Original subtitles

[Subtitle by iQiyi Ripped by JinHan_27]

[The Blooms at RUYI Pavilion]

[Episode 9]

[Qi Residence]

-This way, please. -Zhu'er.

-Zhu'er. -What brought you here?

But you invited me here.

Here, I made this for you.

And this, your favourite dates.

Le Dan.

Princess Consort of Qingping.

-Princess of Xihe. -Princess Consort of Qingping.

Get up.

Your inauguration is today.

I've prepared a gift for you.

Su Yu.

See? With some decent grooming, the Princess Consort of Qingping...

can look decent.

Thank you, Your Highness.

You are welcome.

However, a chicken...

will still be a mere chicken even after...

wearing a beautiful headdress.

It's your inauguration today.

She has enough grooming already.

She has no need for this.

Princess Consort of Qingping.

I thought you ceremony would be too dreary,

so I sent my men to ask around.

I brought your only peasant friend here.

Looks like...

it was the right decision.

You sent her the invitation?

Thank you, Your Highness.

But Ms Fu and I are merely acquaintances.

We are barely friends.

See? Ms Fu?

Once someone got a taste of fame,

they forget all about their friends.

I knew she wouldn't invite you.

So I did it instead.

But don't be too upset.

Once you are at her level...

as Countess Yan,

feel free to humiliate her.

Zhu'er, why are you putting up with her?

It was an honour to have...

her presence in this manor.

You are a guest.

I won't chase you out.

But please do not cause any more trouble...

at my inauguration ceremony.

Miss, are you all right?

I am fine.

You may go now.

I'll have a word with her.

Yes.

Zhu'er, do you like the headdress I gave you?

-I like it. -Thank you, Your Highness.

I have more of these if you want.

I have plenty of them.

Sure.

Put it on and show us.

Zhu'er, you are gorgeous.

Beautiful!

Not bad, I picked the right one for her.

So?

The lords gathered...

and came up with conclusions.

Then...

we consolidated the results.

We were planning to report to His Highness.

How does that sound?

Little Follower.

King An.

I'll take my leave now.

[King An?]

Nong Nong.

Is there something...

you wish to tell me?

Don't mind the formalities.

Little...

I mean King An.

When people found out who I am,

they couldn't wait to fawn over me.

Yet it seems you are...

trying your best to avoid me.

I took you as my little follower,

that was disrespectful of me.

Nong Nong, it doesn't matter...

if I am King An or a peasant.

When I am with you,

I am just your little follower.

I can't accept that.

Perhaps...

it's better that I bow to you instead.

I was just kidding.

When you are with me,

you will always be my little sidekick.

I am glad you see it that way.

But why do you choose not to reveal your true identity?

If I had a choice,

I would rather be a fish in the water.

But unfortunately I was born into the royal family.

I travelled across the land with my alias.

I know the people's hardships.

So I took up the name of Farmer Ju Shui...

to express my frustration.

Truth be told,

I once thought...

your articles are meant to be the people's voice,

but it didn't solve the problems at their cores.

So I thought...

you were just after the fame and praises.

That was very shallow of me.

No.

You are completely right about me.

Every time I write,

I fear someone would eventually find out who I am.

The title of King An...

is just like a disguise.

It's a shackle that binds me even after my death.

You care for the people despite your status.

And you are a magnificent writer. It's hard to come by.

You may be King An right now,

but when people meet you,

you are Farmer Ju Shui.

Worry not, your secret is safe with me.

I thank you, Nong Nong.

No problem.

And I must thank you for helping out my master.

The inauguration ceremony is starting.

We should go now.

Go on without me.

I wish to take a walk.

I understand.

Announcing, Duke Su and Duke Huai!

[Qi Residence]

Greetings, Duke Su.

Duke Su.

Duke Huai.

Princess of Xihe.

I was told you were coming back,

so I've been waiting to meet you.

But you are either in recovery...

or busy with work.

I went to your manor many times and couldn't see you.

Who would have thought?

You are here for the ceremony.

I am busy with work.

You can't be so busy.

What if you break down one day?

King An.

Uncle.

You told me...

you need to have a word with the Princess of Xihe.

Carry on with the princess.

I'll take a walk outside.

King An, what is it you want to tell me?

That day,

I did want to have a word with you.

But today,

I can't seem to remember what it was.

You!

Why must the date trees...

[Little Qi Zhu]

drop their fruits on me?

[Little Fu Rong]

I will avenge you.

I got all the dates down.

They won't hurt you anymore.

Nong Nong, you are so nice to me.

I won't allow anyone to bully you.

Not even the dates. Here you go.

Was there wind just now?

You are rising to power overnight this time.

His Majesty is giving you the title of Princess Consort of Qingping.

With all the noble guests,

the Qi family is really honoured.

If you could employ some tricks...

to get yourself a noble as husband,

even if you are the mistress,

the Qi family will be part of the royal family.

Do you get it?

Madam,

have you ever treated me as family?

When my brother and I needed help,

you pushed us away.

My mother's burial was haphazard at best.

If it wasn't for Consort Duan...

who showed her the last respect,

my mother's soul...

-would have become a wandering ghost! -Qi Zhu!

Just because you're the Princess Consort of Qingping,

doesn't mean you can disrespect me.

I am the First Madam of the Qi family.

You must listen to me no matter what I tell you!

Stay away from her.

You shameless peasant,

you got yourself a guard?

Your smirk won't last long.

You will end up just like your brother.

You were born a peasant.

Stop acting so high and mighty.

Don't you dare bring up his name!

From now on, Zhu'er is Princess Consort of Qingping.

Disrespect her again...

and His Majesty will punish you.

Fine.

You think you're above me now?

What's the big deal?

Zhu'er, are you all right?

Fu Rong.

Why are you here?

Look at this. Do you remember when we...

use to beat the dates down.

You were in such bad luck, you...

Miss, the guests are waiting for you.

Le Dan, send someone here...

and chop down this date tree.

Zhu'er.

Fu Rong, that's enough.

[You are rising to power overnight this time.]

[His Majesty is giving you the title of Princess Consort of Qingping.]

Watch out.

Duke Huai.

You are here.

Princess Consort of Qingping.

I am sorry for startling you.

How very conceited of you, Princess Consort of Qingping.

It's your inauguration ceremony.

Yet you never bother to show up.

What? Are you up to no good again?

I almost knocked her down.

Fine, I was just making a joke.

Why are you giving me that look?

Duke Huai.

Where is Duke Su?

I lost sight of him.

He might be over there.

There?

That's just the way she is.

She speaks as she pleases.

Much obliged, Your Highness.

I should go inside now.

Sure.

Ms Fu.

Your Highness.

Your leg...

I am fine.

With that injury,

you won't be able to leave the manor.

Does it hurt?

Not at all.

I thought it didn't hurt.

Of course it hurts!

Just yell if it does.

You should be glad there is no fracture.

Your leg was dislocated.

A few days of rest should heal you.

Much obliged, Your Highness.

No problem.

Lan Xiang.

Have you looked into Princess of Xihe's background?

I was told her father is the General of Zhen.

When she was young,

the general fell on the battlefield.

His Majesty took pity on her,

so she was brought into the palace and raised as a princess.

By the way,

while you were washing up,

two coachmen came by.

They each brought a gift.

They said you left these at the princess's manor.

I left these behind?

Could it be medicinal ointment? The smell is intense.

Right.

When you came back,

you had only one of your earrings.

The Princess Consort of Qingping is thoughtful.

She even knows this belongs to you.

"It's a pleasure to meet you again."

"My question has been answered."

"Back to the owner."

"May we meet again on the river bank..."

"and continue our conversation."

Master, you are amazing.

It looks brand new.

Next time,

if you ever break it again,

I won't be helping you.

Yes. Thank you, Master.

I will keep it safe from now on.

I should get going.

Go on.

I am done with the fishing. I don't have the talent.

It's never about getting the fish,

but the heart.

It's a honing of will and patience.

No, what matters is we get to eat the fish.

Didn't you ask me to come here so we could have fish?

No.

We parted ways in a rush that day after the ceremony.

I've been wanting to ask you out.

I was told...

you're going to marry into Marquis Xindu's family?

I was just fooling around with Zhang Yan,

I didn't agree.

Sure,

it's not like they can keep you there.

You know me the best.

I don't feel like getting married anyway.

Why is that?

Pretty and talented girls can marry up.

Those who are less desirable can only marry down.

As a woman,

it was as though everything...

was only for the sake of finding a good husband.

But we are all born equal.

We all have our goals and desires.

Such as me.

What is your goal?

I haven't decided yet.

But that is not how I want to get married.

It's not a marriage,

but living in a cage.

True love...

is about freedom and understanding.

Well said.

You have a point.

You agree with me?

Keep this secret for me.

Sure, we know each other's secret.

Your secret is more serious.

You are both King An and Farmer Ju Shui.

You have two secrets.

Fine.

[Have you ever heard about...]

[an organisation known as...]

[the Ruyi Pavilion?]

Where did you get that bracelet?

I just got it fixed.

I don't want to break it again.

This is my master's life's work.

Only I can have this.

Abbot.

Amitabha.

Are you here to light the lantern for your mother?

I was busy recently.

I didn't have the time.

It's all right.

Excuse me.

Ms Fu!

Ms Fu.

I am sorry.

-You... -Don't take this the wrong way.

I had my fair share of women's company.

I had no choice.

Don't misunderstand.

Don't worry,

I know you meant well.

This was merely an accident.

Let's pretend it never happened. Goodbye.

How silly of me!

What was I babbling about?

May the master and his wife be blessed with good health and peace.

I hope Young Lady Fu Xuan...

Miss, are you all right?

Miss, why is your dress drenched?

Miss?

Bao Zhu, pack your things.

We are leaving today.

Why the hurry?

I miss my parents.

Just do as I said.

Let's go.

Ms Fu, I am sorry...

if I offended you last time.

I panicked.

I am sorry if my action wasn't appropriate.

Also,

I know you are a girl.

If you don't want to bring this up again, then forget about it.

But if you think I should be responsible for my actions,

I am not running away from it either.

-Little monk? -Mr Wu, why are you standing here?

Where is the girl who lived here?

[Transcendence Carries on]

Ms Fu left yesterday.

She left?

[Fu Residence]

Rong.

Earl Yan, what brings you here?

I was told Ms Liu got released.

I wanted to send my regards.

But my father's birthday reception is around the corner.

I finally have some free time today,

so I came right away.

Rong.

Are you mad at me?

Why should I?

I am glad you aren't.

I told you your master would be fine.

I was right.

If you ever run into trouble,

you can always count on me.

You are here just to tell me this?

The reception is coming up.

I am here to send you the invitation.

Be sure to attend it.

Do your best.

My mother might finally accept you...

and approve of our marriage.

Fine.

I will be there.

Why are you acting so mysterious?

Of all the doctors within a hundred-li radius,

which of them has the trust of the Xindu family?

Who else could it be?

It must be Ninth Uncle.

Sanjiu Apothecary Shop uses the finest herbs.

Their prescription for cold treatment...

is known throughout the land.

If Ninth Uncle is to brew the medicine himself,

the medicine will be more effective.

Some time ago,

your master asked me to get the medicine for her.

So...

you know the owner of Sanjiu Apothecary Shop?

Of course.

I need a favour from you.

Sure, no problem.

Congratulations.

[Xindu Residence]

-Congratulations, Marquis Xindu. -Congratulations.

-Congratulations, Marquis Xindu. -Congratulations.

Congratulations.

-Duke Su. -My lord.

Your Highness is here as well.

Please, come in.

Serve our guests. This way please.

[Reach for the Skies]

I didn't expect you to come here personally, Your Highness.

It's such a great honour for my family.

Thank you for all the gifts, Your Highness.

It's your birthday.

It's only adequate that I attend it.

I am flattered.

But today,

I haven't seen Duke Cheng yet.

His Highness isn't in the capital lately.

Otherwise this could be a great chance...

for you and your brother...

to catch up a little.

Duke Su.

Why is Your Highness sighing?

The last time I attended a banquet...

was at the Qi Residence.

I see.

From what I heard,

you and Qi Ce are very close.

Why weren't you at his manor that day?

Qi Ce?

I have always...

been fond of young people with...

great talents.

I always hold banquets...

just for them.

I am providing them with a platform,

so they can exchange ideas with each other.

It's the least I can do for the younger generation.

As for Qi Ce,

he is one of the many I mentioned.

As for our relationship,

he and I aren't that close.

Qi Ce is skilled in deception.

It's understandable that...

he managed to trick you.

Indeed.

I thought of him as a young man with a promising future.

But turns out...

he is an ambitious and unscrupulous wolf.

But luckily, you were swift to take action.

You took him down.

Only by luck.

Marquis Xindu, may you live long and prosper.

Welcome to my house.

Come, this way please.

Duke Su.

Make yourself at home.

I must attend to the guests.

Come, please come in.

[Xindu Residence]

Rong, Xuan.

You are finally here.

Your Highness.

Please, follow me inside.

This way.

[Xindu Residence]

Please, come in.

Come in.

Mother, look.

They are here.

-Greetings, Lady Xindu. -Lady Xindu.

Lady Xindu, my father is ill.

My mother must look after him,

so they couldn't make it here.

But they did ask me...

to send Marquis Xindu his favourite Jade Corals.

Please accept the gift.

Marquis Xindu is attending to the important guests.

He is busy.

I shall thank Lord Fu on his behalf.

Speaking of which,

if it weren't for Marquis Xindu's birthday,

I don't think I'd ever get the chance to see you, Ms Fu.

Lady Xindu, Rong'er caught a cold.

She's been coughing all day.

I hope you wouldn't mind.

Princess of Xihe.

Princess,

this is merely a banquet.

There is no need for so many gifts.

This is only adequate for Marquis Xindu's birthday.

-Are you all right? -Princess of Xihe.

Ms Fu.

What sickness do you actually have?

All the guests are here.

Isn't all that coughing...

rather unbecoming?

Lady Xindu.

Rong'er merely caught a cold.

If you are worried,

since we've sent our regards,

perhaps Rong'er and I should go home.

Please, no!

The banquet hasn't started yet.

I can't let Rong go.

If...

If Rong is not feeling so well...

Earl Yan is right.

If I am to leave now,

it would be disrespectful.

Perhaps we should get a doctor.

If it turns out to be contagious,

I won't hesitate to leave.

Fine, get Ninth Uncle here.

Let him tend to Ms Fu.

Princess of Xihe.

Please come in.

Rong.

Please come with me.

I need to tell you something.

Go on without me.

I'll have a word with him.

-Xuan. -I'll leave her to you.

Rong, please come with me.

Rong.

Are you really all right?

What rotten luck.

Of all the times...

to catch a cold,

it had to be today.

Rong, please hang in there.

There are many guests here.

I know.

My mother has been giving you the cold shoulder lately.

But she only did it for my sake.

Right?

It's hard for me being caught between you two.

But Rong,

I know you'll understand, right?

Duke Su.

Bow. It's Duke Su.

Duke Su.

Ms Fu.

How is your leg?

Rong, you two know each other?

When did you know each other?

Your leg is injured?

When did it happen? Why didn't you tell me?

We only met once at the princess' manor.

It's nothing. I am fine.

Duke Su!

You are finally back.

Princess of Xihe.

Duke Su.

Earl Yan and Ms Fu are having a tender moment.

Let's not interrupt them.

Ms Fu caught a cold.

We should keep our distance from her.

Ms Fu caught a cold?

Duke Su, the banquet is about to start.

Let's go inside.

Take good care of yourself.

I know.

Little Marquis.

-Why are you here? -Stand aside.

Little Marquis.

Get lost.

Marquis Xindu.

-Why are you here? -Why?

Marquis Xindu doesn't want me here?

You once said...

no matter how much of a disgrace I am,

I will always be welcomed here.

Get out!

Wu Bai Qi.

You must think very highly of yourself.

I'll be honest with you.

I pulled strings for you to join the Imperial Guards.

But look at you.

You are still a lowly lieutenant after so long.

The whole city...

calls you "Little Marquis".

Do you know why?

They are being respectful to me, not you!

You wanted to leave home.

You wanted to forge your own path.

But look at you.

What do you live on?

You survive thanks to the Feng Lai Yi your mother left you.

Look.

What did I tell you?

All you care about...

is Feng Lai Yi.

You can have it if you want.

Provided you change your surname to "Wu".

Then you can have it.

How does that sound?

Get out of my sight.

Get out of my sight!

Get him out of here.

Don't bother.

This filthy place...

is not worthy of my time.

Stop standing there.

Serve the food.

-I'll have a look. -Come on.

It's nothing.

Let's drink. Come on.

-Get back to your seats. -Get ready.

Serve the wine.

-Watch where you are going! -I am so sorry.

I...

Little Marquis.

So it's the housekeeper.

Is this how Marquis Xindu...

educates his servants?

They ran into the guests...

and don't bother to apologize.

Little Marquis, I...

Bow and apologize.

Kneel.

-But... -Kneel.

Kowtow to me.

Kowtow to me!

Little Marquis.

Ms Fu.

Get up.

My thanks, Ms Fu.

-Leave us be. -I thank you, Little Marquis.

Ms Fu.

Don't take this the wrong way.

You can do whatever you please.

You've offended everyone here anyway.

I am merely an outsider.

It's not my place to comment.

If anyone were offended,

it would be you on Mount Yunluo...

-a few days ago... -Little Marquis!

We agreed it was an accident.

Don't bring it up again.

It may be an accident,

but as the man,

I must take responsibility.

I only found out after coming here...

that Zhang Yan and your sister are engaged.

Since childhood, even.

If I hadn't left,

you and I would be engaged instead.

Listen closely.

We fell into the river,

but you didn't see anything...

you weren't supposed to see.

So you are responsible for nothing.

From this moment on,

take it as it never happened.

Otherwise...

Otherwise...

I will make you pay.

That's all?

Wu Bai Qi.

Are you proud of your mischief?

That's right. Marquis Xindu was right.

Besides your parents' legacy,

have you earned anything with your own hands?

Your engagement with me...

is simply a bad joke.

Listen. I would rather be a nun...

than marrying a spoiled child like you.

Spoilt child.

Please.

It's Marquis Xindu's birthday.

With so many guests here,

why not have a game of pitch-pot to make it merrier?

Princess, that was...

a great suggestion. Very well.

Qu Hong. Get it ready.

Yes.

A game of pitch-pot needs a wager.

Princess.

Any idea what should be wagered?

The winner who comes out on top...

will have my jade bracelet as the prize.

How generous of you, Princess.

That jade bracelet is made from premium material.

What?

I was told Ms Fu is skilled at this game.

Why don't we start the round off?

We'll each wager a bracelet. It's only adequate.

Princess.

That bracelet is dear to Rong'er.

Using it as wager seems inappropriate.

It's just a wager.

If you want to keep it,

just win it back.

That's a harsh demand, Princess.

That doesn't seem appropriate.

How is it inappropriate?

Is Ms Fu afraid?

Rong...

-You should... -The Princess asked for a game,

then so be it.

Ms Fu.

If this is against your will...

In that case,

I shall gladly participate.

Good.

Let's all...

watch the game.

Ten points to Princess of Xihe.

Double five-point for Princess of Xihe.

-A total of 15 points to the Princess. -What now?

Next, Ms Fu Rong.

Rong, good luck.

Ms Fu Rong hits the mark.

20 points to her.

Ms Fu Rong hits the mark again.

20 points to her.

She gets a total of 40 points!

You...

It's your turn.

Ms Fu, this game is becoming boring at this rate.

Why don't we...

put on blindfolds?

Double points for Princess of Xihe.

40 points to her!

She gets a total of 55 points!