Original subtitles

SAY NO TO PIRACY, SUPPORT ORIGINALS

ADAPTED FROM JIA JIN CHAI, ORIGINAL NOVEL BY XIAOJIAREN ON JINJIANG LITERATURE CITY

DUKE'S RESIDENCE

JIEDE

Wait.

His Lordship will have peace resting in the Study,

but why the rush?

He's only just married. And you didn't try to stop him?

Governess, how would I dare?

Go. Take good care of His Lordship.

Yes.

Madam, things have gone on since midnight.

You must be tired.

The Dowager Lady has excused you from today's morning greeting.

I'll look after the Study.

Don't worry about a thing.

Go back to your room, Madam. A nap won't hurt.

Please thank the Dowager Lady for her kindness.

Governess Miao, please go about your work.

HERITAGE PRESERVED, GOODNESS PROCLAIMED

Governess Miao…

Bitao, the old me…

BLISS

I mean,

did Lord Lu and I ever have a feud?

I need to go see Madam. Don't let anyone know. Understood?

I understand. Don't worry, Governess.

Governess Miao, in such a hurry so early,

-where are you off to? -Governess Miao…

GEJIN, MAID OF THE EARL OF CHENG'AN'S RESIDENCE

Governess Wu sent me.

Well, Dowager Lady is always worried about His Lordship's illness.

Heaven had mercy.

As soon as the Young Lady married in, the marriage really did cure him.

I thought I'd hurry to the Wei Residence with the good news.

Do you have an exit pass?

The Duchess gave orders long ago

that His Lordship has just woken from a serious illness

and needs quiet rest.

Songyue Hall is to be closed for now.

Not just outsiders,

even the masters of the second, third, and fourth branches,

and His Lordship's cousins, may not visit.

So nothing disturbs his recovery.

The Duke's Residence has its rules.

Without the master's order,

female servants of the inner household may not pass messages outside.

Governess Wu, keep this in mind,

so you don't break the rules later

and make things hard for Madam.

It was careless of me.

Thank you for the reminder, Governess Miao.

I must go to the Tea Room to check on Madam's bean porridge.

The one who should've died didn't,

-and I can't get word out either. -Why are you still standing here?

-What should I do? -You're dismissed. Go.

You're saying she pushed Lady Xie?

No.

I pushed Lady Xie in,

and Lord Lu saw it all.

Then could it be

that Lady Xie

is the woman Lord Lu loves?

No wonder he looked at me like he wanted to eat me alive.

Then this feud runs really deep.

If he really drives me out,

rumors will hurt the Wei family,

and those people will never let me go.

If others fail, at worst they just part ways.

If I fail, I'll be sent to the chopping block.

No. Staying in the Duke's Residence is my only way to survive.

I didn't dare ask before,

but did the scar on your face

happen back then?

It's nothing.

Now, His Lordship holds this grudge against you.

You must be very careful.

Thank you for the heads-up.

I know what to do.

SHIZHAI

My Lord,

it's time for your medicine.

Go away.

Serving a husband his medicinal decoction is a wife's duty.

However much you despise me,

I must still do my duty.

You were only vicious before.

Now you're a hypocrite too.

Spare me your sweet talk and your act.

Tell me the truth.

You agreed to a bridal marriage to ward off my illness.

-What are you really after? -I…

That's easy for you to say, My Lord.

You're a hero admired by all,

and the Duchess got an Imperial Edict from the Empress Dowager for this marriage.

If I openly broke it off,

the Wei family would be defying the edict and breaking faith.

My family would be condemned.

I had no choice,

but now that I've married you,

I am your wife.

My Lord, please be generous.

Since I married you to ward off your illness,

-let's not dwell on the past… -Don't even think about it.

I will never take

an arrogant and ruthless woman with a viper's heart as my wife.

You are even less worthy of being the Lu family's principal wife.

Grandmother forced this marriage,

so you may keep the betrothal gifts.

In three days,

go and take your leave of Grandmother.

Tell her we're not of one mind and can't be husband and wife.

Pack and leave my family.

As for all the evil things you did before,

I'll never speak of them.

If you refuse,

I'll tell the elders myself and have you thrown out.

When you lose all dignity then,

you'll have only yourself to blame.

You're very ill, My Lord. Please take your medicine first.

Don't touch me.

It's all scalded red.

What a heartless man.

Begging him won't help.

Physician Zhao is coming to change His Lordship's dressing.

I'll take my leave.

My Lord,

I watched you grow up.

In the past, even when servants made mistakes,

you'd forgive them.

Your new bride has just married in

and hasn't done anything seriously wrong.

Why are you so harsh with her?

Governess,

people are foolish.

They judge by looks.

Charmed by beauty, they trust the wicked.

Some people have only beautiful skin,

but their hearts are vicious,

cruel, and twisted.

They treat human life as nothing.

Such people are scarier than ghosts.

Even if she were as lovely as a fairy,

she would still make me shudder.

Never mind sharing a bed,

even sharing a room with her

is more than I can bear.

Are these not to your taste, My Lady?

I'll have them taken away and remade.

You know me.

Look at all this.

Roasted meat, steamed dish, cured chicken and dried venison…

And this Sliced…

Sliced Fish with Golden Relish.

At home, we couldn't even afford pastries.

When I first ate meat at the Wei Residence,

I had vomiting and diarrhea all night.

I must be born poor, unable to enjoy such things.

Have some wheat meal today, My Lady.

Later, add some minced fish and get used to it slowly.

You asked Physician Zhao for medicine

to heal the scars on your hands…

My Lady, what are you doing? I don't deserve this.

I asked Governess Miao

to get it from Physician Zhao.

It's Jade Beauty Powder that fades scars.

It's a little late to use it now. I hope it still works.

Thank you, My Lady.

My Lady,

I heard you've lost your appetite,

so I had the kitchen make some light bean porridge and flatbread.

Please try some.

That's thoughtful of you, Governess.

Is there something else, Governess?

Since His Lordship moved out,

everyone in Songyue Hall is talking.

They say he's unhappy with this marriage

and dislikes his new bride.

Well…

As I see it,

you need to find a way to fix this

and win His Lordship over.

Do you have a good idea, Governess?

As is the custom,

the Old Madam will introduce you to the Lu family relatives.

A new bride must present gifts to her elders.

Why not use this chance to make some embroidered goods

to please the Old Madam and Mother?

With the elders on your side,

His Lordship can't go against filial duty.

Embroidered goods?

I'm no expert at embroidery,

but I often did it at home.

That's perfect.

To secure your place in the Duke's Residence,

you must work hard, My Lady.

Thank you for the advice, Governess.

You're welcome, My Lady.

The bean porridge is getting cold. Eat it while it's warm.

Go to sleep.

Remember to apply the medicine first.

It needs to be mixed with water.

The kitchen will bring cow's milk tomorrow morning.

It is better mixing it with milk.

It's already the second watch. Please get some rest, My Lady.

Don't worry about me.

I'm used to working late at home.

I can't do fine crafts,

but my embroidery is good enough to show.

My Lady,

when a lady from a family like the Wei Residence marries,

not just the gifts for relatives,

even the embroidered rewards for servants

are made by the household embroiderers over three years

and prepared well in advance.

Why would you do it yourself?

-Governess Wu clearly… -I see.

She's taking advantage of my ignorance,

playing tricks to wear me out.

I won't obey her in everything,

so she wants me to make a fool of myself in public.

Thank you for telling me.

Go to sleep.

Are you still going to embroider, My Lady?

Yes.

If you really can't sleep, why not tell me

what the Wei Residence sent as my dowry?

When a lady from a family like the Wei Residence marries,

the dowry is always prepared well in advance…

Grandmother.

Rao, you're here.

You've already met the Dowager Lady and your mother-in-law.

This is your Second Aunt.

ZHUO CHENGJUN, SECOND DAUGHTER-IN-LAW OF THE DUKE OF YING

Greetings, Second Aunt.

Greetings.

Come. Let me take a good look at you.

Mother, let me be honest, and don't be cross.

Everyone says the two Young Ladies of our family are the finest,

but today, after seeing His Lordship's new bride,

I finally know there's always someone better.

Such a beautiful and outstanding young lady

makes the ladies of our family look plain by comparison.

Well.

I love hearing that.

Look at Rao. Not only is she beautiful,

but she's also blessed with the best fortune in the world.

This lucky girl is one I risked my pride to snatch for us.

Yes.

Indeed.

Old Madam is very strict.

Look how she treasured this delicate granddaughter,

afraid she'd melt in her mouth or be lost from her arms.

She never showed up at ordinary tea gatherings or flower banquets.

Thanks to your good eye, Mother,

you arranged this match for His Lordship early

and brought this lovely flower into our home.

This is your Third Aunt.

Third Aunt.

REN YUZHEN, THIRD DAUGHTER-IN-LAW OF THE DUKE OF YING

Good timing. Come and greet your sisters-in-law.

Come.

This is Changning, and this is Changhui. They're your younger cousins.

Rao.

LU CHANGHUI, DAUGHTER OF THE THIRD BRANCH, DUKE OF YING'S RESIDENCE

LU CHANGNING, DAUGHTER OF THE SECOND BRANCH, DUKE OF YING'S RESIDENCE

Greetings, cousins.

This is your cousin and my niece, Weiyu.

HE WEIYU, NIECE OF HE WANNIANG

-Rao. -Weiyu.

Bitao.

CLOUDS DRIFT, RAIN NOURISHES

The gift prepared at home was too dull in color.

I feared you might not like it, so I made a new one myself.

I hope you like it.

Dowager Lady,

Madam called Guanzhu and Yinyu over

to ask about your favorite colors and patterns.

At the third watch, Bitao was still changing the candles.

She stayed up two nights and put her heart into it.

You made this for me yourself.

Wearing it, I can feel your devotion.

How could I not like it?

You're too kind, Grandmother.

Even my rough needlework finds favor in your eyes.

Back home, Grandmother always said I was clumsy.

Giving my embroidery to elders might embarrass me before a noble family.

So we had embroiderers from Jiguang Pavilion

to make better gifts for all the elders and my younger cousins.

-Governess Wu, -Yes?

why are you standing there?

I had you count them out last night.

I sewed those pearl-adorned silver-trimmed shoes myself

for Mother.

Second Aunt, you're so elegant and radiant.

The gold-inlaid cloud-and-bird embroidered apron suits you perfectly.

How thoughtful.

And a gold-flower purple silk outer garment

that matches your outfit today, Third Aunt.

I have one, too?

Fourth Aunt, you have refined taste.

I have a bedside incense burner with wheels on its four feet.

It's finely made.

-You'll surely love it. -Thank you.

There's also a jade box

full of ornamental hairpins and dangling hair ornaments.

Bring that too.

Grandmother chose them carefully for me to give to my cousins.

Did you hear? The Dowager Lady wants to see them.

Don't keep her waiting. Hurry.

Yes, I'll bring them right away.

The three days are almost up.

I got past Grandmother,

but how do I deal with Lu Zhuo?

Heavens, you should've taken him back then too.

Being a rich widow

beats being thrown out.

Young Master.

Slow down, Fifth Young Master!

LU CHE, SECOND SON OF THE THIRD BRANCH, DUKE OF YING'S RESIDENCE

Fifth Young Master.

Young Master, please come down.

Be careful, Young Master!

-Fifth Young Master. -My Lady.

-Fifth Young Master. -My Lady.

-My Lady. -Where did he get hurt? Wake up.

Fifth Young Master.

My Lady, are you hurt?

Fifth Young Master, wake up.

Which branch do you serve?

How could you let a child climb so high? Stop crying and get help.

Yes.

A fall can be minor or serious.

Since we saw it, we can't ignore it.

Governess Wu, Bitao is young and doesn't know much.

Please go and fetch Governess Miao yourself.

And the Physician too, if possible.

-Well… -Please.

Noted.

My Lord, time for your medicine.

Help me up.

Yes.

What happened?

The Dowager Lady and Third Madam have come to see Madam.

They're talking inside.

She hasn't moved out yet?

Help me up.

Physician Zhao said you mustn't move.

Why are you…

Careful, My Lord.

This boy has always been naughty and reckless,

running around like a headless fly.

Luckily you caught him in time.

If he'd landed on his head,

even if he weren't crippled,

he'd have ended up a fool.

Che told me later

that Zhuo made that kite for him.

He just cherishes his brother.

He meant well. Please don't blame him.

Okay.

Good girl.

You look pale, and your voice sounds off.

Let's call the Physician.

It's just a sprain. Nothing serious.

Forgive me for causing you worry. I've failed in my filial duty.

You have indeed.

Zhuo, why are you out of bed?

How do you look after him?

He's so sick that a breeze could knock him over,

and you let him wander around? Do you want a caning?

-Forgive me, Dowager Lady. I… -Don't blame him.

I ordered it.

My wife is hurt.

As her husband,

how could I not visit her?

I heard you got hurt saving Che.

Where are you hurt?

Just a sprained right arm.

Go ask Physician Zhao to examine her.

It's a small injury. A few days' rest will do.

No need to call a doctor and make a fuss.

Physician Zhao has sharp eyes.

How you were hurt, where, and when it will heal,

he'll know them at a glance.

If you keep refusing,

it must be that your injury is feigned.

Feigned? What nonsense is that?

Grandmother, you're always kind and upright,

so of course you don't know that some people

have honeyed words but evil hearts.

They lie all the time,

are cunning by nature,

and never change, however often they're warned.

In that case,

thank you, My Lord.

Please send for Physician Zhao.

Yes.

How is it?

This is outrageous.

The bone is injured, yet you act like nothing's wrong.

If it isn't set now,

-you'll lose this arm. -What?

She has a bone injury?

But she seemed fine just now.

How strange. The shoulder is dislocated,

and the elbow and wrist are both sprained.

Even a strong man would scream in pain.

I know your family are military men,

but are you, the new bride, made of iron too,

not saying a word about the pain?

Rao,

this is the pain of dislocated bones and torn tendons.

Why did you keep quiet?

How can a delicate girl like you bear this?

I've only been married three days.

If I already need the Physician,

and my grandmother and uncle hear of it,

they'll think the Lu family mistreats me.

It would cause bad feelings between our families for no reason.

And others would gossip.

Grandmother, you're kind and treat me so well.

You kept His Lordship's waking a secret.

You must have had good reason.

I didn't want to make a fuss.

I thought I could bear it. I didn't know the bone was hurt.

But don't worry, Grandmother.

I'm young. I can bear a little pain.

VIRTUE IN FRAGRANCE

Are you happy now?

She's your wife, not your enemy on the battlefield.

She's so kind, dutiful and gentle.

How could you wrong her?

I think your illness has muddled your mind.

Physician Zhao, my granddaughter-in-law's injury

is in your hands.

Don't worry, Old Madam. For serious injuries,

the bone must be pulled and set first.

It'll hurt. Bear with it.

You two, come and hold her down firmly.

Hold her steady.

When I pull, she mustn't move at all.

It'll be quick. Hold on.

This splinting method is common in the army.

My Lord, you know it too.

Soak the cedar bark in cold water for four hours.

When binding it, leave the joints free.

-Wrist, elbow… -Wrap them in silk gauze.

Please keep an eye on it, My Lord.

I will.

See Physician Zhao out.

Dowager Lady, the Physician has left.

How did Rao offend you

that you suspect her at every turn, shut her out, and bully her?

She's a noble young lady in the prime of youth

who willingly married in to ward off your illness.

And you treat her so cruelly?

Aren't you afraid of being struck by lightning?

Grandmother, marrying to ward off illness is nonsense.

-I… -Well, well.

Now you can breathe and talk,

and all you do is run your mouth accusing people.

You're so tough and great.

When you lay in bed like the living dead, have you forgotten all that?

Back then I prayed to the deities every day.

Wei Rao is the lucky star I threw away my pride

and principles to win over.

You may not believe it, but I do. Everyone believes it.

If you treat Rao even a little badly,

you're heartless and ungrateful,

worse than a dog or pig.

Heaven will punish you.

Once Heaven turns against you and takes your fortune and your life,

it will break my heart.

Grandmother.

-I have my reasons. -I won't listen.

Go back

and apologize to Rao.

Otherwise, don't ever call me Grandmother again.

I'll be gentler.

Does it hurt?

His Lordship is here.

My Lord, what are your orders?

All of you, leave.

If you want to send me away,

wait until my injury heals.

If I leave injured, it may harm your name.

And Grandmother would never allow it.

I wronged you today. Forgive me.

Thank you for saving Che.

You refuse to be my husband

only because back then

I made a terrible mistake out of jealousy.

Your disgust for me is understandable.

A forced match is never sweet.

I don't want to force you either.

But our marriage was granted by the Empress Dowager.

To divorce after only three days,

first, would disrespect the Imperial Family

and offend the nobles.

Second, it would invite gossip and hurt both families' good names.

People who don't know would say I lack virtue

and was thrown out by your family.

How could Wei's daughters marry after that?

Third…

Third,

everyone hopes we'll be

a happy couple.

Going against the elders' wishes

also goes against filial duty.

I can't be your husband.

Then please bear with it for a while, My Lord.

When the time is right, we'll talk about divorce by agreement.

How long?

-Three years. -One year.

Alright.

One year it is.

But in front of others,

please

let me keep my dignity.

Don't be rude like today.

We'll be husband and wife in name only.

A loving couple in public, separate rooms in private.

No beating servants, no killing the innocent.

Do your duty as the principal wife.

In front of others, I'll give you all due honor and respect.

After one year, we'll divorce by mutual agreement

and go our separate ways.

Whoever we marry, we'll have nothing to do with each other.

Let's clap hands on it, My Lord.

-If one day… -If anyone breaks this oath,

they'll be struck by lightning, burned by fire,

and cut by swords.

Change the cedar bark every three days.

Get some rest.

My Lady,

why be so hard on yourself?

How could you do that to yourself?

My Lady, you…

When I had nowhere to turn,

letting me save that child

was Heaven giving me a chance.

Compared to the chopping block,

what's this bit of pain?

I want to live.

Even if I have to struggle along in shame,

I just want to live.

I made a medicinal pillow for His Lordship.

Take it to him for me.

DUKE'S RESIDENCE

My Lord, Madam sent you a medicinal pillow.

I've put it on for you.

Where's today's court gazette? Why hasn't it come yet?

Governess Miao kept all the court gazettes I brought.

Forget the gazettes.

The Dowager Lady won't even let General Qi in.

You forced yourself out of bed yesterday, and your wound opened up.

If you keep neglecting your health,

Governess Miao will tell the Dowager Lady

and have all of us dragged out for forty strokes.

Please take pity on us and just rest.

Go.

-Time to eat. -Well…

Who said you could eat here?

You're resting in the Study,

and as your wife,

I should be here to serve you.

Otherwise, if the elders ask,

what would I tell them?

Oh, Wei Rao.

You've only got one working arm,

and you're still scheming.

What did you call me, My Lord?

You got hurt saving Che. Who would dare blame you?

You're overthinking it,

Rao.

You're so considerate, My Lord.

How could I slack off?

Eating with you is a small gesture.

It shows we're a loving couple

so the elders won't worry.

Look at your face.

Anyone would think I'd poisoned your bowl.

Forgive my rudeness.

I have no appetite while sick. I'm done.

Don't trouble yourself, Rao.

Go and heal first,

then come look after me.

Thank you for your care. I'm so grateful.

What's wrong, Madam?

Nothing. Maybe I didn't sleep well last night.

YINYU, MAID OF THE DUKE OF YING'S RESIDENCE

Why isn't Bitao here this morning?

And where are Gejin and Chilan?

Madam, Bitao, Gejin, and Chilan

were all called away by Governess Wu.

You told her about the dowry inventory and shamed me in front of everyone.

-That's for your loose tongues! -I really didn't tell her.

What do I know about gold or jade? Please spare me, Governess.

That's still you gossiping!

Don't hit them. I'm the one in charge of the room.

When Her Ladyship asked, we just answered her.

We didn't mean to cross you, Governess.

Governess, stop. If Her Ladyship finds out, it'll be bad.

I've served the Madam for decades

and trained countless maids.

Even the masters show me some respect.

How dare you talk back!

-Talk back, will you? -I'll beat you to death!

What are you doing? If I can't beat you to death…

My Lady, you're here.

You don't know.

All the valuable dowry items and the dowry inventory

were supposed to be checked by them and put into storage.

But they were all lazy and careless.

They packed away the embroidered goods and jewelry

meant as greeting gifts too.

I'm old, and my memory is poor.

They didn't remind me,

so you went to all that trouble for nothing.

You nearly lost face before the Lu family.

-They must be punished. -How dare you!

Did you ask me?

This is the Duke's Residence.

Beating their faces black and blue

only makes people think we have no manners.

Bitao, go put some medicine on.

As you say, My Lady. When have I ever disobeyed?

Fine, I won't punish them.

But since you married into the Duke's Residence,

His Lordship's illness

made you miss the return to the bride's family on the third day.

The Wei masters worry day and night,

hoping you'll visit home soon.

His Lordship is ill, and so am I.

If I go back now,

should the Wei elders see His Lordship sick,

or me with a broken bone who can't even hold chopsticks?

The Wei Residence is so strange.

They beat maids harder than thieves.

A bunch of thieving maids.

Shameless wretches.

Think you're the masters now?

Once we're back at the Wei Residence, you'll get what's coming.

-Cui, is the lotus seed soup ready? -Almost.

Governess Wu said she lost a ring in the garden and sent me to find it.

She's minding the fire for me.

Alright, go.

Meddling poor wench.

What a lowlife.

You only deserve my spit.

Eat it. Eat it.

I'm just a stupid fool.

Getting angry with me

is no different from getting angry with an animal.

I apologize to you again.

Of all the people from the Wei Residence,

only you and Bitao know who I really am.

I don't blame you for your rudeness,

but we're both in the Lu family now.

We should stick together.

If you keep making trouble

and the boat sinks,

we'll be charged with deceiving the Emperor.

Who would gain from that?

Yes. You're generous and forgiving, My Lady.

I'll change completely.

The Old Madam of the Duke's Residence heard you can't eat or sleep well

and sent this specially.

It's made with red dates and lotus seeds.

It's light, tasty and calms the mind.

Why not have some more?

No wonder you've had no appetite and no strength.

You have a fever.

My head hurts badly too.

Go fetch Governess Miao. Tell her…

My Lady, a sudden high fever is bad.

Could it be a chill stirring up a hidden illness?

This must be spring fever.

My Lady, the Duke's Residence cares a lot about custom.

You, as a new bride, are falling ill right after marrying in.

If you stay here to recover,

you'll bring disaster to the Lu family.

You must go back to your own family and return once you're well.

My Lady, drink more of this lotus seed soup.

You'll get better faster.

Don't listen to her, My Lady. This woman wants to kill you.

Let go!

My Lady, I saw she put something in the lotus seed soup.

I'm afraid even the bean porridge you eat every day

has been tampered with.

You heartless little wench.

You're framing me!

No wonder she has been finding fault with me all day.

So you've been stirring things up.

I'll tear your mouth apart. I…

-Stop. -I'll beat you to death.

The First Madam sent me here, and you dare falsely accuse me, huh?

-Open your eyes and see clearly. -Stop!

Know your place, high or low!

-Bitao. -Let me tell you,

a bald turtledove will never be a phoenix. You…

Think about where you come from.

To be the servant of a servant like me, you're not even worthy!

-You brat. You dare frame me. -Bitao.

I'll beat you to death. Beat you to death!

My Lady… My Lady.

Very well. You impostor.

You're pushing me too far. Let's go to His Lordship and settle this.

We'll see if he still wants a lowborn wife like you.

I'll smash you to death!

She…

She's dead.

Dead?

My Lady…

I…

I killed someone.

Who's there?

I caught her tampering with the lotus seed soup.

I thought she was just trying to make you suffer, My Lady.

I wanted her to taste her own medicine and pay for it.

I never thought she'd…

She wanted me to catch spring fever

so the Lu family would fear it

and send me back to my family,

making it easier for them to act later.

This drug

wasn't just added today.

I must have shamed her in public.

She held a grudge,

so she used too much.

Then I…

She plotted to hurt others

and lost her own life.

It's not your fault.

I should thank you for saving my life.

My Lady, you've only been married a few days,

and your dowry attendant is already dead.

People who don't know the truth may blame you for her death.

What do we do now?

-My Lady… -Madam, His Lordship is here.

‎NO ANIMALS WERE HARMED ‎IN THE MAKING OF THIS SHOW