Original subtitles

♪ Wearing peach blossom makeup,I boil tea over the stove ♪

♪ With a pure heart,I embroider the brocade of time ♪

♪ On the short paper,affection flows in the silent moonlight ♪

♪ I only wish that by my side,is my love ♪

♪ Cool autumn wind blowing,I gaze far leaning against the railing ♪

♪ Sunset glow over the green hill,in formation wild geese are flying ♪

♪ Covering a thousand miles on horseback,for whom is he longing ♪

♪ He returned home in dreams ♪

♪ I will never forgetthat you held my hands ♪

♪ In your warm palmsand we braved winds and waves ♪

♪ Unexpectedly, after we traveled so farand turned grey-haired ♪

♪ I am still by your side ♪

♪ Hearts burning,we look into each other's eyes ♪

♪ Feelings overflowing,they don't need to be hided ♪

♪ No matter how time passesand life changes ♪

♪ Together, we will grow old ♪

=The Sword and the Brocade=

=Episode 2=

My Lord,

you have performed another great feat.

Has His Majesty rewarded you

with anything other thanthe title of Imperial Tutor?

When His Majesty proposed to confer

one more title of nobility on me,I turned him down.

It's getting late.

(Concubine Qin)I won't disturb you,

Your Lordship, Your Ladyship.

I should leave.

I'll leave too.

I'll excuse myself, Father.

My Lord.

Why?

I asked His Majestyto lift the sea ban

rather than confera title of nobility on me.

Unless the sea ban is lifted,

there will always be pirates

and the peoplewon't live in peace.

My Lord,

you always thinkin the people's best interests.

But have you thought of me and Zhun?

You knew I'd been hoping

you'd gain one more title of nobility.

Don't bring this up again.

Don't bring this up again?

Do you know how hard my life is

as the wife of Marquis Yongping?

Stop.

Yuanniang,

you weren't like this back in the day.

Don't you know why Ibecame the person I am now?

Yuanniang.

Yuanniang.

Yuanniang.

Her miscarriage last year

caused a loss of energy and blood

and severe damage to her health.

She still hasn't recovered.

Now

all we can do ishelp her survive on medicine.

Thank you, Imperial Doctor.

Nanny Tao.

Yes.

This way, Imperial Doctor.

Let my second sister-in-law

and Dan Yang help youwith household affairs.

You think I'm too ill

to manage the household affairs?

Or do you think

I don't deserve to be your wife?

You...

Have a good rest.

Your Ladyship.

Did you see that?

We just reunited after such a long time.

But he didn't even

say anything nice to me.

Your Ladyship,

(Nanny Tao)

His Lordship is just distant in nature.

He still cares about you.

Stop saying that to console me.

His Lordship was born a cold person.

He expends all his energy

on defending our country

and bringing honor upon the Xu family.

I only hope Zhun

will be successful in the future.

Yu may be a concubine's son,

but he has been intelligent

and commended often.

Meanwhile, Zhun is frail

due to his premature birth.

He makes slow progress on schoolwork.

If this goes on,

I'm afraid Yu willthreaten Zhun's status

as heir of the Marquis.

Your Ladyship,

the Xu Family has alwaysdifferentiated your child

from the children of the concubines.

No matter how intelligentYu is, Great Madam

won't let Yu stealZhun's position.

Great Madam differentiates the children,

but His Lordship does not.

I was hoping he

would accept the reward and appease Yu,

so Zhun could inherit his title.

Now my hope is lost.

Everything will be fine while I'm alive.

But given my health condition...

I must secure Zhun's future

before I die.

(Zhaoying)

My Lord, Her Ladyshiphas gone to bed.

I asked the doctor.

Her Ladyship'shealth hasn't improved,

but has declined further

in recent days.

Has Imperial Physician Liudiagnosed her?

Yes, he has.

The physician who has beentreating Her Ladyship

was recommendedby Imperial Physician Liu.

My Lord, let me replacethe dishes with heated ones.

No.

Remove the dishes.

(The Spring Banquet)(Mansion of Xu)

Marquis Yongping's Mansion

was Princess Renhe's Mansion

during the previous emperor's reign.

After Princess Renhe passed away,

the mansion wasrewarded to the Xu Family.

Does this mean

our eldest sister livesin an imperial house?

The previous emperorloved Princess Renhe very much.

Ordinary imperialhouses can't compare

with this mansion.

She acts as if she werethe wife of the Marquis.

Madam Luo.

Madam Luo, you're finally here.

Her Ladyship is waiting for you.

Come with meand meet your eldest sister.

Yes.

Wuniang,

is this the first time you've visitedour eldest sister's home?

Mother took Erniang here a few times.

This is the first time I've been here.

This way, Madam Luo.

These square stone lampposts

can't be found in ordinary mansions.

Marquis Yongping's Mansionis no common house.

It's not worth fussing about.

Wuniang, Shiyi,

when you see our eldest sister

and she rewards you,just accept it gracefully.

Don't try to decline.

Don't stoop or lower your head.

Don't panic or fluster.

Don't look around orhave any wild thoughts.

Erniang, Mother is here.

You don't have to teach us that.

Mother, I didn't meanto assume your duty.

I'm just worried

that they'll forget their manners

on their first trip here.

Erniang is right.

Today is the third day of March

and the Xu Family is going tohold the spring banquet.

The noble Xu Familyhas a great many guests.

Since this is your first trip here,

you must stay alert.

Don't make a fool of yourselves

or bring shame upon the Luo Family

and your eldest sister.

Yes.

Madam Luo.

Her Ladyship is in the room.

After you.

Mother, you're here.

Yuanniang.

Have no worry. I'm here.

Greetings, Yuanniang.

So many years

have passed in the blink of an eye.

The little girls whofollowed me around

have grown intobeautiful young women.

Yuanniang,

I got this protective talisman

for you at Ci'an Temple.

I'm sure it'll helpyou recover soon.

The floor is cold.

Get up.

You're a grown-up now.

How come you still cry easily

like you used to do?

Erniang, you're so thoughtful.

You must be Shiyi.

Greetings, Yuanniang.

We haven't seen each other for years.

You have changed so much.

You're much prettier now.

Nanny Tao.

I didn't know what you like.

But I remembered having

three presentable jade pendants,

so I had my servants find them.

Each of you can take one jade pendant.

Thank you.

Pick one.

Go pick one.

This is a gift fromyour eldest sister.

Wuniang, you can pick first.

Erniang, you should pick first.

Then I'd better respect your wish.

(Joy)

"Joy".

It's a good sign.

You should start picking.

(Fertility and Luck)

Wuniang, what did you pick?

The one that reads "good fortune".

Then Shiyi

must have picked the onethat reads "fertility and luck".

Fertility and luck.

That's good fortune.

Thank you.

I love it.

Thank you.

Good to know you love the pendants.

You may leave.

Your eldest sister and I

need some privacy to talk.

- Yes.- Yes.

What do you think?

Erniang probably knows

I'm looking for a personto take care of Zhun.

And she has guessed that I don't want

that person to be fertile and lucky.

So she put on that act.

But it was just a petty trick.

As for Shiyi,

I can't tell her character yet.

Let's wait and see.

Wuniang,

our eldest sister's illness...

I've always knownabout her poor health.

But when I saw her earlier today,

I realized she was sickerthan I'd thought.

I wonder what kind of disease it is

that ails her so much.

Don't worry.

The Xu Family will findthe best doctor for her.

By the way, Erniang has behaved

strangely earlier today.

She has always been competitive.

Why did she pick

the jade pendant that read "joy"?

Is my "good fortune" not good enough?

Or is "fertility and luck" not desirable?

Fertility and luck.

My Lord,

(Qiao Lianfang)Liu Yong didn't return to Dongnan.

It seems...

Did he enter the capital?

We have no concrete evidence.

But there are signs

of him heading to the capital.

How do you know?

If none of the officialshad colluded with the pirates,

Jiang Huai and Liu Yong

wouldn't have escaped from my camp.

Since Liu Yong isn't going to Dongnan,

he must be headingto the capital to seek help.

Then I arrange for troops

to lie in ambush at the Nine Gates.

Once he appears,we'll catch him.

We should track him

rather than catch himand alert his accomplices.

Marquis.

Lianfang.

What are you doing here?

My Lord, I'll excuse myself.

My Lord, I'llprepare toiletries.

Lianfang,

the guests are in the drawing room.

Did you take the wrong path?

I'll order my servants to lead you back.

Thank you for your concern.

I didn't take the wrong path.

I heard from my aunt

the apricot blossomswere blooming in the yard.

So I wanted to come and feel

the vibrant air of springaround the apricots.

Then I won't disturb you.

Marquis.

I...

Are you alright?

I'm sorry, Marquis.

I was being reckless.

I have things to do.

Excuse me.

I went to the templeto get a protective talisman,

but I forgot to give it to him.

Was that our brother-in-law?

Only our brother-in-law

is addressed as "Marquis"

in Marquis Yongping's Mansion.

I thought he only had two concubines.

Who was the girlthrowing herself at him?

His wife isbed-ridden, yet he is

intimate with other woman.

It seems Marquis Yongping

is not a righteous man.

- Let's go.- Go.

Your father's mourning period

came to an end recently.

He was going to resume his position,

but his teacher Grand Secretary Liu

retired and returnedto his hometown.

Now that he is gone,

he can't support your father anymore.

Your father will have ahard time at the court.

We must not wait any longer.

We must choose one of my younger sisters

for His Lordship tomarry after I pass away.

Yuanniang.

Mother, if I am gone,

will the Xu Familystill treat the Luo Family

as their relatives?

Father has lost GrandSecretary Liu's support.

If we lose the Xu Family's support,

he'll never resume his position.

When Zhun

loses his mother's protection

and the Luo Family loses its power,

Zhun will no longer

have his most reliable backer's help.

He might lose his heirstatus of the Marquis.

We must plan ahead.

Your younger sister Wuniang

is already engaged.

And your younger sister Erniang

is clever, but she is incapable

of anything great as you said.

She'll need the Luo Family

to help her gain a footholdin the Xu Family.

People like herhave an axe to grind.

But she won't dare

to act against Zhun's interests.

I think

she qualifies asthe Marquis' second wife.

You don't think Shiyi qualifies?

Shiyi has always been

strong-minded

and she won't be controlled easily.

You mean

Erniang should marry His Lordship

and Shiyi should marryinto the Wang Family?

Young Madam Jiang

is the eldest daughter of Wang Family.

Her younger brother Wang Yu is infamous.

Finding a wife for himhas been difficult.

By marrying Shiyi into the Wang Family,

we secure a marriage between Zhun

and a lady of the Jiang Family.

Once he marries a ladyof the Jiang Family,

he'll be able to rely onhis powerful relatives.

No matter which one of myyounger sisters marries His Lordship,

Qiao Lianfang will

stand as the biggest hindrance.

You are here.

Great Madam.

We have many guests today.

I hope you'll forgive me

if you ever findthe reception unsatisfactory.

(Madam Qiao)You're too kind.

But I'm not an outsider.

You don't have to be formal with me.

You are right.

Where is Lianfang?

Why isn't she here?

Great Madam.

Great Madam.

Pardon me for arriving late.

You are not late.

I'm honored that you came.

Come here.

Meet them.

This is my cousin,

the third concubine of Duke Cheng.

She has brought herdaughter Lianfang here.

Coincidentally, Lianfangis at the same age

as your daughters.

Are you talking about me, Aunt?

Look.

Speak of the devil.

Greetings, Great Madam.

Come here.

Lianfang, I invitedyour favorite

Huayin Troupe here.

You can ask them to perform

whatever opera you want to watch.

Thank you for your kind gesture.

Aunt,

you look fabulous today.

Is your headache getting better?

I'm glad that you care about me.

I followed the prescription

you gave me the other day.

Finally, I had a fewnights of sound sleep.

You have no idea

how much trouble she went through

for the folk prescription.

These are my daughters.

Greet the Madams.

Greetings, Madams.

Look how pleasingthese girls are.

Madam Luo, you're so lucky.

I used to be proudof my daughters.

But after I saw young ladiesof various families,

I learned what real highborn ladieslook like.

You girls shouldlearn from them.

- Yes.- Yes.

Don't be so modest.

I think your girls are good.

They are just as cultured as Yuanniang.

Alright.

Enjoy your stay here.

I'll greet the guests at Dianchun Hall.

Take a seat.

Lady Qiao.

Is my makeup messed up

or is there something wrongwith my outfit?

Why are you staring at me like that?

No reason.

I'm just looking around.

This is the hairpin rewarded to us

by the Noble Consort.

Wear it properly.

You must be Madam Luo.

Young Madam Jiang.

(Young Madam Jiang?)

(She is the elder sisterof Wang Yu the playboy.)

(Is she here to see us?)

Come on.

Let's see if mycousin needs anything.

Madam Luo,

Yuanniang and I are as close as sisters.

We should communicatemore in the future.

You're too kind, Young Madam Jiang.

This is Young Madam

of the Jiang Family in Le'an.

Young Madam Jiang.

The Luo Family has distinct young ladies.

Every one of them istalented and beautiful.

I wouldn't go as far asto call them talented and beautiful.

They are just literate

and able to do some needlework.

Your handkerchief is exquisite.

Did you make the embroidery yourself?

Madam, although Iembroidered the handkerchief,

I am no match formy younger sister Shiyi

in terms of embroidery.

Her embroidery worksare vivid and ingenious.

Am I right, Wuniang?

Everyone who has seenShiyi's embroidery works

has commended her.

This handkerchief wasembroidered by Shiyi.

Have a look, Madam.

It really shows extraordinary skills.

Shiyi is truly skillful.

Thank you, Young Madam Jiang.

You're too modest.

My embroidery skills

is the only presentable things about me.

I'm in no way as kindand elegant as you.

Your girls are cultured,

beautiful and intelligent.

You must have raised them well.

You're so lucky.

Madams and ladies,the stage has been set.

Come along, please.

Yuanniang only hasa few months to live.

Your aunt and Ihave talked in private.

Your aunt wants you tomarry into the Xu Family too.

No matter what certain people do,

they are nothing morethan incompetent clowns.

The others are nothing to worry about.

But the young ladiesof the Luo Family...

I'm afraid that Luo Yuanniang

has got her own plan.

They are the humble daughtersof the concubines.

My cousin and the Marquis

would never take a liking to them.

Look at you.

My daughter

looks prettier than anyone when smiles.

Rest at ease.

(Xu Lingkuan)

I was wondering when Lingkuan

became the head of Huayin Troupe.

I heard that you came.

So I learned how to do this.

Do you want

to watch an opera witha focus on singing and acting

or an opera with a focus on combat moves?

He is the Marquis' younger brother

Xu Lingkuan of the Xu Family.

How about I recitethe opera titles for you?

Lingkuan, stop clowning around.

You might scarethe young ladies.

(Danyang)Danyang is here.

Come on.

Hold Lingkuan in check.

Mom.

Lingkuan was only being kind.

So many elders andyoung ladies are here.

We can't let the opera actors

come in and present the list of operas.

Alright.

Greet the Madams.

Let's watch an opera witha focus on singing and acting.

The operas with a focus on combat moves

are all about fighting

and actors doing somersaults.

You watch them till the end,

but you don't understandwhat's going on.

Then we'll watch "The Peony Pavilion".

I like that.

Alright.

I'll make preparations.

Yes.

Great Madam, His Lordship is here.

Young ladies,please come with me

and hide behind the folding screen.

His Lordship is here.

Why aren't you moving?

Come and changeout of your costume.

Yes.

I pay my respects to you, Mother.

Greetings the Madams.

Greetings, mother-in-law.

We're family.

You don't have to be formal.

I hope you'll forgive me

if you ever findthe reception unsatisfactory.

You're too kind, Marquis.

I won't disturb you any longer.

(Success)

♪ My heart ♪

(Depends)

♪ Happens to flip ♪

♪ As I stand by a plum tree ♪

Great Madam.

Greetings, Madams and ladies.

♪ These plants ♪Her Ladyship said

♪ Stir up ♪her health condition didn't allow her

to keep you company.

She felt sorry.

So she had people prepare kites.

When you've grown tired of the opera,

you may fly the kites together.

Great Madam.

♪ Sentiments in me ♪I don't want to watch the opera.

I want to fly the kites.

Me too.

Alright.

You can go.

Lady Qiao.

You know the Xu Family'smansion more than any

other young ladies.

Therefore, HerLadyship hopes that you

will show the otheryoung ladies around.

I want to stay...

♪ Their life and deathare for others to decide ♪

But Madam Xu made a request

and I won't turn her down.

♪ And I have nowhereto vent my sorrows ♪

Ladies who want to flythe kites, come with me.

Erniang.

Don't you like this opera?

Stay till it ends.

I can watch thisopera another day.

But I shouldn't

waste my eldest sister's kindness.

♪ I will wait on this rainy day ♪

Shiyi.

♪ For the right man to show up ♪

Mother.

Go with Nanny Tao andmeet your eldest sister.

♪ Even if it means my death. ♪

Yes, Mother.

(On)

(Effort)(Success depends on effort)

Your Ladyship.

It seems

water has mixed with ink.

Your Ladyship, it's all set.

Let her in.

Your Ladyship, it's Lady Shiyi.

Lady Erniang went with Qiao Lianfang.

It must be fate's work.

(I finally got rid of them.)

What is wrong with you?

I'm sorry, Lady Qiao.

I was in a hurry.

Let me wipe it clean.

No need.

Get up.

Thank you, Lady Qiao.

Lady Qiao, come tothe courtyard with me

if you don't mind.

You can get your clothes cleaned

as soon as possible there.

The courtyard?

(Maybe I'll run intothe Marquis in the courtyard.)

I guess I have no choice.

Lady Qiao, this way.

Lady Qiao, this way.

(Jing'an Pavilion)

This is the place, Lady Qiao.

I stayed indoors for too long.

So I wanted to come out for a walk.

I hope you don't mind, Shiyi.

Lady Qiao.

Wait here for a while, please.

Let me bring yousome clean clothes,

so you won't catch a cold.

But...

Don't worry.

Nobody will come here.

Alright.

Shiyi.

Where do you live at the family house?

Yuanniang, I livein Lvyun Suite.

I remember that it has a warm room.

The warm roomis bright and cozy.

I often read in the warmroom when I was a kid.

Are you tired?

How about wefind a place to rest?

Jing'an Pavilion is justa stone's throw away.

Let's rest there.

Alright.

This way.

(Jing'an Pavilion)

My Lord!

(Jing'an Pavilion)

♪ In the cold darkness of midnight,a sigh is heard ♪

♪ Who picked up the paintbrushto draw loneliness ♪

♪ In my life, I can draw everything,but lovesickness ♪

♪ The mountain city is waiting for rain ♪

♪ I am waiting for youto pass in my memory ♪

♪ The sky is in a more lonely colorthan your face ♪

♪ The wind risesand the candle light flickers ♪

♪ The thin clothescan't stand the cold days ♪

♪ Full of twists and turns,fate is untold ♪

♪ I ground my thoughts into ink ♪

♪ But I still can't sketch your contours ♪

♪ How could the inkand paper exhaust our stories ♪

♪ Who picked up the pento disturb the heart ♪

♪ Who visited to remind me of the past ♪

♪ If feelings can be kept in mind,but cannot be confessed ♪

♪ I won't escape from whatever end ♪

♪ In the dim lantern light,with you there is me ♪

♪ Who picked up the pento set free lonely tears ♪

♪ Whoever visited my life,only you stayed all the days ♪

♪ If the moth doesn't fly into the fire ♪

♪ How can it be said to be persistent ♪

♪ Coming to the end of your story,there is me ♪