Original subtitles

=Tigers Sniff the Rose=

(Based on the novel of the same name by Yiren Kuikui)

=Episode 6=

What?

Does my chair bite?

Why are you just standing there?

Your...

Your Highness.

How's that immortality elixir

I asked you to make?

Your Highness,

I...

I can't make an elixir of immortality.

You can't?

So...

you don't want to be my consort?

All right, I'm just teasing you.

I have nothing else planned tonight.

I want to play backgammon with you.

What do you think

of that Yan Shang

you were with today?

Yan Shang?

He's a good man.

He's kind, too.

He's always so nice to everyone.

Lucky you never ran into bad people,

or there'd be nothing left of you.

What's got you so torn?

Your Highness,

today,

besides Yan Shang and me,

there was another friend.

And?

His name is...

Feng Xianyu.

He's very talented.

- He said... - So...

this Mr. Feng

sent you to me

to recommend him?

Look at you, Wei Shu.

Li Zhi says you're clever,

but you're a real fool, aren't you?

Whenever you do something against your conscience,

you can barely get the words out.

So why did you agree to it?

Your Highness...

Don't you realize

you're both taking the imperial exams?

You'll be competing against each other.

Yes.

You recommended him to me today.

What about you?

What if I took a fancy to him

and

recommended him

instead of you?

What would you do then?

Your Highness,

I'm sorry.

You're right.

If I can't bring myself

to go against my conscience,

I shouldn't have agreed.

My mentor gave me an order,

but I simply can't carry it out.

I'm returning

this cloak to you.

Tomorrow, I'll ask the Director

to expel me.

Aren't you afraid

Li Zhi will punish you?

I'll apologize to my mentor.

Your Highness, punish me as well.

Wei Shu,

you're quite adorable.

Sit down. Relax.

I have real business to discuss with you.

Your Highness...

Sit.

Yes.

Wei Shu,

listen carefully.

Your mentor is my uncle.

You know family orders carry equal weight.

I'm just as trapped

by his plans as you are.

But I...

Let me finish.

Today,

I'd like us to make a pact.

We'll work together.

Until your imperial exams,

we'll play along

to keep your mentor happy.

Just focus on your studies.

And don't worry

about the Wei family giving you trouble.

From now on,

I'll protect you.

You like making elixirs, don't you?

Then I'll set aside

a spare room for you here.

I'll get you everything you need for that.

You can do as you please.

Really?

Don't get too excited just yet.

If you really want to thank me,

make me a few more elixirs.

Your Highness...

There's no rush.

Take your time.

Once you've made them,

I'll let you leave the residence.

Your Highness,

why are you helping me?

Because I admire you.

I admire you

for who you are.

Not for your family,

not for my uncle,

and certainly not because you're someone's pawn.

Why are you bowing again?

Your Highness,

I misjudged you before.

I owe you an apology.

Don't be so quick to apologize.

What if

you were right?

How's my embroidery?

Your embroidery

still needs work.

You should get some rest, Your Highness.

Listen.

The wind's picked up tonight.

The roses outside are just blooming.

How many will be blown away?

I can't sleep.

Warm me a pot of wine.

You slept like a log in Lingnan.

Why are you back to your old ways?

Now that you mention it,

you're right.

Those days in Lingnan,

Yan Shang kept me company every night,

telling me all kinds of wild tales.

Yan Shang's in Sheng'an now, anyway.

Why not summon him

to keep you company at bedtime?

Why would I summon him?

Why not call Wei Shu instead?

I'll go fetch Mr. Wei, then.

Come back!

He's such a blockhead.

If you call him over,

he'll just blink at me

and barely say a word.

So Yan Shang's the better choice.

I'm going to bed.

You should get some sleep, too.

Stop nagging me.

Keep this up,

and you'll wear yourself out.

♪The midsummer breeze blows soft and sweet♪

♪Fireflies dance freely through the night♪

♪Chasing the beauty of this fleeting world♪

♪A thousand lights turn night into day♪

♪Cicada songs mingle with the wine♪

♪Their songs linger through the passing years♪

♪Life is but a fleeting stay♪

♪How lucky I am to walk this path with you♪

♪Playing out life's game, forever by your side♪

♪Innocent years drift gently by♪

♪I wish time could stand still♪

♪Forever at that crossroads♪

♪Watching flowers bloom and fade♪

♪Weathering life's rise and fall♪

♪Where endless time comes to an end♪

♪Moonlight and breeze fill our boat home♪

♪Golden winds and jade dew return♪ (At dusk...)

♪The world still blooms as before♪ (At dusk...)

♪How lucky to roam with you♪ (At dusk, a small boat rocks)

♪Back to the road where it all began♪ (At dusk, a small boat rocks)

♪As if our youthful hearts remain♪

♪As if our love will never fade♪ (At dusk, a small boat rocks)

(Your name)

(doesn't just mean)

("a dusk-bound journey)

(through wind and rain.")

(Lodge of Wisdom)

Wenji,

I'm going to the West Market for ink.

Are you running low on ink sticks, too?

(Bamboo Dew)

Wenji?

Wenji?

W-What's wrong?

You...

Is something bothering you?

Ever since we settled here,

you've seemed distracted.

N-No, nothing.

I...

(Lodge of Wisdom) The imperial exams are near.

Nothing matters but studying.

(No, this won't do.)

(I still have to see her.)

(Otherwise,)

(how can I study in peace?)

Yan Shang.

Tell me,

which outfit suits me better?

What about this yellow one?

This one.

Which one?

This one, I guess.

This one?

(Princess Danyang's Residence)

(Liu Wenji...)

(What are you doing?)

(Princess Danyang's Residence) (She's the princess's personal maid.)

(Today,)

(she might not even go out.)

Liu Wenji!

You've come to Sheng'an, too!

Why so quiet?

Seeing you...

makes me so happy.

Were you

just passing by here?

Yes, just passing by.

I just happened to...

run into you.

Sheng'an is such a big place,

with so many people.

To run into you again,

it must be fate!

Where are you headed?

Back to my lodgings.

Where are you staying?

I'll visit sometime.

I've been staying with Yan Shang

in a meditation room at Yongshou Temple.

You're staying with Yan Shang at Yongshou Temple?

Come on. I'll go there with you.

That won't do!

Why not?

Well...

We...

don't have our parents' approval

or a matchmaker's blessing yet.

How could we...

Liu Wenji, what are you thinking?

I'm going to see Yan Shang.

I need to ask him a favor.

Y-Yan Shang?

Well...

Then let's go.

Let's go!

Oh, I almost forgot my horse.

Your Royal Highness, the tea is ready.

Your Royal Highness.

(Yang Si, third son of noble Yangs) I've come all this way.

Can't I catch my breath?

We've barely traded a few moves,

and you already need a rest?

(Chongli Hall)

(Lingbai Pavilion)

(Chongli Hall)

This tea was prepared for His Royal Highness.

No matter.

Pour him another cup.

Thank you.

Well?

Your tea is still the best.

Mr. Yang,

that's a Yue ware cup reserved for His Royal Highness.

(Lingbai Pavilion) The tea's Mengding tea.

And you gulp it down like a horse!

How'd you know I learned it from horses?

It's a quick way to kill your thirst.

Your Royal Highness, you have no idea.

I've been on the road for days.

You've had a rough journey.

Your Royal Highness, why did you summon me back

in such a hurry?

Come in.

Mind the step.

We haven't tidied up in days,

so it's a bit of a mess.

Where's Yan Shang?

The Imperial Academy let out early today.

He was still there when I left.

He may have gone out by now.

Have a seat.

I-I'll get you some tea.

(Confucius said...)

Wasn't that tea for me?

The tea...

Here.

Careful, it's hot.

Funny how fate works.

I hadn't left home in days,

but the one time I went out today,

I happened to run into you.

I...

I've been in Sheng'an for days.

I've wanted to see you.

It's just...

Just what?

The princess's residence is heavily guarded,

and I have no official title.

Besides, you have to serve the princess.

What's so difficult about that?

I can come see you, too.

You have so many books here.

The exams are coming up.

I should...

I should focus on my studies.

So you came to the capital for the exams.

Didn't you come top in the prefectural exams?

It was nothing.

I'm not as impressive as you think.

Sheng'an is full of talented scholars.

My father always warned me

not to grow proud or arrogant.

Studying is hard enough.

You came first.

You deserve praise.

You've earned it.

Chunhua,

you're the first person

to ever tell me that.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Chunhua,

why do you

want to see Yan Shang?

Actually, I'm not the one who wants to see him.

It's the princess.

No, that's not right.

I'm looking for Yan Shang on the princess's behalf.

When he gets back,

could you tell him

to come to the princess's residence?

I need to ask him a favor.

All right.

I'll tell him.

Thank you.

I still have things to buy for the princess,

so I'd better go.

I won't keep you from studying.

Oh, Wenji...

Why did you want to see me?

I...

Never mind. I'd better go.

I'll visit when I have time.

Chunhua!

Chunhua!

What's wrong?

Did I leave anything behind?

Chunhua,

on the tenth of the third month,

there'll be a peony festival in Jinchang Ward.

It's quite a spectacle.

Let's go together.

Is that an invitation?

Yes.

No one's ever invited me before.

People used to invite the princess.

I...

I'm inviting you, and only you!

I'd love to.

I'll be there for sure.

(To My Esteemed Father:)

(I've been in the capital for several days.)

(I'll heed your teachings)

(and never forget my duty)

(to bring honor to our family.)

(to bring honor to our family.)

("To My Esteemed Father...)

(... to bring honor to our family.")

Wenji,

I've bought new ink and brushes.

Yan Shang.

Leave those for now.

Chunhua told me

she wants you at the princess's residence

for a favor.

What's this?

A peace offering.

(Qingfeng Pavilion)

Yang Si!

Get out here!

Wanyao!

What brings you back?

Things have been quiet at the border,

so I left the army and came home.

It's been three years.

I've just returned from North Jing, too.

Here.

After all this time,

you greet me with a bag of fruit?

These aren't ordinary fruits.

They're

tribute fruits.

You got them from the Crown Prince?

You know how hard life is in the army.

My pay barely covers my wine.

So I swiped some fruit to make do.

No, I mean,

as a gift for you.

Some big name in Sheng'an you are!

If you can't afford wine,

go charm some people for money.

Plenty of young ladies in Sheng'an

would gladly buy you wine.

Wanyao.

What are you implying?

Are you jealous?

Tell me,

why did the Crown Prince

send you here?

(Yan Shang, come on! Hurry!)

Yan Shang.

(Yan Shang!)

(Come on!)

Wanyao,

you know I always speak my mind.

Lately,

Yu Cheng'an has been acting like he owns the court.

And...

you bear that ominous prophecy.

Have you ever thought

that with one word from him,

you could be sent back to North Jing,

or

married off to someone else?

So?

I'll

make a sacrifice

and marry you.

What do you say?

No way.

Why would you marry me?

Because you like me?

Whether I like you or not...

w-what does that matter?

We grew up together.

Why bring that up now?

I can't just leave you to fend for yourself.

Then don't bring it up.

Even if it's just a marriage of convenience?

Wanyao!

One more thing.

I'm all grown up now.

Stop treating me like a child.

Your Highness, look who's here!

Your Highness.

I've come at a bad time.

You certainly have.

Why are you here?

To thank me for getting you

into the Imperial Academy?

Is this the guy your uncle picked for you?

What was his name again?

Wei Shu?

Shut up!

Look at you.

You're from a noble family,

yet you're practically begging to be a male favorite.

You think a pretty face lets you get away with anything?

And you call yourself educated?

Yang Si!

Wanyao, you're shouting at me!

Over some outsider, no less!

Weren't you trying to provoke me, too?

That's different!

I'm worried he'll deceive you.

And now you're taking his side!

You're even defending him!

Mu Wanyao, you've changed.

You've forgotten all about loyalty!

Get lost!

How old are you? Aren't you tired of this?

And you?

What exactly are you here for?

Your Highness is right.

I came to thank you.

That's all?

A measly "thank you"? What good is that?

Is this your token of gratitude?

Hand it over.

A thank-you gift? Let me see!

You're awfully protective of it.

I'll bet that box holds

some lousy calligraphy or painting.

What's so precious about that?

Is it a painting by Gu Daozhi or calligraphy by Liu Yici?

That's none of your business.

Give it to me.

There's been a misunderstanding.

This painting

was a gift from a friend.

It's not my thank-you gift to Your Highness.

Yan Shang!

You tricked me!

Your Highness,

I'm not from a noble family.

My family has no wealth, and I own little of value.

I truly have nothing to repay you with.

However,

if there's anything you want,

that I can afford or do,

I'll gladly do it for you.

No need.

I want nothing from you.

Get out!

In that case,

I'll take my leave.

Isn't he from the noble Wei family?

How come he said he's not nobility?

Why do you care?

You get out, too!

Stop annoying me here!

Get out!

Wanyao.

Well...

I'll let this slide.

I'll come see you another day.

Yang Si,

you're despicable.

You know perfectly well she's being used.

(Yang Si,)

(if Danyang could marry you,)

(I'd feel at ease about her.)

(You're all I have.)

(At dusk, a small boat rocks)

(Imperial Academy; Gathering Auspice)

Greetings, Chancellor Liu.

Greetings, Chancellor Liu.

(Mr. Li! Over here!)

(This way!)

(Here!)

(Catch!)

(Over here!)

(Pass it!)

They're playing foot polo?

(Pass it! Mr. Li!)

Those little rascals!

(Director of the Imperial Academy) They still have energy after class.

They've got energy to spare.

Getting more exercise

is a good thing.

(Liu Huaiyan, Retired Chancellor) You always see things clearly.

In your opinion,

are there any promising talents

among this year's young scholars?

I believe

there are always promising talents.

Whether the court can make use of them

depends on their fortunes.

Take Wei Shu, for example.

Though born to a concubine,

he has extraordinary talent.

It's a shame he's so aloof and withdrawn.

Then there's Feng Xianyu.

He's Wei Shu's complete opposite.

He's too restless and impulsive,

so his character bears watching.

Chancellor Liu, look.

The student watching the game over there

is Yan Shang.

He's well-read and very bright.

Yet somehow,

he doesn't seem interested in his studies.

(Yan Shang!)

I wonder why.

(Mr. Li!)

(Yan Shang,)

(feeling better after that rest?)

(Ready for another round?)

(Come on! Want to try again?)

(Come on, Yan Shang! Try!)

- (Let's play!) - (Come on!)

(Come join us!)

Come on, let's play chess.

(Imperial Academy)

Wei Shu, where are you going?

Why don't we go together?

I'm going to Princess Danyang's residence.

Feng Xianyu, care to join me?

Well...

I won't keep you.

(Virtuous and Learned)

What's wrong?

Where are you headed?

To seek a recommendation.

What about you?

Same as you.

(Virtuous and Learned)

Yan Shang,

seeking a recommendation

is a long, hard road

to success.

(Imperial Academy) As the saying goes, enduring hardship

makes you rise above the rest.

(Mingde) Wouldn't you agree?

Feng Xianyu,

I've read your poems and essays.

You're talented and hardworking.

I'm sure you'll go far one day.

I'll remember your kind words.

You and Wei Shu

(Gathering Auspice) have Princess Danyang's favor.

You don't have the worries we do.

Yan Shang,

(Yizhuo Gate) I'll take my leave.

(Gathering Auspice)

I, Feng Xianyu,

pay my respects to Your Highness!

Rise.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Stand up.

Let me have a look at you.

Very good.

You've come to the right person

for a recommendation.

I'd gladly play music, paint,

and admire flowers

with Your Highness.

Come in.

Feng Xianyu,

take a good look.

Tell me,

which of them couldn't do what you can?

Since you've come seeking my help,

you may stay here, too.

Your Highness!

I have a wife and daughter.

I can't be Your Highness's male favorite.

You don't want to stay?

Then get out!

One day, you'll understand.

Get out!

Captain!

A student wishes to see you.

What does a student want with me?

I can't even read.

Send him away.

Captain!

He's a student at the Imperial Academy.

He's come seeking your recommendation.

Want a recommendation?

From me?

Greetings, Captain. I'm Yan Shang.

Your name is Yan Shang?

Yes.

Why do you look so familiar?

I was fortunate enough

to meet you at Cuiyun Tower the other day.

No, wait.

It wasn't at Cuiyun Tower.

I've definitely seen you before.

You have a remarkable memory, Captain.

At Caimei Ridge in Lingnan Circuit,

I ran into you outside the county office.

(Santu County Office)

(Santu County Office)

Now I remember!

That's where I've seen you!

I've long admired you, Captain.

What a coincidence.

I ran into you again at Cuiyun Tower.

Because of you,

Xu Mianmian, that little hussy,

got away from me!

Please calm down, Captain.

I got carried away that day

and approached you without thinking.

I didn't mean to spoil your fun.

At least you've got good taste.

I'll remember you from now on.

You're seeking a recommendation, right?

Let me see your work.

Please give me your guidance.

(Am I supposed to critique it, too?)

(Content of the Essay) (Where does it begin?)

(Content of the Essay) (Where does it end?)

My knowledge is limited, and my writing is poor.

I'm afraid

it won't meet your standards.

It's not very good.

And you expect me

to recommend this to Lord Yu?

I'd be a laughingstock!

I'm deeply ashamed.

Your critique alone is an honor.

I wouldn't dare presume to meet Lord Yu.

(Forget you, boy.)

(Even I can barely get an audience with Lord Yu.)

A recommendation

isn't out of the question.

How much are you willing to pay?

I'm ashamed to say it,

but I'm short on money.

However,

if there's anything else you need,

I'll gladly do my best to help!

But now that you're in Sheng'an,

you can get whatever you want.

Even if I wanted to be of use,

I'm afraid

I'm not even fit to tie your boots.

With those skinny arms and legs,

what could you possibly do for me?

Well, I do have a problem.

Xu Mianmian

at Cuiyun Tower

doesn't know what's good for her.

She refuses to serve me.

Get her to give in,

and I'll reward you handsomely.

Captain, you're tough as iron.

You may not understand women.

Kindness works better than force.

Give me a few days.

I'll take care of it.

You'd better.

You scholars...

You're always

full of clever tricks.

Pull this off,

and I'll make you the top scholar!

Leave it to me.

Just wait for my word.

(Zhang Renjing)

(Yu Cheng'an, Zhang Renjing)

(Next Episode Preview)

The Peony Goddess at Sigui Garden

is said to grant prayers for children.

The Peony Festival is tomorrow.

Why not come with me?

Thank you for the kind invitation.

The festival will be crowded.

I'm not used to crowds.

♪Be the ferry where you wait for the sun♪

♪Be the blue silk that catches your tears♪

♪Be the sleeve we held, worn by dust and years♪

♪Let's conspire to grow old together♪

♪Let me be a captive beast bound by the same lock as you♪

♪Through trails of mud and blood; let grief drown in your eyes♪

♪Soar with the wind; plunge into hellfire as one♪

♪Burning bright as a song♪

♪See how roses and green bamboo enchant♪

♪Be the vow I make with all my heart♪

♪If we say forever, then forever it shall be♪

♪Not a single hour less♪

♪However deep the snow, I'll wait if you're there♪

♪We'll be gods above, or wandering souls♪

♪In heaven or the underworld, you're all I need♪

♪If we can stay, let's return to the village of our first meeting♪

♪May time be free of fear and pain; boats rock, lights fade, seasons turn♪

♪You're the only one I need♪

♪Sharp winds or fierce rain, nothing can break us♪

♪Be mine in this world; be mine in this life♪

♪My last untouched innocence♪

♪If only we could return to the village where we first met♪

♪Stay by me; help me forget the frozen dream of last night♪

♪Fireflies glow, flowers kiss our lips; just us, through dawn and dusk♪

♪May time be free of fear and pain; boats rock, lights fade, seasons turn♪

♪You're the only one I need♪

♪By your side, through joy and pain, is that eternity?♪

♪Till fireworks flood the town♪

♪Till the lake is still and clear♪

♪You're the only one I need♪

(No animals were harmed or mistreated in production.)