Original subtitles

♪ Memories of the past are always vivid ♪

♪ They accompanied me to take every step ♪

♪ On the road ♪

♪ Going through heat and cold ♪

♪ The bumpy journeyhas rendered my longing ♪

♪ Rock solid ♪

♪ The same moonlightshines on our shoulders ♪

♪ Even if we are far away separated ♪

♪ We are close in our hearts ♪

♪ The wind blew away the past ♪

♪ I look for your distant locationon the starry night ♪

♪ In the ocean of faces ♪

♪ For you, my heart burns and races ♪

♪ Despite its turns and twists,fate is in my hands ♪

♪ May waiting convert regretsinto a happy ending ♪

♪ May solitary figuresfind right companions ♪

♪ And become a pair ♪

=Time Flies and You Are Here=

=Episode 5=

[Too bad the long song is wasted in the evening]

What is it?

Are you going to reprimand me on behalf of His Majesty?

I'm Xie Xiaoman's senior.

I'm also an old friend of her.

Since she's an old friend, I must protect her.

A woman's reputation is everything.

Your Highness, you have no right to detain her?

Whose authority?

[Duke Mansion]

(Duke of Julu Mansion Contract)A system is governed by law.

Humans are governed by personal contracts.

The daughter of Xie household, Xiaoman signed a personal agreement

with the Duke of Julu Mansion as a female attendant.

The contract lasts for two years long.

What?

Xie Xiaoman signed an agreement with me.

She's now an attendant of mine.

What's the matter?

Do you want to meddle in with the matters of my household?

Congwen.

She created this mess herself.

Even if we reported this matter to Sir Yan, it wouldn't make sense.

Congwen, Duke is enraged.

You should return.

I'll send her back tomorrow.

I'm staying here today.

Early in the morning tomorrow, I'll send Xiaoman back home.

Sorry for the trouble, Sir Chang.

I shall beg for you pardon personally next time.

Well, I'll leave Xiaoman to your care.

Your Highness, we should prioritise peace and harmony!

About the incident today, are you aware of your mistake?

You should know

how important today is to my uncle.

You're Duke.

You have the authority over everyone.

You may exercise power over everyone else.

I'm just a regular commoner.

There's nothing I can say.

You disdained my reputation.

Fine.

Very well.

I'm telling you.

I loathe you.

You have no respect for others. I hate you.

You're adamant and cocky. I hate you.

I hate you the most for trampling on the pride of others.

You're Duke.

You're superior.

I'm as insignificant as dust.

I plead of you to leave me alone.

Live your life as the duke.

I shall live mine as a humble commoner.

From now on, I shall do my best

to attend to the matters of the household.

However,

you and I no longer have anything to do with each other.

You...

Fine.

Since you are so stubborn,

kneel before the Zhuiyuan Hall

until you're willing to repent!

It's humid at night. This is...

Hanchen.

Xiaoman.

Xiaoman.

Xiaoman.

Back then, the Emperor did not bear a son.

When Hanchen was five,

He was brought to the palace with his old brother.

They were both adopted,

but they didn't have a good time here.

However, we both know

what life in the palace is like.

When he was seven, his brother passed away at the East Palace.

When Xiaojie passed away, Hanchen stayed by his body

for a day and night before the attendants discovered them.

Afterward, His Majesty was given a son, the current crown prince.

For the Emperor, Hanchen became insignificant then.

Four years after Xiaojie's death, Hanchen was sent out of the palace.

When he left the palace,

he was already 11 years old.

Prince Pu had many heirs, but the children do not get along.

Hanchen entered the palace when he was young.

He was abandoned and neglected by his parents.

Why did you think

he'd come all the way to Wujiang Prefecture to recuperate?

He didn't come to recuperate, he came to avoid all

the political strife.

Can you imagine how difficult his life was back then?

A young boy surviving in the palace all alone.

Once he left the palace,

he thought he'd finally feel his family's warmth.

Instead, he was lonelier.

That's why he may behave unreasonably.

I hope for

your understanding.

He has his hardships.

I understand that.

However, it doesn't justify him to inflict pain upon others.

I have my load of hardships, too.

Excuse me.

(Zhuiyuan Hall)

You silly brat.

(Duke Mansion)

Xiaoman.

Xiaoman.

Are you all right?

You can take a day off from school.

You were up all night.

I took a leave from the principal on your behalf.

Allow me to send you home.

Your family must be concerned.

Over the years since the establishment of Bailu Academy,

the academy sought to cultivate men as true scholars.

You should know, those who seek to advocate morality of the world,

should first govern one's country.

Those who seek to govern one's country,

should first manage one's household.

Those who seek to manage one's household,

should first rectify one's character.

Rectify the thoughts, and purify one's heart.

Expand one's knowledge

(Dongguan Building)before peace could befall the state.

A gentleman's heart knows no limits.

His patience is boundless and vast.

This is the question of the day.

What defines a gentleman?

(Capital)

Hanchen is not coming back again?

Yes.

It's a letter from Principal Yang.

Apparently, the prince attempts to study

Spring and Autumn Annals from him at Wujiang Prefecture

before returning.

Spring and Autumn Annals?

[Zhao Xiaoqian's mother, Princess Consort Pu]

He's rather diligent.

It's a pity.

His diligence is in vain.

He can't possibly plan to become an imperial official.

[Princess Consort Pu's nanny, Zhu Momo]

Deliver a letter to Wujiang Prefecture with the prince's seal.

Inform Hanchen that he's no longer young.

The Shen family cannot afford to wait for him anymore.

It's time for him to get married.

Yes.

I shall attend to it immediately.

(Zhiwei Hall)

I heard that your sister was in great trouble a few days ago.

She has brought shame to the family.

She's truly unruly and adamant.

She believes if she becomes an attendant at the duke mansion,

she'd be able to win over the duke himself.

Gossiping behind one's back.

Both of you are truly despicable.

Despicable?

A woman drawing attention to herself out in public

already shows profligacy.

She resorted to becoming an attendant of the duke.

The female students of our academy are of prestige and nobility.

Some of us are related to influential households.

We're classmates.

She is not one of us.

You might not be afraid.

I'm afraid I get implicated.

You're gossiping about me.

Both of you sure are bold.

If I hear this again in the academy, regardless of who it is,

both of you will be cast out.

I have a question.

How is she doing?

Why wouldn't you check on her yourself?

Xiaoman is sick.

I came to apply a leave on her behalf.

If there's nothing else, I shall take my leave.

[There's no shortcut and no end to studying]

We utterly offended them.

What are you going to do?

How will you apologise?

Why should I apologise?

I did nothing wrong.

Let's go to class.

Hanchen.

Let's put Xiaoman's matter aside.

Another letter came from the capital.

This time, it's a personal letter with the prince's seal.

Is he pestering me to marry Shen Zhaowen?

That depends if the Shen family would agree to the marriage.

Things at Wujiang Prefecture are rather peaceful for now.

If the Emperor passes away,

[Family letter] I'll be the first sacrifice for the new emperor.

Wait, you...

Prepare a variety of textile and tonics tonight.

I need them.

Well... Why did he tear the letter apart?

Come here.

Xiaoman.

In my opinion, you should forget it.

At this point, it's useless to think about it.

Listen to me.

Attend class with me tomorrow.

Ignore them.

Director Xu said,

Sir Liu's Poetry Competition will be held in two days.

It will take the load off your mind.

What is that?

Lady, it's your turn.

Don't you know who Sir Liu is?

That's Liu Sanbian.

Every year, the performers of Wujiang Prefecture

are obligated to participate in Sir Liu's competition.

Last year, Congwen led the academy into victory.

However, last year, the top prize wasn't attractive.

Apparently, this year, the reward is a fan with a poem of Sir Liu.

Does Congwen admire Sir Liu?

Of course.

This year, I heard that Congwen

has to perform the zither for Courtesan Zhu.

He isn't able to participate in the competition.

It's a pity.

Congwen once said that he really wants a fan with Sir Liu's poetry

as a part of his collection.

Xiaoman,

I saw Zhao Xiaoqian today.

Ladies.

The master and mistress of Xie family have arrived.

Oh no.

I am doomed.

Duke of Julu.

You caused me great embarrassment.

You... Because of you, your uncle's house

is in a huge mess. Are you aware?

It's your fault that he can no longer run his business.

Calm down.

Early in the morning, I took care of it.

Everything is all right now.

Our household lacks in resources in the beginning.

It has nothing to do with Xiaoman.

Sister-in-law.

What's important right now is to terminate the contract

with Duke of Julu Mansion.

I read the contract.

The contract cannot be redeemed with money.

If we annul the contract personally, if Duke is aggravated

and sues Xiaoman to the magistrate, what should we do?

Do not panic.

There's always a solution.

She's still young.

It's inevitable for her to make mistakes.

Isn't that right?

You brat.

How could you do such a thing?

If your reputation is ruined, what should you do in the future?

Forget it.

I do not care.

There's nothing I can do anyway.

I provide you with an education

so you could marry into a respectable family.

I can't believe you caused such a mess.

The whole of Wujiang Prefecture is criticizing you.

Tomorrow, I shall request your father

to drop by the academy and speak to the tutor.

You should quit school and stay at home.

Just get ready for marriage.

What are you talking about?

Look.

This is the case.

Su family has a relative named Su Tingshan.

He manages the store for us at Tongzhou.

He's considered the shopkeeper of Tongzhou.

He has a young son.

We're planning an intermarriage.

That way, in the future, you may... No.

No matter what you say, I'm not getting married.

You never told me that you want me to get married.

You never told me that you sold the family's property.

You never told me about moving to

Wujiang Prefecture or attending Bailu Academy either.

Even now, without telling me anything, you insist me to drop out.

I gave you an education

just so you could marry into a respectable family.

You're now a laughing stock.

Nobody would marry you now!

I'm studying to discern between right and wrong!

What are you talking about?

You're not a nun!

After marrying, you're enclosed to a small estate!

There's no point in gaining knowledge!

I'm not getting married!

You have to!

No matter what you say, I'm not getting married!

If you force me... No, stop it.

If you insist, I'm going to jump off the river!

You... Xiaoman.

Xiaoman.

Go ahead and jump!

Xiaoman.

Let me check her.

Hurry.

Xiaoman.

After her.

Look at your daughter.

She's your daughter as well.

That's enough.

Quit the banter.

Xiaoman.

Xiaoman.

Xiaoman.

I refuse to get married.

I know.

I don't want to leave the academy.

I know that as well.

Look.

If I'm able to acquire Sir Liu's fan, would I be able

to ask for Congwen's favour?

My mother would definitely listen to Congwen.

If Congwen would speak up on my behalf,

would I be able to pursue my studies?

I can take you to Sir Liu's Poetry Competition.

However, only men are allowed to participate.

We're not allowed to.

The silk is of premium quality.

It's a shame.

(Su Mansion)

Look at the cosmetics.

Look at you.

You were boasting just now.

Great.

You're carrying all these goods.

People might mistake this for a proposal.

Shut up.

Let me ask you.

Are you going inside?

I... Stop putting up an act.

Do not interrupt one's business.

Hurry up and leave.

Move it.

I... Who said I was going to apologise?

You should apologise.

No.

Hurry up.

I'll walk on my own.

Quit standing around.

Come on.

Go on. Let's eat.

What are you doing

with all these goods?

It's... It's for Yan Boyang's father's birthday celebration.

We're going to greet him.

Really?

I think so?

What's the use of these cosmetics?

Let me see.

Let me see.

Let me see.

Well...

Yes.

My father has a hobby.

It's private.

Zhao Xiaoqian,

I need to talk to you.

(Auspicious All Around)

Someone did not show up for work at my place today.

Do not look at me.

I...

I've never apologized to anyone in my life.

I don't think I did anything wrong,

but I don't want you to be mad at me.

I don't know why either.

I probably lost my mind.

When you're mad or upset,

I'm in distraught.

In extreme distraught.

Are you still mad over the peach blossom shortbread?

Yes, I'm extremely mad.

I apologised.

How annoying.

Let me read your palm.

Are you well-versed in palmistry?

Of course.

I'm well-versed in many things.

If you want to cultivate some crops, you may consult me as well.

Let me have a look.

You're headstrong.

However, you're not a bad person.

Next,

you may behave like a child sometimes.

You're unaware of hurting others.

However, I know that it wasn't intentional.

You're just unaware of it.

Engage in good deeds.

Taishang Laojun will pardon your mistakes.

What?

Did you learn this from Taishang Laojun?

I'm Taishang Laojun's disciple.

If you harass me again, I'll tell my master.

I would ask him to turn you into an old cow in your next life.

Well,

about work...

Don't worry about work.

The contract is still valid.

I need

to help me with something.

Go ahead.

Please help me acquire Sir Liu's fan.

Sure.

Great.

Great wine.

Master, a letter from the capital.

[Princess Consort Pu is discussing about the prince's marriage with Zhaowen]

What's it?

Does Prince Pu expect my sister to marry Zhao Xiaoqian?

In regards to the matters of the capital, I'm unaware as well.

Recently, according to the brothers who returned from there,

the marriage of Duke of Julu caused a great commotion.

Duke of Julu refuses to return to the capital.

It brought shame to Shen family.

He's nothing but trash abandoned by the palace.

How dare he attempts to marry my sister?

Fine.

Since Zhao Xiaoqian showed no respect for my sister,

we're not obligated to show him respect as well.

The marriage...

At Sir Liu's Poetry Competition tomorrow,

is Zhao Xiaoqian attending as well?

Shen family values one's conduct.

If Zhao Xiaoqian spends the night with Courtesan Zhu,

what do you think will happen?

You shall be the scholar's assistant for the day.

Don't worry.

I'm here.

I'm going to greet some acquaintances.

I'll see you later.

In Sir Liu's Poetry Competition this time, we must... Sir Han.

(Great scholar of Guanwen Hall, Han Qi)It's been a while.

Hanchen.

You're all grown up.

When I saw you, I could barely recognize you.

I once learned calligraphy from you when I was young.

I still hold memories of it now.

You criticized me for being too mischievous.

You almost gave up.

Master Han.

Back then, Master Han taught me calligraphy as well.

You said, although Hanchen is cheeky, his techniques exceed mine.

Are you really going to help Congwen win the fan?

Isn't it too difficult of a task?

Are you trying to acquire Sir Liu's fan for Li Congwen?

Do not poke your nose into other's business.

Have you heard of that?

Do not tell anyone.

Otherwise, I'd give you an earful.

Fine, I can keep it a secret.

However, you have to tell me why you're doing this for Li Congwen.

The gazebo is chosen.

Chunhui Pavilion.

Let's head over there.

It's for her to study.

Let's go.

Boyang.

Where's Hanchen?

Here he comes.

These are the rules of Flying Flower Game.

Let me take a look.

For this quarter's poetry competition,

(The rules of Flying Flower Game)there are two sets of rules.

The first is Flying Flower Game.

The second is the ability to compose poems.

The theme for the Flying Flower Game is "flowers".

All of you shall answer in order.

Write down the correct verses and present them.

I'm not going to stay for long.

Thus, I prepared a few verses for all of you.

You may memorize them and ponder upon them to be inspired

Xingzhou.

Xingzhou, where are you going?

Ignore him.

He's always like that.

He's eccentric.

Xingzhou.

How could you steal Zhong Ziyan's moneybag?

You're wrong.

I did not steal.

I'm keeping it for him.

I'll return it to him later.

Assistant.

Have some tea.

Thank you.

Fellow scholars.

Let us begin.

Sun Kaikai of Liulian Pavilion.

Night has come, the swallow has yet to return.

The scenery cast with rain and fog seemed wretched and delicate.

Not bad.

The great poet of Tang Dynasty, Dai Shulun's Shuxi Pavilion.

Reward him the flower.

Bravo!

Bravo!

(Shen Yan of Xiaoyue Pavilion.)

(Despite the urge of the night breeze, )

(the boat only floats by the shallows.)

Hold on.

Do not go.

Allow Boyang to present instead.

Boyang.

Hurry up.

What?

Why?

You're clumsy.

Do not ruin my brush and ink.

Allow Boyang to go instead.

Take a break.

My father is still here.

I can't go.

You're my assistant.

Why can't you go?

You're so disobedient today.

Assistant?

Aren't we brothers?

Yes, we are.

That's why you need to help me out.

Hurry up.

Go on.

Yan Boyang is moping around.

Are you sure it'd work?

Xingzhou is here.

Don't worry.

Zhao Xiaoqian of Chunhui Pavilion.

In the tranquil mountains, the osmanthus falls.

Loneliness echoes through the placid night.

This young man shows great technique.

Award him with flower.

Bravo!

Bravo!

Father.

Hanchen invited me here today.

He doesn't harbour ill intentions.

[Magistrate of Wujiang, Yan Nengfu, Yan Boyang's father]

You were right.

I said, what you did was right.

Currently, the situation in the imperial court is unstable.

You are doing the right thing today.

You should plan for yourself.

Do not be swayed by the opinions of others.

Take hold of your own future.

Father, what are you talking about?

Hanchen and I are brothers.

Look at you.

Are you a fool?

He's a duke.

You expect to be his friend?

You should know your position.

No, father.

This... That's enough.

You should get back.

Go on.

I heard of a young man who came from the west.

He claims to be the Head of Nencao Hall.

He writes poetry for others for a tael of silver.

Many noble men and ladies consult him.

Isn't this the second son of Yan family?

Since when did he become a male attendant just like us?

You have no idea.

The second son of Yan family

has always been the assistant of the duke.

He pleased the duke.

He has a great future ahead of him.

He's different from the rest of us.

What are you talking about?

Mind your words.

Assistant.

Come here.

Have some tea.

I don't want any.

A duke shouldn pour tea for the attendant.

What are you afraid of?

I even fed Zhao Mao... What did you feed him?

It's none of your business.

I'm leaving these here.

I'm leaving.

What's wrong with Boyang?

I'll check out on him.

Zhanzhi.

Zhanzhi.

What's wrong with him?

Zhanzhi.

What's going on?

Is something wrong?

We came here together.

The last round isn't over yet.

Why did you leave on your own?

Am I going to stay here and be ordered around as an assistant?

What are you talking about?

What else can I say?

I came to my senses today.

I've finally learned the reality.

I'm telling you.

Your Highness, may you enjoy the view.

What's going on with you?

I had no idea

Your Highness was concerned about Sir Liu's Poetry Competition.

Xiaoman wants the fan.

Everyone is helping her out.

Xiaoman wants the fan?

Are you a fool?

Xiaoman isn't going to give the fan to you.

The fan is for Li Su!

What's the matter?

Are you going to hit me?

Go ahead and hit me here.

You're the duke after all.

I can take it. Go ahead and hit me.

Come on.

Why wouldn't you hit me?

What's wrong with Yan Boyang?

Why do you need Sir Liu's fan?

I... Do you take me as a fool?

By making me participate in the competition, winning the fan,

and gifting it to Li Su instead.

Does it please you?

No.

Xie Xiaoman,

good for you.

I'm Duke of Julu, yet I was completely fooled by you.

Well done.

Zhao Xiaoqian.

Let me explain.

Do not touch me.

Xiaoman, where are you going?

He brought me here.

I need to explain the situation.

At this point, it's a waste if you're leaving.

How about this?

I'll look for him on your behalf and clear the air.

Don't worry.

I'm off.

Master.

How are the things going?

The boat is ready.

Once he enters the boat, he will not be able to leave.

Good job.

You're dismissed.

All right.

Xie Xiaoman?

What are you doing here?

I came to tell you that Yan Boyang is trapped in the boat.

Master wants me to inform His Highness so he may head to his rescue.

If Yan Boyang is trapped for long,

what should we do if something goes wrong?

That's why you should inform him quickly.

Zhao Xiaoqian.

Attendant.

Excuse me, have you seen Yan Boyang?

I'm not sure.

Look, that's him.

Based on the appearance,

it doesn't resemble a son of a noble household.

It resembles a woman.

Whatever.

We took the money for this.

Let's go.

Handsome man.

Let's drink to our heart's content.

Let's go, handsome.

Let's go.

Let go of me.

Have a cup.

No, I'm not going.

Let's go.

How did it go?

I couldn't find the duke, but I met his female attendant.

I ordered her to inform Zhao Xiaoqian.

With my identity, he'd grow suspicious.

However, do not worry.

Once Zhao Xiaoqian enters the boat, even if nothing happens,

we can spread rumours about it.

If this incident was made known, his reputation will be tarnished.

Great.

Master, isn't that Mr. Yan?

I don't know what's wrong with him.

He played three rounds of chess here and wouldn't leave.

He walked directly into the trap.

I shall play a few rounds with him.

Mr. Yan.

Get out of my way.

What's the matter, Mr. Yan?

Let's play a couple of rounds.

It'd be fun if money is placed at stake.

Come on.

I'm not afraid of you.

Please.

Let me go. I need to leave.

Are you kidding?

Your skin is tender and smooth.

There isn't any like you who'd enter the boat and leave hastily.

You may leave if you want to, but there are rules.

One must drink once they enter the boat.

If you finish three cups, we will let you out of here.

I do not drink.

You don't want to?

You won't be able to get out of here.

I'm not drinking.

Let me go!

Fine then.

You're not getting out of here.

Today, we shall have fun until the sun rises.

Yes.

You... Come on.

Fine.

I'm done.

Let me out of here.

Have some patience.

There are two more cups.

Courtesan Zhu is coming out.

- Courtesan Zhu.- Courtesan Zhu.

This young man is probably captivated by Courtesan Zhu.

Courtesan Zhu isn't someone who'd serve the likes of you.

Mr. Li Su and Courtesan Zhu have developed a sound relationship.

Bravo!

A few days ago, you requested a troop of soldiers from Sir Chang

and headed to Duke Mansion?

Was it for a lady of your academy, Xie Xiaoman?

Yes.

Back at Yuyang Alley, I met her once.

She's a great kid.

Your status is significant.

People of the capital are eyeing on you here at Wujiang Prefecture.

How could you act recklessly?

Besides, she's just a mere lady.

What you did would taint her reputation.

Stay out of her matters from now on.

I know you're worried about me.

Don't worry.

It will not happen again.

Congwen.

If I left one day, no one would be around to remind you anymore.

When that happens, you must be cautious.

Yanniang, why have you been talking about leaving recently?

I can promise you anything but the idea of separating.

My identity...

About redeeming your freedom,

I requested help from Sir Chang.

He promised to help me.

It will happen soon.

All right.

- Courtesan Zhu!- Courtesan Zhu!

♪ On the ranking list ♪

♪ I lost my chance to becomethe principal graduate ♪

♪ Talents were missed outback in the days ♪

♪ What should I do now? ♪

♪ Since I have no opportunity ♪

♪ Why not I just fun ♪

♪ Why should I be worried ♪

♪ Writing poems for the courtesan ♪

♪ I'm as good as the chancelloreven though I'm in white ♪

♪ In the valley where I stay ♪

♪ There's a painting ♪Get out of my way!

♪ Luckily my lover ♪

♪ Stays there ♪

♪ It's worth my time to wait ♪

♪ Living happily with them iswhat I after ♪

♪ My youth is short ♪

♪ I'd rather exchange my famewith wine and songs ♪

(Besides, she's just a mere lady.)

(What you did)

(would taint her reputation.)

(Stay out of)

(her matters from now on.)

(I know you're worried about me.)

(Don't worry.)

(It will not happen again.)

(Even Congwen wouldn't help me.)

(What should I do?)

♪ Ask the moon whether it has seen ♪

♪ The other end of the earth ♪

♪ Your feelings fluctuatelike the moon's wane and wax ♪

♪ Have they ever been the same? ♪

♪ Carried by misty clouds,the moon came into your eyes ♪

♪ As a substitute for me, it appeared ♪

♪ Cast our eyes over the bustling street ♪

♪ Don't shed tears when we part ♪

♪ Since our parting,I have been recalling your look ♪

♪ Every night,I miss you too much to sleep ♪

♪ In my heart,I stored our affectionate past ♪

♪ As time went by, it faded like smoke ♪

♪ In my ears, rings your old whisper ♪

♪ Every night,I look forward to meeting you again ♪

♪ On the day we brushed past each other ♪

♪ We got tied by a permanent bond ♪

♪ Since our parting,I have been recalling your look ♪

♪ Every night,I miss you too much to sleep ♪

♪ In my heart,I stored our affectionate past ♪

♪ As time went by, it faded like smoke ♪

♪ In my ears, rings your old whisper ♪

♪ Every night,I look forward to meeting you again ♪

♪ On the day we brushed past each other ♪

♪ We got tied by a permanent bond ♪