

This position

is of critical importance.

We have searched for a long time

and found your brother

to be the most suitable.

We intend to recommend him.

Today,

I came to share this with you.

Your brother is deeply learned.

What is even rarer

is that he understands practical affairs,

knows the way of governing,

and understands the people's hardships.

To be honest, I know

that the one who truly understands

practical affairs,

besides your brother, is you.

If you are willing,

I can put the shops in the capital

under your management

to help support the household.

You don't have to do this.

Thank you

for managing the Fu household

and caring for Mother

all these years.

Please rise.

You truly put me

in a difficult position.

I only wish to do a little more

for Mother.

When I was pushed to the brink back then,

Mr. Zhao reached out and pulled me through.

Our bond was born out of hardship.

He is no shallow man who chases beauty,

and I am no woman who abandoned her family.

If there is any fault,

it's that two wounded souls

awkwardly clung to each other for comfort.

Alright.

I agree.

Have a seat.

Don't worry.

I will write

to your brother right away

and ask him to return to the capital.

When you reunite,

things

will be better

for you and Mother.

Thank you.

Father.

About the Imperial Salt Censor post,

what do they intend to do?

Tingyun

to recommend talent, regardless of family ties.

She...

Good.

Father...

Excellent.

No.

Tingyun means for me to...

Look how sharp that Zhao Ling is.

A little guidance and he knows how to show such respect.

Now that is a worthy son-in-law.

For this vacancy,

I have waited seven years.

His devotion is truly moving!

So many people seeking favors, you've been entertaining nonstop.

Mr. Zhao, have some tea

to sober up.

The other day, Madam Wang mentioned to me

the candidate for Imperial Salt Censor.

Who did she recommend?

It's Shen Congsi,

my sister-in-law's elder brother.

He has no factional ties,

and is the fairest in his judgments.

He also understands

the vital importance of balancing salt and grain.

He even wrote

the Memorial on Salt and Grain for the Nine Border Garrisons.

each word striking at the core of the salt reform.

Recommending talent without avoiding family ties

is not a problem, given your relation.

But this man,

during the metropolitan exam that year,

was the top scholar.

Yet in the palace exam,

he offended the Emperor

and only placed in the third tier.

He finished as a same-rank scholar.

I made some inquiries.

It was because of this editorial

that he drew criticism.

(Juheng News Agency) Those who leave their mark in history

either rely on noble birth,

or striking appearance,

or exceptional talent,

or extraordinary fortune.

Heaven grants countless paths to men.

Wealthy and noble households,

splendid halls and golden horses,

all are open roads.

Yet

having received such favor from heaven and gained these shortcuts,

if one still cannot open new frontiers

and build lasting achievements,

what face does one have

to speak of fairness?

Such arrogance.

Now I understand

that he didn't offend the Emperor,

but someone else.

You cannot overlook the northwest

and rush ahead blindly.

The salt reform is a monumental task.

Every move I make

will be interpreted in many ways.

Let me be frank with you.

His Majesty's wish

is to place a radical

in this position.

I've already put

my candidate on the list.

As for you,

stop worrying about this.

That would be best for both of us.

It seems we can't go through

Mr. Zhao.

What he said

is not without reason.

But Shen Congsi

is truly the most suitable candidate.

He sees the consequences of the salt reform

and knows how to act with restraint.

It would also serve as a buffer

for Commander Wang.

In any case,

the northwest is Mr. Zhao's foundation.

But just now,

he already turned you down.

I will find another way.

With the salt reform imminent,

someone must

speak for the northwest garrisons.

Go! Quick, run!

Quick, overtake it!

Run!

Look!

Look at that one!

It's so fast!

Run!

Wanyi, look at that one!

So cute.

Ladies, please add some prizes

to make it more fun.

Faster!

Run!

Mozhan.

Young Madam Yu,

you're even willing to part with such a large gilded item.

It's no use just sitting around.

Better to add it as a prize

so that everyone

can enjoy themselves more.

Ladies, please draw your lots.

Then I'll take the red one for good luck.

A good omen.

Ready!

Go!

Go, run!

Yellow, run!

Faster!

- Run! - Come on!

Red!

Go!

Run!

This way.

Your rabbit!

Red is so fast!

Faster!

Go!

Go forward!

Go forward!

Go!

Quick!

Go!

Hurry!

Yes, just like that!

Go, faster!

Hurry!

Don't stop!

What's going on?

Why isn't it running?

Come on, Red!

Madam Wei, your rabbit is too fast!

Mine!

Almost there!

Almost there!

Your rabbit!

Your rabbit!

I win!

I win!

I win!

I told you!

Red is a lucky color!

Yes!

Congratulations, Madam Wei, on taking the lead!

Your rabbit

runs faster than a horse.

Indeed.

Wanyi,

next time you must host us

so we can all

share in your good fortune.

Don't worry,

you're all invited to my place

for drinks.

Great!

Let's go take a look.

Let's go.

Good rabbit!

You really went out of your way.

I remember how you usually

can't stand these

cats and rabbits.

But today,

you went to all this trouble

just to cheer me up.

Is there something you want from me?

I wouldn't call it asking,

but adding a name to the recommendation list

should be easy

for you.

And it has nothing to do with the prize just now.

You sure know how to talk.

Thank you, Wanyi.

(Tanshui Temple)

You're here.

I arrived in the capital days ago.

I should have come to see you sooner.

Please forgive my late visit.

Please sit.

I was just worried I had no one to play weiqi with.

Come.

Let's have a game.

It's been years.

Your playing has grown much more composed.

How could I dare

to be rash before you?

Seeing you now,

so detached and beyond worldly concerns,

I feel that all things

can be met with calm.

The world is like a board.

You may speak freely, Miss Xie.

Master, when you resigned and retreated to the mountains,

was it truly only to withdraw from the world?

The incense at Tanshui Temple

is hardly more peaceful

than the Six Ministries.

You're really perceptive.

Every day, many people come before me,

begging me to save the masses.

I just never expected

that you would come today as well.

Tell me.

What brings you here today?

(Yu Residence)

Do you know who's on the list

submitted by the Ministry of Personnel?

Isn't my husband's name

on it?

Jingxiu is on it.

But so is Shen Congsi.

He is the elder brother of Fu Tingyun's sister-in-law.

What I want is not just Jingxiu's name on the list,

but only Jingxiu's name.

I heard that Fu Tingyun

has sought out Master Zhao of Tanshui Temple.

He was the Emperor's former tutor.

And you?

Shen Congsi is talented,

but his foundation is shallow.

With Jingxiu's qualifications,

he may not necessarily lose.

If you want to stand firm,

mere friendships among women are not enough.

There is still much for you to learn.

I understand, Mother.

Go.

Since you accepted the rabbit hutch,

and gave me your word,

how could you add someone else to the list?

Have you forgotten?

That rabbit hutch

was the prize I won from you in the rabbit race.

Everyone saw it.

I am someone

who speaks plainly.

If you need me to do something,

you should have

spoken more directly.

You...

You cannot

hold yourself so high

and still expect me to protect you.

Such a good deal doesn't exist in this world.

When you ask a favor,

you should act like it.

All these years,

have you ever truly considered me a friend?

Friendships

vary in depth.

There are drinking companions,

strategic allies,

and life-or-death bonds.

Tell me, Young Madam Yu,

which kind do you want to be?

If you wish to be my confidant,

what happened to the last person

who trusted you with their heart?

And besides,

the future

is never clear.

For now, it may be a fair contest,

but in the end,

your husband might just be the winner.

I acquired a fine piece of malachite a few days ago.

I ground it into pigment.

Remembering your niece's painting

at the first-year banquet,

I thought this color

might add

a touch of grace to her work.

She has done nothing to deserve such a gift.

Your kindness, Young Madam,

is far too generous.

You are

blessed.

It is only right that others think highly of you.

In the past few days,

I have taken it upon myself to look

and found an excellent match for her.

The Wei family.

Surely you are joking, Young Madam.

Though I have not been in the capital long,

I do know that the Wei family

answers to the Tian family.

Look at you, so startled.

Of course, she can't be the wife.

However,

taking her

as a concubine

would save you a lot of trouble.

A concubine?

By rights, since you have spoken,

I should agree.

But my niece,

since childhood, has mastered

the arts of a gentlewoman.

I have cherished her like a treasure.

I cannot bear to see her become a concubine

with no standing.

Lord Wei Donglin

is the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

He is in charge of recommending talent.

No matter who

ends up with the post of Imperial Salt Censor,

they will be grateful for his recommendation.

If you want

to have a voice in the future,

you must be willing to give.

But

why would such a good thing

fall on our family?

You high-born families have all the news.

But what reaches our ears

may not be the full story.

Could it be, Young Madam,

that you are telling us only half the truth

and using us as your pawns?

I do not have my mother-in-law's scheming mind.

Rest assured.

This time,

what you can find out

and what you cannot,

I will lay it all out for you.

If you do this, Young Madam,

are you not afraid of offending Madam Wei?

When she went back on her word,

did she consider peace?

What matters is Jingxiu's official position.

As long as Miss Wu can whisper in his ear,

Wei Donglin will be under our control.

It all depends on the skills of the aunt and niece.

Let us hope they are up to it.

(Tanshui Temple)

Old Madam Wei, please wait.

Who are you?

Madam Wu of Anzhou.

Madam Wu.

I have long wished to pay you a visit,

but I never found the right occasion.

I never expected

that by coming here to pray,

I would be fortunate enough to meet you.

May I ask, Madam Wu,

what brings you to me?

To be honest,

it's about my dear niece.

A woman's marriage is of the utmost importance.

But my niece and I

are new to the capital.

We have no footing here.

I humbly ask you

to make the decision for her.

Madam,

women of Anzhou

are known to bring good fortune to their families.

My niece here

may appear delicate,

but she has

a fine figure for bearing children.

Truly,

she's an excellent choice.

Of course.

Look at you, you useless son.

(Wei Donglin, Left Vice Minister) What's wrong with wanting a grandson?

Which woman in her prime

would stop having children

after just one daughter?

Mother,

keep your voice down.

Don't let Wanyi hear.

Wanyi, huh?

You only ever look to Wanyi.

Am I even your mother?

Tell me,

it's one thing that you used to be afraid of her.

But now Grand Secretary Tian is about to retire.

You're a third-rank official,

and you're still afraid of her?

My son,

you have served others for years.

Now

it's time for others

to serve you.

It's so hot today,

and you still have to wear this.

Hurry up.

If we keep Old Madam Wei waiting too long,

my aunt will surely punish us.

A concubine?

My niece here,

I raised her with care since she was little

and treasured her dearly.

It's

only temporary.

Once she bears a son,

she must be taken into the Wei family.

Then your niece,

with a son to her name,

will have nothing to regret.

That may be so,

but word gets around.

It won't look good.

Madam Wu,

are you joking with me?

You managed to get through

the willow-shooting gathering.

Surely you're not going

to fuss over this?

If my niece truly bears a son,

she must be taken into the Wei family.

Since we've come this far in our talk,

there's no time to waste.

Tomorrow, after my son leaves court,

I will have him come over.

Leave this matter

to me.

I will see it through.

They only see me as a vessel

for bearing children.

My Lady, you are delicate.

How could you endure such mistreatment?

If this were the past,

I would have accepted it.

But now,

I must find a way out.

(Next Episode)

I'd like to see,

without this pretty face of yours,

how you'll manage to seduce another woman's husband.

You truly are a born wretch.

You came from humble origins.

Everything you have today

came through shady means.

(Plaintiff: Li) I, Li, an old servant,

hereby accuse Ninth Young Lady Fu.

The two of them eloped,

causing Old Madam Fu's death!

You can't even manage your own household affairs.

What qualifies you

to serve as Assistant Censor-in-Chief?

I beg Your Majesty to reconsider

and appoint a more worthy candidate

to oversee the reforms.

♪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♪