Original subtitles

=Yummy Yummy Yummy=

=Episode 15=

Shen Shaoguang,

actually, I can hold my liquor.

You fell asleep?

We're at home?

Young Master.

What's the matter?

Your Highness...

Mr. Li, why suddenly come to the Capital?

Is something wrong?

What could've gone wrong?

I was just worried about you in the Capital,

so I brought you

some food and necessities.

Are you afraid I'll peek?

What?

Anran, have you become romantic,

hiding a young lady in the carriage?

You're joking.

Does His Majesty know

about your trip

to the Capital?

It doesn't matter.

I'm just a leisurely man.

Even if my brother finds out,

he will just think of it

as a trip for fun.

No need to disturb him.

Though it's already night,

there are still many people around.

It's better not to stay outside.

I'll get off now.

Leave through the back door.

Tell your family to avoid him.

You want me to notify them now?

How can I manage that?

Mr. Li, please come in for a rest.

Please.

I've missed you so much

during the time I was away.

I don't know if you're doing well.

I've been used to living in the Capital.

Don't worry.

- Grandma. - Yangyang.

Can I use this?

This?

Go ask your dad to do it.

Dad,

I want to use this.

Don't use that one.

What do you think

of the one I've skewered?

Look at my sword.

I didn't expect your mansion

to be so lively.

Take this. That's too big for you.

When did the guests arrive?

Please forgive me.

They are the Shen family from Qingyang.

When my parents were alive,

they arranged this marriage for me.

Three months ago,

they came to seek refuge

and have stayed since.

When Rangzhi was alive,

he arranged a marriage for you?

Why have you never mentioned it to me?

Shortly after the engagement,

Father took us to the Capital.

Since then, we've had little contact.

I thought after my family's incident,

the engagement would be invalid.

But now I've talked it over with them

and broken off the engagement.

They have nowhere to stay,

so they've stayed for now.

That's why

I haven't mentioned it to you.

You used to be very close to me,

but ever since you came to the Capital,

you've kept many things from me.

Though you write letters home,

you never mention the Shen family.

I just think

they are not important.

Is that right?

But I think

you're reluctant to get close to the Princess

partly because of this past betrothal.

Yangyang, be careful.

Don't fall.

- Before, - I know.

you rarely cared about the Capital.

I didn't expect you

to care so much about the Princess.

Are you protecting this family?

You avoided my question

and started to question me.

Anran,

the Princess is His Majesty's only sibling,

just like Princess Guantao.

The Crown Prince is still young;

his character is not yet set.

The Princess will often give him advice.

If there is someone she can rely on by her side,

she won't make mistakes.

I understand.

It's getting late.

You should rest first.

What's the rush?

Anran,

even without the engagement,

I still should meet the Shen family,

since they're here.

Mr. Lin is so respectful

to this man.

He even called His Majesty "my brother".

He's not an ordinary man, is he?

He is very extraordinary.

Li,

to grill the lamb well,

besides having good meat,

the seasoning is the key.

Shen, please.

Look at me.

Well.

Let me learn, too.

Go ahead.

Is this right?

You have a natural talent.

You have the makings of a chef.

You flatter me.

The smoke rises like clouds and mist;

the oil sizzles with a fragrant aroma.

What a learned man.

What a learned man.

Jicai is here.

This must be

Anran's fiancée, right?

She's too thin.

She should eat more to be plumper.

That'd look better.

Yes, yes.

She never listens to us.

Mr. Li,

our engagement has been canceled.

No need to explain further.

Lady Shen, nice to meet you.

Greetings...

(The hierarchy is not yet very strict.)

(Though he is the Emperor's brother,)

(he seems very close to the ancestor.)

(We've invited him to barbecue anyway.)

(I might as well take a gamble.)

Uncle Li.

May you achieve your wishes

and be content and happy.

Clever girl.

What a smooth talker.

Anran,

Shen and his family are so interesting,

and we

really hit it off.

Li, no need to say more.

Try this skewer.

- Sure. - It's done.

I've had grilled lamb before,

but never such lamb skewers.

How is it?

Tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

How nice.

You flatter me.

What's in Yong'an City?

Shen's Diner.

Carriages.

Capital Prefecture.

Our ancestor.

What did he just say?

You must be drunk.

Our ancestor?

Nonsense.

Ancestor?

You should drink.

There's no ancestor involved.

- Nothing to do with him. - We have ancestors,

but you can't say it like this.

- My fault. - Drink.

I'll drink.

Again, again.

- Come on. - I want that.

- You go. - Shen, you go.

- What's in Yunshui Manor? - I'll get it for you.

A pond.

A privy.

A study.

Security guards.

What do you mean by that?

Security guards.

Security guards mean

those...

guards who keep us safe.

We call them security guards.

You got it right.

But you mumbled the words.

I'm drunk.

If you say so much, it'll be right.

- Come on. - Uncle.

My dad... my father.

- My father - I'm your father.

likes to mumble words.

Please forgive him.

Why not start with me?

- Let's forget that. - Drink slower.

What's in Juxian Alley?

- Handsome Shen. - A chef.

Wait.

Both of you are wrong.

It's my turn.

You guys cut in on me.

Uncle, you've got the essence of this game.

Uncle.

You guys have a drink.

I'll join you.

This game is so much fun.

Where did you guys learn it from?

We made it up ourselves.

We've been playing it since we were kids.

We innovated it.

You are really talented.

Come on.

I know that Mr. Li

is someone

extraordinary.

I didn't have time to tell them to avoid him.

Will he cause you trouble later?

Come on, drink.

Weren't you just bold enough

to call him uncle?

- Have some dishes. - So delicious.

This is

the Emperor's sixth brother,

Prince Zhao.

This wine is also very tasty.

You don't know, Li.

Don't worry.

The Prince is easygoing;

he genuinely finds you interesting.

Li,

I can tell just

by looking at you that you have

an extraordinary presence.

You must be an official, right?

I think your position

is higher than Mr. Lin's.

Right?

Shen,

you have a good eye.

How did you figure it out?

What do I do?

I run a diner.

I see so many people every day.

What kind of people haven't I seen?

Especially those officials.

When they come to my diner,

I just take one look

and I know what they do.

They look down

on everyone.

You and Mr. Lin are different.

You treat the commoners as human beings.

Good officials.

Shen Jianshe, that's enough.

How many officials have you seen?

Where did you learn this habit

of boasting when you're drunk?

I've seen many.

I've seen...

I've seen too many.

Let me tell you something.

It's always like this.

At school,

they learn some knowledge

and how to be a good man,

but once they become officials in society,

they forget it all.

Full of bad intentions.

Have you said enough?

We shouldn't have had dinner here.

Mrs. Shen,

Shen is right.

Well said.

But Shen,

I have one thing I don't understand.

What do you mean

by society?

Let me tell you.

It's like a university.

Actually,

you have universities here, too.

The Imperial Academy in Wuben Alley

is a university.

Of course.

However,

let me tell you.

The society university is complex.

For example,

your officialdom

is a society university.

You learn a lot of theories about being a man at school,

but when you come out into society,

it's not like that.

Who is the most powerful man?

The most powerful man

is the one who can keep his own heart

in this big dye vat of society.

That's the real powerful man.

You

and he.

You are that kind of man.

Your words have moved me.

I'm moved.

Shen,

you know me well.

How rare to meet a bosom friend.

If we don't hit it off...

Let me skip this part.

We keep hitting it off.

Yes, yes.

Shen.

Go ahead.

To be honest,

with an elder like you

by Anran's side,

I'm relieved.

You're relieved.

This brat

never likes to follow rules.

Today,

is he okay?

Of course.

At worst, it's just a few curfews.

♪To the ends of the earth♪

♪To the corners of the sea♪

♪True friends are few and far between♪

The atmosphere tonight is so great.

I couldn't help but want to sing.

Is that even a song?

- How about I sing? - Shen Jianshe.

Sure.

I sing pretty well.

- You sing well. - Li.

You just played

this game quite well.

Let's play a few rounds.

- You go first. - Okay.

Ready?

Ready.

What's in Yong'an City?

Shen's Diner.

Cucumber salad.

Did I say you can play?

Come on, continue.

Why can't Shen play?

He's drunk.

- He can't play. - I'm not drunk.

He's not drunk.

- Don't meddle. - Mother.

Let's start from this side.

- He can't play. - Father.

Your Highness.

Anran,

your family is a noble family.

How could you be engaged to a merchant's girl?

This family

seems quite strange.

I've also been puzzled.

But my parents never cared about family background,

so it's not strange.

As you can see,

the Shens are not deceitful.

These days,

they've treated me sincerely

without any unusual moves.

Have you checked their background in Qingyang?

Nothing

is wrong with them.

You didn't go?

To protect this family,

you lied to me.

I'm just worried

that investigating an old case in Qingyang

might cause unnecessary trouble.

Since you're planning to overturn the Cui Case,

why fear unnecessary trouble?

Do you know how big a deal this is?

I took a risk to save you,

not to let you be trapped in danger.

How do you know?

I was the one who raised you.

Can't I see

through your thoughts?

I know

you'll find out what I want to do.

But you saved me.

I can't implicate you any further.

Please stop asking

to distance yourself.

You're really confused.

To me,

you're like my own child.

How could I distance myself?

You are doing such dangerous things.

I'm not even in the capital.

How can I protect you?

Anran,

you've changed your surname

and are now the Vice Prefect.

That's a high position.

So, you must live well.

That's what your parents would expect.

I understand.

Enough.

Why are you still like this?

Anran,

you've been in the Capital

for quite some time now.

Have you found out anything?

The evidence in the old case files

is complete and detailed.

There's nowhere to start.

Lady Shen

was once engaged to you.

They might know something.

It happened suddenly.

They were far away in Qingyang

and had nothing to do with the court.

I've asked.

They don't know anything.

This family

can't stay in your mansion for long.

If someone with ill intentions targets them,

that'd be troublesome.

Do you understand?

Yes.

(Gentle and Calm)

Why did the Prince suddenly realize

that you want to overturn the case?

The Prince didn't just start doubting.

Since I managed to come to the Capital,

the Prince had had suspicions.

Just now in the garden,

the Prince was trying

to lure Mr. Shen into revealing my abnormalities.

The Prince is not in the Capital,

yet he knows your recent situation.

There must be spies

he has placed around us.

Luckily, you're cautious

and have never told him everything.

Before, I hid this from him

because I didn't want to drag him down,

but now...

Before,

the Prince always used different reasons

to dissuade you from participating

in the annual imperial exams.

If not for the special exams in Year Jia Wu,

you couldn't have become an official.

In the end,

the Prince transferred you to a remote area,

saying he wanted you to be leisurely.

If you hadn't solved the embezzlement case,

we wouldn't have been here.

That day,

it was actually the Prince

who asked me to investigate that case.

But I don't know if he

wanted me to catch Magistrate Dou

or if he thought I was one of them

and would turn a blind eye.

Indeed.

After you solved the case,

the Prince didn't praise you at all.

What does he want to do?

Why did he insist

on stopping you from coming here?

What?

That's Prince Zhao?

Weren't you close to him just now?

How many lives do you have?

Want to join the imperial family?

I was just...

I even tapped him.

Can I kneel now and apologize?

Don't be too nervous.

Judging by the atmosphere tonight,

it was quite harmonious.

Li...

Li?

I called him Li?

Maybe he won't be angry.

Didn't you guys notice?

Prince Zhao was trying to get info from Dad

when he got drunk.

Dad, did he ask you about the ancestor?

I knew something was off.

If not for Jicai, diverting the conversation,

you'd cause great trouble.

He did ask,

but I didn't say anything.

I didn't say anything.

Without Jicai stopping you, could you have held back?

I know you too well.

I just wanted to tell him

about our ancestor's curfew violation,

but I didn't say it.

I really didn't say anything.

And Prince Zhao

was quite friendly to me.

He's a prince, after all.

When he treated me like this,

I thought

maybe if I befriended him,

I could help with our ancestor's career.

Could it be because Mr. Lin

made a mistake at work

that upset Prince Zhao?

In ancient times, vassals

couldn't enter the Capital without permission.

Yet he snuck in.

There must be a reason.

Jicai,

I don't think

their relationship

is that simple.

Grandpa said

that the ancestor changed his name

because he was saved by someone.

This savior

had such great power.

Could it be Prince Zhao?

Did your grandpa really say that?

I don't remember.

It's quite possible.

Never mind, let's not think about it.

Since he's already here,

we'll just treat him as an elder

and take care of him,

lest we cause any trouble for Mr. Lin.

(Shen's Diner)

What?

Zhao...

Mr. Li has agreed

to come to our diner for dinner tonight?

Your parents

delivered the invitation to my master,

saying you'd host a banquet here.

How hospitable.

My master wouldn't let them down.

Auntie.

- What's wrong? - What's the matter?

Get up, get up.

Are you alright?

Dad, Mom.

What were you thinking,

inviting him to eat at the diner?

Look at you, all flustered.

Didn't you say so last night?

Prince Zhao is already here;

we need to take care of him.

I told you to take care of him,

not to invite him.

Mom, why didn't you stop him?

What have I done wrong this time?

Your dad insisted on inviting him.

I thought

it was fine.

Mr. Lin has to work every day;

Prince Zhao can't be seen in public.

He can only stay at Yunshui Manor.

How boring that must be.

If we could let him out

for some fresh air

and have some good food,

how happy he would be.

That's right.

Besides, the safest place

is our diner.

Once we serve him well,

it might even be helpful for Mr. Lin.

I feel something is off,

but I seem to be persuaded.

You see?

Jicai, just listen to me.

Relationships

are built through meals.

I know what I'm doing.

We should at least let Mr. Lin know.

How can we decide on our own?

Yes, we should inform Mr. Lin.

But he left for court so early.

We didn't get up.

How about this?

You go and tell him.

Alright, I'll go now.

Jicai,

what's that on your forehead?

Don't forget to wipe it off.

(Xuanzheng Hall)

Elders from my clan

somehow heard

that you don't even have a concubine.

They all came to me to inquire.

I heard from my family

that I have seven cousins

and six nieces

who want to marry you.

The Pei Clan is also prestigious,

but I'm a nobody.

However, because I'm friends with you,

I've become quite popular.

How should I respond to them?

Mr. Pei,

when did I become friends with you?

One of the two ladies waiting outside

is truly a beauty,

not inferior to the ladies of the harem.

Yes.

I wonder where she is from.

What great fortune.

There's a beauty up ahead.

Let's go take a look.

These officials who can discuss in court

must have ranks, right?

They're all looking at you.

Why don't you pick a good one,

and I'll be your matchmaker?

Milady, you're teasing me again.

Don't be embarrassed.

But it's true.

In my hometown,

I'm well-known for being plump.

Plenty of young men came to propose.

I'm Eighteenth Master Pei.

I admire you.

After much thought,

I don't want you to miss me.

(Xuanzheng Gate) May I ask your name?

Judging by your appearance,

you don't seem unmarried.

My sister

respectfully rejects you.

Ma'am, did you hear clearly?

I'm Eighteenth Master Pei.

The Pei Clan...

Ma'am?

Eighteenth Master Pei,

my family acts properly,

so they don't want to be blunt.

I'll convey the message.

You have a wife and three concubines.

She doesn't want her sister to suffer.

Can you understand?

Suffer?

Goodbye.

Mr. Pei.

Goodbye.

Why are you here?

Making fun of me?

Come here.

That one

is Mr. Lin's cousin.

And that one

is the cousin's sworn sister,

so she's also like Mr. Lin's sister.

What you just did

wasn't quite appropriate.

Forty-seventh Master Pei,

stop gloating here.

Lin Yan's cousin

just runs a diner

in Juxian Alley.

Look at how he treats her.

Does he like

that frail, unattractive woman

and wants to marry her?

Then it's a blessing

that my niece won't marry him.

You call yourself the twelfth outside,

but you're actually the forty-seventh in the clan.

Stop lecturing me.

Even if I call you forty-seventh

in front of others,

you'll have to respond.

My parents...

have caused you trouble again.

I'm really sorry.

It seems you always get me out of trouble.

Like just now.

Treating Prince Zhao to dinner

could have been a disaster.

I might lose

my position tomorrow.

Is it so serious?

It'll be fine.

You spent money and effort on my behalf.

I'm very grateful.

If a meal could bring me trouble,

that's my problem,

not yours.

However, the visit of Prince Zhao

reminds us

that we should find a place to live

and move out of Yunshui Manor

to avoid causing you trouble.

Can't you just stay?

It's nothing.

But you're wearing an official robe.

You can't go like this, right?

Indeed.

But going back to the mansion

might be too late.

I have a robe in my carriage.

You change then.

Are you done?

How disrespectful.

Mr. Lin, you said

an elder kept something

from you.

Is he Prince Zhao?

Is he very important to you?

After I escaped death,

Prince Zhao took me in.

No wonder.

I knew it must be hard

to change household registration,

and you'd need help.

You're very smart,

but don't say such things

in the future.

Mr. Lin,

is there anything to be mindful of

when dealing with Prince Zhao?

Anything we can't let him know?

He cares about me,

but official matters

can't be discussed with him.

I understand.

(Shen's Diner)

Mr. Lin, milady, we're here.

Get down.

What's wrong?

Mr. Lin.

(Shen's Diner)

Mr. Li.

Let me serve you some soup.

- Okay. - Drink more.

- Drink more. - Less for me.

This wine is good.

- Come on. - Sure.

Try our fish ball soup.

Sure.

It's really rare

for us to gather like this.

- Usually, - Yes.

we can't see this child now.

Stop it.

It's not easy

for him to be the Vice Prefect.

You're the only capable man

he knows.

If he doesn't work hard

for the Prefecture,

who will support him in the future?

Yes.

Everyone, rest assured.

As long as I'm here,

no one will bully Anran.

Thank you.

Mr. Li, eat up.

Let's have a drink first.

- Okay. - Okay.

Let's drink together.

Let's drink together.

Eat up.

Sure.

Try it.

Shen,

after eating the meals you made,

I'm afraid

I won't be used to the food at home.

Mr. Li, don't say that.

Whenever you can come to Yong'an,

I'll cook for you anytime.

Yes.

What if

I can't come often?

You suddenly stopped

calling me Li.

Anran must've told you about my identity.

My family and I didn't know

your identity before.

Please forgive our rudeness.

Please forgive us.

Please forgive us.

Don't stand on ceremony.

Everyone, sit down.

Come on.

Sit down.

To be honest,

I really hit it off with you guys.

If our relationship becomes distant,

wouldn't that be my loss?

You all are sincere and trustworthy.

What I lack most around me

are friends like you.

Your Highness,

we are just ordinary commoners.

How could we deserve such honor?

You deserve it.

Shen.

Thank you.

These past few days,

I appreciate all of your care.

Come on.

We appreciate it.

What an honor.

You know what?

After having a few drinks,

I feel a bit tipsy.

Shen, accompany me outside for some fresh air.

Uncle,

let me accompany the Prince for a walk.

Yes, let Mr. Lin accompany you.

Well.

As soon as we came in, we sat down to eat.

I haven't had a chance to tour this diner.

Let your uncle accompany me.

We can chat about the art of cooking.

No need for you.

Shen.

You called me out.

Is there something you want to tell me?

Shen, you're perceptive.

Sit down.

Don't be nervous.

Have a seat.

I wanted to talk to you

about Anran's future.

Anran was promoted to the Vice Prefect.

In terms of his career,

he is young and promising.

But when it comes to marriage,

he's an old man.

We are both elders.

We should plan for Anran, right?

Actually, I knew

you wanted

to talk about Mr. Lin,

but I didn't expect it to be about this.

Yes, we did have an engagement

with Mr. Lin,

but it has been

broken off.

What I'm trying to say is

your family

can't live in Yunshui Manor anymore.

Anran is favored by His Majesty

and Princess Fuhui.

His future is limitless.

I don't discriminate

against your job,

but the world is stubborn.

If Anran continues to shelter you,

people might misunderstand,

and it could affect his career and marriage.

So, that's what this is about.

I actually knew this,

but

we always thought of Mr. Lin

as a member of our family.

Moreover,

the Princess's husband is still alive.

Mr. Lin

can't really...

Knowing that you value Anran,

I dare to speak frankly with you.

We both want what's best for Anran.

But Anran's background is complicated.

Your old ties could become new leverage at any time.

What I'm saying is

I want to take you away from Yong'an

and settle you somewhere else.

Leave?

Your Highness,

though we are just commoners,

we still have the right to choose.

My diner has just opened;

it's doing really well right now.

The whole Juxian Alley...

Shen, let me explain my plan

before you make a choice.

I'll cover the travel expenses

you need.

You might not understand me well enough.

This is not about money at all.

I am willing to offer 10,000 gold.

How much?

10,000 gold?

To keep you safe.

(Start Near to Go Far) That's 10,000 gold for the road.

And he promised personally

that once we arrive in Sushui City,

he will build me a big tavern,

buy your mother endless clothes,

build a wedding house for Gongcai,

find a match for him,

and build a school for Yangyang.

Is this for real?

This is my good friend, Prince Zhao,

who told me this himself.

How could it be false?

This is a good deal, Dad.

Good for you.

Sit down. Wait.

This can't be that simple.

A tavern would cost a fortune.

Why would he be so kind to us?

Why don't you understand?

Prince Zhao knows

about our ancestor's background.

He might be the one who saved our ancestor.

That's right.

The ancestor told me before.

See? I told you.

Wait.

When did the ancestor tell you?

How disrespectful.

Mr. Lin, you said

an elder kept something

from you.

Is he Prince Zhao?

Is he very important to you?

After I escaped death,

Prince Zhao took me in.

He just told me.

Why did he only tell you?

This is not fair.

Don't get off track.

Is this the point?

Prince Zhao and the ancestor

are actually on the same side.

Prince Zhao

is thinking about our ancestor's future,

so he has to get us out of here.

If he's going to get us out,

he has to give us some benefits, right?

Also,

Prince Zhao

has taken a liking to me

and wants to be brothers with me,

so he's being generous.

What's so strange about that?

Right?

It makes sense.

Jicai,

I don't think you need to be so nervous.

We can discuss

whether we should go.

But isn't it always written

like this in novels?

I'll give you five million

for you to leave my son.

Would you agree?

Right?

It's possible that ancient

and modern nobles use the same methods.

That makes sense.

That makes sense.

Don't TV shows also portray it this way?

If Prince Zhao introduces a match for me,

we need to seriously consider it.

Yangyang has been here for so long.

She can't keep missing school.

It's hard to choose a school in the Capital,

but we can move somewhere else, right?

Let's think about it.

But we need

to consider leaving Yunshui Manor.

The engagement has been broken off.

It's definitely not appropriate

for us to stay like this anymore.

It makes sense.

(Shaoguang's Food Notes)

(Sword Barbecue)

(This big sword made of grilled skewers is edible.)

♪This mundane heart, unwilling to fade♪

♪Perhaps foreknew heaven's design♪

♪Thus fled destiny's trace♪

♪Migrating toward you♪

♪But worldly customs permit only♪

♪Our fleeting meetings♪

♪Granting us floods strong enough to wound♪

♪Each other deeply♪

♪Fear one stroke wrong in time's flow♪

♪Passion fills the page, leaving only foolish longing♪

♪Fear sincerity trespassing half a step♪

♪Plunging into thunder pools, wholly drowned♪

♪Fear fate's script erasing this encounter♪

♪Laying celestial snares and thorns♪

♪Though glimpsing a thread of forewarning♪

♪Can only lament too cruel a fate♪

♪Knowing destiny's course defies reversal♪

♪Yet forcing bonds to confound heaven's will♪

♪So be it♪

♪Let red threads tie our pledge♪

♪This covenant bonds past and present lives♪

♪Wholly depicts you♪

♪Fear one stroke wrong in time's flow♪

♪Passion fills the page, leaving only foolish longing♪

♪Fear sincerity trespassing half a step♪

♪Plunging into thunder pools, wholly drowned♪

♪Fear fate's script erasing this encounter♪

♪Laying celestial snares and thorns♪

♪Though glimpsing a thread of forewarning♪

♪Can only lament♪

♪Such a cruel affection♪