Original subtitles

"Love is All"

"Episode 9"

"Crisis for Tang Tian Yuan and Lord Zong brings trouble"

The odds are against you when she is being wooed.

If he doesn't give up,

she will be touched eventually.

And ultimately she will fall for her.

Also...

What should I do now?

Well,

some people say that...

to win a woman's heart,

you must first conquer her...

stomach.

The Tianxiang Inn is reopening.

-You are right. -Such a grand opening.

-Look. -It's reopening.

-This is exciting. -Not bad.

-I love this Lion Dance. -Great!

Nice!

Ladies and gentlemen of Tongling,

you are attending the grand opening of Miao Sheng Parlour.

I hope that you do enjoy your time to the fullest while you are here.

I named this establishment after my bride Miao Miao Sheng.

Any who comes in with a copy of Miao Miao Sheng's novel,

shall get a 90 percent discount!

-Nice! -90 percent discount for all!

-Welcome here! -Let's go.

Welcome in.

-Welcome. -Welcome inside.

This way please.

Welcome.

Here.

-How is the flavour? -Not bad.

The foods are better than they used to be.

Indeed. Try them out.

The cost for platemaking,

the cost for printing,

and the cost for purchasing of paper.

The total is 50 taels of silver.

But it was only 20 taels of silver.

We even used the thicker paper from Suzhou.

You used cheap materials for my books.

and now you raised the price?

Since your workroom has been doing so well lately,

this is merely a small amount to you.

Furthermore,

back when you just started writing,

no one in the town will publish a mere 20 copies for you.

Only us the Han Mo Publishing was there to offer an olive branch.

You should be grateful for us.

Forget it, I will get another publishing service.

Hold on.

You can't just turn back on our business deal so easily.

Your deal is as good as fraud.

I got feedback from the readers.

The quality of your printing is far from decent.

The pages tear so easily.

The ink gets on their fingers.

I was told a girl...

died after reading your work.

Why the criticism against you has died down so quickly?

Are you blackmailing me?

Do I look weak to you?

I've touched dead corpse and solved a case.

I hate people who use gratitude as a mean to blackmail and coerce.

-Leave now. -But...

Dinner time.

My bride!

Who are you?

Here.

Inform the chef to prepare more delicious cuisines.

Is there a way to silence a man for good?

Killing is against the law.

We have an intruder who comes in here as he pleases!

My bride, what is going on here?

-Why are you so upset? -Why are you here?

I could hear your voice from the doorstep.

Don't be so mad. Try out the food.

I ordered the chef in Miao Sheng Parlour to make these.

This should calm you down.

From now on, all the meals for Gu Tang Workroom...

will be paid and prepared by Miao Sheng Parlour.

If you wish to have any food or drink,

just place the order and I will send them here.

This is the District Bureau.

No outsider allowed.

My bride, I am your husband.

How am I an outsider?

Besides, the western room is not the front hall of the bureau.

You can't just leave the door open.

Bad guys might come in here.

And you are the worst of them all.

Preceptor Tan?

Brother, stay still.

Let me handle this.

I am leaving if you don't come out.

Wait.

This spoils all the mood.

Lady.

What are you carrying there?

You must be Preceptor Tan's fiance.

You are correct.

May I know your reason for visiting Preceptor Tan?

Master Tang made egg soup for her.

I'll leave it to you.

Other than me, is there...

another gentleman in the District Bureau?

Of course.

My master is Magistrate Tang Fei Long of Tongling District Bureau.

A lowly rank eight officer.

He may not have a high rank,

but he is a gentleman with striking good look and decency.

Countless ladies would fall in love with him.

If you wish to win the Preceptor's heart,

you must work harder while you can.

Another man might come wooing her so keenly...

My bride will never accept him!

Hand over the food.

False affection.

He is up to no good. He is up to something vile!

My bride?

I prepared this egg soup specially for you.

I assure you it's very savoury.

You made this?

Your husband made this.

The Preceptor said this was called...

"Moon in a bottom", pointless effort.

Indeed.

Master Tang, what does that mean?

So what should I do with this?

Dispose of it.

This smells great.

Master Tang, this is delicious.

It really is.

Carry on with your work.

Have a look around!

Make way.

Make way.

Boss, this is the last of it.

Can I please have the vegetables you already sliced?

The kitchen needs more ingredients.

You don't get it!

Your grand opening promotion...

made the price of our food much cheaper than other restaurants.

The customers keep coming here.

But are you sure we could make any money from this business?

Did you follow my order regarding the foods?

Sure, I followed every step of it.

The wine is mixed with water,

one cuisine is divided into two portions.

That's not enough!

Send my order to the kitchen.

The cuisine must be divided into three portions.

Use these scallions and celeries on the foods.

That dancer in white dress whom Commissioner Zheng mentioned,

where did she come from?

I thought you hired her.

I didn't.

She used our stage for free!

She was showing her talent.

I must recruit her...

and make her our main attraction.

My lady.

-Boss. -Please, have a seat.

It's all right. Thank you.

My lady.

May I know why you chose to dance on our stage?

Truth be told,

I came from a poor family.

A disaster struck my homeland.

I fled to Tongling for refuge.

I saw the merriment in front of Miao Sheng Parlour.

So I came looking for livelihood.

I am aware I am not a professional.

I wonder if it was good enough for you?

My lady, you are being too humble.

I may not be the most knowledgeable man alive,

but I am smart enough to know what I've seen.

The Jing Hong Dance by Consort Mei from previous era...

was graceful like a blooming blossom yet also vigorous and lively.

Your dance was remarkable.

-I am flattered. -It's the truth.

Will you work here as our prestigious dancer?

Feel free to name your terms.

I can fulfil everything.

I don't mind getting paid humbly,

but my body is under the wind, I can't work every day.

Would you allow me to adjust the schedule?

Rarity makes it precious.

People yearn because they couldn't see it.

If you insisted to spend hours dancing,

I might have to turn your down.

My lady, come here whenever you please.

You shall have the finest room in Miao Sheng Parlour.

Feel free to use the stage whenever you feel like it.

My love, are you new here?

You are beautiful.

-That hurts! -Stop it!

Back off!

I should have your head for this!

Stop it, I will leave.

I'll make you pay for this!

Are you all right?

-Thank you for saving me. -Zhou Zheng Dao is your cousin.

He is my colleague. His cousin is mine as well.

We can start by being friends.

I am a drifter. If we become friends, people will be gossiping about it.

-I can pay for your deed! -Commissioner Zheng!

Whose deed are you trying to pay off?

Commissioner Zheng.

I have just established a contract with her,

and here you are trying to pay for her deed.

Are you sure you can afford to pay?

Name the price and I will pay it.

I want this amount.

-50 taels? I can pay you now. -Hold on.

Don't forget the compensation for schedule, renovation and the stage.

A total of 500 taels.

That is a steep price you just named.

Take it or leave it. Let's go, my lady.

Wait here, I'll gather the money now.

Pay the deposit first.

Take this.

Lady, this is for you.

I will pay for your deed once I've gathered the money.

But we've only met for a few times.

-This is... -This is necessary!

-I'll be back. -So long!

Don't be surprised. That's his nature.

He was trying to impress us while being broke.

That swine.

That cursed swine.

Sister, Zhu Da Cong invites you to Lake Si Jing tomorrow.

He is so annoying! I am done with this!

Why should I make him a fragrance pouch?

I sent him food yesterday and now I am making him a gift?

And a lake trip with him tomorrow?

There is no end of his nonsense.

We can't just be sitting ducks.

What do we do then?

Not even Master Tang could deal with him.

The engagement agreement has the Governor of Jinan as warrantor.

It has official seal on it.

He has all the right over the agreement no matter what.

Which is why I wish Master Tang is a tyrant...

and would finish him off right away.

I am so frustrated!

All right, calm down.

What have I done wrong...

to deserve a nemesis like him in my life?

I wish Tang Tian Yuan could be here.

With his wits, he will surely come up with a plan.

I have no reason to help.

What could I possible do?

You want credit for the work? Why? Are you jealous?

Just shut it.

Fine.

Our mighty Master Tang is heartless, he feels neither love or desire.

Right, I've done some investigation.

That thug was hiding at least 2000 taels of gold in his house.

I tested the gold nuggets. They are impure.

This must be the batch with issues.

But how did you test them?

I was carrying it with me, where did it go?

You can search for it later.

Our main focus today...

is to welcome the Governor who came from afar.

I was told a young and capable Magistrate was assigned to Tongling.

I must say I am not disappointed after meeting you today.

I look forward to your guidance, Lord Zong.

Of course.

You must be tired from the long journey.

You should get some rest.

Duty comes first.

I received a report days ago.

There's been another murder case here in Tongling?

The case has been solved.

Sang Jie may have been killed, but the murderer is still at large.

Is Sang Jie's family still in Tongling?

Lord Zong, soon after Sang Jie's conviction,

his family has been placed in custody.

Good. Prepare for the court.

Bring them in.

Sir, you need to know this!

-I'll come back later. -Come, stand here.

Preceptor Tan.

Meet the Governor of Chizhou.

The Governor?

My apologies, Governor.

I finally have the chance to meet you in person.

Who would have thought a woman could become a Preceptor?

What's wrong with that?

Women can do plenty of things men can do.

Mind your manners.

Guards, seize the duck.

You live up to the name of a heroine.

I should have taught her better, I apologize for that.

I don't think I could agree with you.

Just stand here.

Mind your words or I will cut your salary for this month.

-But... -One taels cut.

Sir, they are here.

Sang Jie was mining illegally. His was a corrupted criminal.

His family was caught up in this mess.

You were living in the same manor as him.

You were fortunate enough to not be convicted.

But do you really think you are safe?

-Sir, that is not true! -We are being wronged!

We are just some lowly servants.

We had no idea what he was up to.

Having a gold mine is no small feat.

It requires huge sum of money and manpower.

Haven't you noticed anyone...

that were frequently coming in and out of the manor?

Furthermore,

didn't you notice anyone who was close to him?

No. Many people come and go at the manor.

There was nothing suspicious.

Perhaps your memory should be jogged.

Use your time in prison to calm your minds.

Perhaps you might recall something useful.

-Sir, have mercy on us! Sir, spare us!

We didn't know anything!

-But... -Silence.

Sir!

Lord Zong.

In my opinion,

in order to investigate Sang Jie's death,

we should find out if he had any dispute before he was killed.

Maybe a certain individual envied him for his power and status.

Or it could be for his wealth.

They used his criminal conduct...

as a weapon against him.

If someone did hate him,

shouldn't he have to keep a low profile?

Judging from your tone, it seems like you meant...

someone was after his wealth, which could be why he was killed.

You mean to say...

I am conducting the court because I wanted the money?

That is the truth.

Do you really want to throw away your salary?

-This isn't fair. -Xiao Wang, Xiao Liu!

-Seize her! -I...

Master Tang.

Kindness and mercy will not make you a great leader.

Let me show you the proper way to train your subordinate.

Guards!

Seize Preceptor Tan and give her 20 hard beatings!

-You have no right... -Halt!

Lord Zong.

Preceptor Tan was frank with her word, she lacks manner.

But what she said does have a fair point.

If you do find Sang Jie's death was oddly suspicious,

you could let me know.

I am willing to share your burden of work.

Since Master Tang assured me it was nothing concerning,

then so be it.

But I've heard rumours...

the Imperial Spokesman inquired about...

the murder case involving Supernumerary Sun's son.

You wanted to have the man executed.

But his fiancee was at fault first.

You should have been more lenient with the sentence.

But you chose the more severe punishment on him.

That is not the case, Lord Zong.

Sun Bu Fan denied his crime.

He even tried to cover up his crime.

Had I followed the law, he would have been executed by now.

The Imperial Spokesman has his hand full with tasks.

He didn't understand the details of the case.

But you as the local officer of Tongling...

should know better.

Lord Zong, you are right.

-What? -Mind your manners.

Thank you for your time, Lord Zong.

What did you want to say?

I have nothing to say to you!

Old Tang! I need to borrow 500 taels from you.

-Let go of me. -Not unless you lend me the money.

Why do you even need so much money?

I need to pay for a girl's deed.

A girl?

You pervert. Not a chance.

My marriage is at stake here!

You must help me out!

Don't you have nothing better to do in your life?

-Old Tang! -No.

Old Tang, I just need 500 taels.

"Miao Sheng Parlour"

Is Preceptor Tan back?

She is back.

But she thinks I was being biased with the judgement.

So she left sulking.

Zong Yong Lin looks like he is here to investigate Sang Jie's death.

But he is here for information.

He wants to find out if the servants knew anything.

Sang Jie mined the whole mountain.

He could buy dozens of Miao Sheng Parlour with the money.

It's even enough for my lover's deed.

He even forced me to reduce Sun Bu Fan's sentence.

Money can buy you anything.

Money can even make a loving couple go their separate ways.

Is love the only thing you can think about now?

Don't you know what our duty is?

You are a Commissioner with 15 taels for salary.

I am a local officer with 50 taels for salary.

We have no money to pay for the courtesan's deed.

You have a point.

But from now on,

I need to visit Miao Sheng Parlour more often.

Let's hope Zhu Da Cong will change his mind,

and perhaps giving me a discount...

for the sake of Preceptor Tan.

Oh no.

The young lady has total control over your emotions and thoughts.

Preceptor Tan is not in the District Bureau,

and you are not in her heart.

If you couldn't conquer her with food, there is nothing much to do.

If she did become the lady boss of Miao Sheng Parlour,

you would be crying.

Master Zhu, over here.

What brings you here?

All the rooms are booked.

So make some space for me, I will give you a discount.

-How does that sound? -Sure, join us.

Master Tang, Shao Feng,

let's not talk about women today.

Let's just enjoy.

As long as you are happy, Master Zhu.

Lord Zong.

Has he found out where the gold is?

No.

But he might be secretly investigating...

all the parties involved.

Have you checked his background?

I went through the record at the District Bureau.

It matches the information you have,

there is nothing suspicious.

He came from the suburban area outside of the Capital,

Before he was assigned to Tongling, he was merely a scholar...

waiting for posting at the Minister of Archive.

Everything is normal.

A mere scholar...

is bold enough to go against this odd.

Perhaps his inexperience gave him the courage.

Some threats should put a halt to his effort.

Tang Fei Long is quite an unyielding man.

Since he is not faltering,

that means he has other plan at work.

Has he started suspecting you?

Not for the time being.

Perhaps they only think of me...

as an corrupted officers who has no guts for crimes.

That is good.

Stay by his side.

Yes.

Take your medicine on time.

It will keep you alive.

Much obliged, Lord Zong.

But I do have a question.

You wanted me to learn the art of disguise as a kid,

to learn the mastery of acting in front of all,

and to learn the execution of plans.

Did you foresee this situation a long time ago?

I raised you and gave you knowledge,

I gave you the talent you wield.

As for whether that was worth the while...

is something you should know better.

It's getting late.

Go back.

Don't raise any suspicion.

I will do whatever I can for the mission.

Come on, have a look around.

Have a look around, our food is the best!

Have a look around!

Brother Cong Shun.

What are you doing here?

I am just curious.

I heard Preceptor Tan's fiance has come to this town.

I was just passing by,

so I decided to take a look...

of what kind of a man he actually is.

Whatever the case is,

the Preceptor should pick Master Tang.

But Master Zhu has the engagement contract.

I don't think she has a choice.

You have a point.

If he goes to the court with it,

there is no denying the evidence.

The Preceptor will have to marry him.

But I doubt Master Zhu is very bright.

Maybe he hasn't come up with this idea.

Otherwise with Master Tang's code of work ethics,

Preceptor Tan would have been fired.

Then I should return to the Bureau.

I must inform the others.

Xiao Liu and Da Wang are blabbermouths.

I can't let them spread the words...

and ruin Master Tang's chance with Preceptor Tan.

You bought some snack again.

Do you like it?

Eat all you want.

I have work to do. See you later.

Er Tong, they are showing off their love right in front of me!

They are right, Boss.

Ready the engagement contract.

We must visit the District Bureau...

and have a word with Master Tang.

Sister.

Sister, I think Master Tang is looking at the big picture.

He did pretend to take bribe money last time.

He used the name of Imperial Spokesman to fool Supernumerary Sun.

I don't think he is a bad guy.

Who sent the food?

It's from Master Tang, he is waiting outside.

I am not going to see him.

Fine, whatever you want. I'll get you some water.

I thought you despise my novels.

Why are you copying the trick I wrote about?

I wanted to lure you out.

I won't be lured so easily.

So you are standing here by chance?

Stop smirking. Tell me something.

Why did you agree to lower the sentence on Sun Bu Fan?

Murder cases are handled by the Senior Provincial Officer.

Prefectural Headquarter and Senior Provincial Officer...

has no jurisdiction over our murder case.

They couldn't have done anything had you not yielded.

If I couldn't even save my own neck,

how am I supposed to save my people?

So you allowed the murderer to go free?

What would Qi Hui say about this?

Karma will get to Sun Bu Fan.

But not now.

If it's too late it will be as good as nothing.

You only care about the gold mine,

justice means nothing to you.

I might as well quit my job now.

And where will you go?

Get married back in Jinan?

This has nothing to do with Zhu Da Cong.

I didn't say you would be marrying Zhu Da Cong.

Tan Ling Yin, is your subconscious urging you to marry him?

No way, that is...

So, are you worried I might get married with Zhu Da Cong?

No.

Is that so?

Not even a little bit worried?

No.

No?

-No. -Are you sure?

Are you sure?

-Are you sure? -Sir!

Master Zhu is pressing charges against Preceptor Tan at the court.

Sir.

You have to help me out this time.

Sir, come on.

Please have a seat.

What is this about?

Sir.

I know you have a strong sense of justice.

I know you won't allow any flaw in your line of duty.

But for the sake of my happiness,

please close your eye to this.

What do you think you're doing? Get up.

Sir.

Does the Imperial Spokesman has the right to appoint...

his subordinate to assist an investigation?

And they will report directly to the Emperor only.

Of course.

Do you remember the time when you used Tang Tian Yuan's name...

to fool Supernumerary Sun?

You want me to forge a fake notice for you...

and appoint you my assistant for investigation?

The duty from the Imperial Court would buy you some time...

from your engagement?

You are smart!

In your dreams.

Forging a notice will get me beheaded.

It won't be so serious.

I have everything planned.

Zhu Da Cong is not very bright anyway.

We just need to show him the document...

and burn it right after that.

Besides, this is just the marriage of a ordinary girl,

who would care?

Even if you did get killed for this crime,

I will...

What will you do?

I will be your grave good.

You want to pester me even in the afterlife?

Ruining my life wasn't enough for you?

Sir.

For the sake of my future,

just help me out this time.

I don't want to get anyone into troubles,

but this is the only plan I could come up with.

The first and last time.

You agreed to help me?

Bring me the ink.

You are the best superior anyone could ask for.

Don't get ahead of yourself.

I am doing this to stop that fool from making more noises.

He is giving me headache.

You seem so used to forging the name of Tang Tian Yuan.

Even a fake seal looks like the real deal.

It's a fake anyway.

Does that matter?

It saved your life.

So, how are you going to repay me?

Let me think about it.

I...

I'll let you know later!

Stop beating the drum.

What are you doing there? Come here.

Something big is going down.

Back off.

Master Tang, I have lawsuit to file.

I am pressing charge against this woman!

Mind your tongue.

What charges are you pressing?

Running away from marriage, neglecting our engagement.

We were engaged a long time ago, yet she wouldn't marry me.

She is going against the agreement from her parents.

She neglected her duty as a woman by working here!

I came all the way here for her,

please show me your wise judgement on the matter.

Everyone, see for yourself! This is our engagement contract.

My stepmother agreed to this, I didn't even know.

Fine, you will get the justice you seek.

-Guards. -Yes.

Give him 15 beatings and fine him 20 taels.

-Yes. -Hold on.

You are trying to hurt me again.

Look! This Magistrate is neglecting his duty as an officer!

He is giving unfair punishment!

Brother, with that attitude,

no woman is going to love you.

What would you know?

Master Tang.

If you want to punish me,

you should at least tell me...

what I've done wrong.

Preceptor, show him.

It's true you have the contract.

But I forgot to mention...

the Imperial Spokesman Tang Tian Yuan appointed me his Preceptor.

Do you know what this is?

This is his letter of appointment.

I am to assist Master Tang in investigating the illegal gold mine.

Here is the Golden Jade Seal.

I am appointed by the Imperial Court.

I have duty with me, I can't get married now.

Do you want to go against the Imperial Court?

That can't be possible.

I want a closer look at the letter of appointment.

Of course this is real.

Preceptor Tan's performance at work...

has proven her worth to the people of Tongling.

This District Bureau needs her.

Zhu Da Cong, you are disrupting public order.

Master Tang should have punished you harder.

Fine.

So you are a Preceptor. How long is your term?

According to my father, the maximum term...

by the Imperial Court is three months.

I will wait three months, that's all.

I'll see if...

the Imperial Court will intervene with a Preceptor's marriage.

Tan Ling Yin, you are mine.

What do we do now?

Sir, you should have extended the term.

You should have made the term permanent.

Permanent? I might as well be dead.

Now that you I am caught up in your mess,

there is nothing left I could do.

But it seems like you enjoy being caught up in my mess.

Did you prepare the scroll yourself?

Don't you know what gratitude is?

Of course I know.

Sir, I will always be your Preceptor, how does that sound?

To the right.

Sir.

Sir, Lord Zong wishes to meet.

You should come with me.

What about me?

You will stay here.

Goodbye, Master Tang.

I am free!

I don't have to marry Zhu Da Cong!

Lord Zong, why can't we have this conversation at the Bureau?

I was told that Miao Sheng Parlour...

offers the best cuisines in Tongling.

I seek to try the delicacies of all the places I visit.

So I decided to try the food here. What's wrong, Master Tang?

Will you join me?

Of course I will.

After you.

-Please. -Let's drink.

When we first arrived in Tongling,

it came to our knowledge that rumour has it...

the female Preceptor from the District Bureau...

What was her name again?

Tan Ling Yin.

She is good at argument.

she is a conversationalist.

She lacks proper guidance, I apologize for that.

As written in the law, there should be positions...

Legal Secretary, treasurer, record-keeper,

scribe, and preceptor.

May I know what her duty is?

Consider her a jack of all trades.

I see. The job must be very tiring for her.

But Master Tang you must not treat your subordinate this way.

Now that I am here,

Chen Shao Xing is here as well.

He came from Jiangzuo.

He didn't make it past the Imperial Examination.

But in work,

he is very attentive.

He will be staying here in Tongling.

He shall share your burden.

As for the female Preceptor,

a girl like herself...

shouldn't be working like a man.

It could tarnish her reputation.

Perhaps you should lay her off while you as soon as possible.