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[Sound of the Desert]

Episode 14

Time goes by so quickly.

In the blink of an eye, we already know each other for three years.

I have no great ambitions.

I just muddle along.

It's kind of Madam Yue to keep looking after me.

Don't think so highly of me.

I can't be bothered to do anything that doesn't benefit me.

You're the first friend that I made here in Jian-An City.

Some words that I say to you may not sound pleasant

but I'd still like to talk to you today.

What is it about?

Would you like to marry Qin Yuan Qi?

Qin Yuan Qi is a good man.

It's good for you to marry him.

Unfortunately, he now has a younger sister who is in a prestigious position.

Mister Qin isn't like that. He wouldn't look down on me.

I know that he wouldn't.

What I mean is that since the times of Emperor Taizu

relatives of the imperial family have always gained power.

But what became of them?

Ding Ling, I hope that you won't have to be in that sort of place where

no weapons are wielded, but lives are taken without spilling any blood.

I can't say much more.

Do you understand what I mean?

Madam Yue, you think too much.

Mister Qin doesn't have that sort of ambition

and he won't vie for power or authority.

None of those complicated matters will ever happen.

Ding Ling, it might not be so for Qin Yuan Qi

but it doesn't mean that others aren't.

They are brother and sister.

They prosper and dwindle together.

Should anything happen

would Qin Yuan Qi be able to get away unscathed?

Madam Yue, thank you so much.

I understand what you mean.

I was too careless.

However, I don't mind what may come my way.

I only know that I'm willing to be with him.

I already knew what your answer would be.

You're so stubborn.

If it's what you want, you'll surely get it.

I've said all that I should.

At least, our friendship is not in vain.

Madam Yue, thank you for all that you said to me today.

From now on, I'll cherish what Mister Qin and I share even more.

No matter what happens in the future

I won't have any regrets.

That means I should hint Qin Yuan Qi that he should ask me

for your hand in marriage.

The betrothal money mustn't be too little.

We can't even have a serious conversation without you teasing us.

I'm serious about it.

Not bad.

This is such a miracle.

Miss Xin Yue, how do you take care of them?

You've grown the lovers' vine well.

Perhaps the plants can understand me

and are moved by my sincerity.

Miss Xin Yue is truly dedicated to them.

When I saw Ding Ling's smile, I finally realized

how happy it makes me to show support for someone's relationship.

I hope that you can help me fulfill my wish as well.

It's really different now that we know an imperial family member.

Even the betrothal gifts are more extravagant.

This is Mister Qin's token of love for Ding Ling.

It's also a token of gratitude to you.

If it hadn't been for you would they be together?

I was just waiting for the right timing.

Madame Xiang has already hinted her wish to me

so I definitely have to consent.

Do Qin Xiang's words really matter?

Of course.

I really don't get what scheming people like you are thinking.

You try to guess what she's thinking and vice versa.

Don't you get tired?

No matter what it is

it's still pleasant to see their dreams come true.

They have mutual affection for each other.

All you know to do is show them support

so that they can get married as a blessed couple.

What about you?

What about me?

It's normal for men and women to be in love.

Don't just envy them.

You hold your own happiness in your hands.

There's no scheme or plot.

It's a tit for a tat.

Either you like him or you don't.

Why has our Xin Yue become like this?

You're acting so sloppily, and afraid to fight for what you want.

- Ms. Hong... - Forget it.

I've said what I should and shouldn't.

It's up to you if all you want to do is envy them.

My Lord, is Xin Yue coming over?

- I'll get the cook to prepare food. - No, don't bother.

What's the matter? Is she not coming over?

Xiao Yue has invited me over to Fair Maiden's House.

My Lord, I'll get your horse carriage ready.

We don't have to be there so early.

We should get there earlier...

You can spend more time with Miss Xin Yue if we go earlier.

That's true. This is the first time Miss Xin Yue asked you out.

I'm just going there for a meal.

Don't make it an overstatement.

My Lord, if Miss Xin Yue has prepared a surprise for you

wouldn't you like to find out about it sooner?

I'll get the horse carriage ready right away.

I'll prepare the outfit!

They both seem to have something in mind.

Don't worry. I can go and keep an eye on them.

Xiao Yue, when did you get so close to Jin Yan and the others?

Xiao Yue?

Xin Yue!

Goodness! I do have ears!

Then why didn't you answer the Ninth Lord?

I didn't hear him just now.

Ninth Lord, what did you ask me?

What were you thinking about?

I asked you when did you get so close to Jin Yan and the others?

You say something, and all three of them put in good words for you.

If I didn't come over to have a look around this courtyard

it's as if I had annoyed everyone.

I don't know why they are all on my side.

Perhaps they are doing me a favor

so that I have to repay them in the future.

I...

My Lord, I never got the chance to take a look around Xin Yue's place.

I'd like to check out other spots in this house today

to see what the most extravagant dance house in Jian-An is like.

Go on.

It's difficult to take such good care of these flowers.

You must have made a great effort.

Ninth Lord, this flower has another name.

Do you know what it is?

They stay green even in winter.

That's why they are also known as Winter Fancy.

What are you shying away from?

Why won't you tell me about its other name?

Because when two flowers grow from the same stalk

they symbolize marital bliss.

That's why people also call them the Lovers' Vine.

I forgot about it.

I only remember the name we use for medical purposes.

You didn't just invite me over to look at the flowers, did you?

I remember that the willows near the lake are growing quite well.

Let's take a walk by the lake?

I really did just want you here to look at the flowers.

I don't care if you find me shameless.

Today, I asked you over to tell you my feelings.

Ninth Lord, I grew the Lovers' Vine especially for you.

I planted them in the fall two years ago.

It's been almost two years now.

My Lord...

I like you.

I'd like to marry you.

I'd like to look at these flowers with you in the future

instead of seeing how they paired up so lovingly on my own.

I'm already used to looking at flowers alone.

You will find someone to look at them with you one day.

Why?

Has it always just been my wishful thinking?

Have you never felt anything for me?

What are you afraid of?

Is it your legs?

I don't care about such matters at all!

Ninth Lord, in one's life

it's not the legs that determine how far a person could go.

It's the heart.

Xiao Yue, you're lovely...

I'm sure that you can find the right person to look at flowers with you.

It's true that someone is willing to look at flowers with her.

General Wei.

Master Mo, Ninth Lord of Shi's Shipping.

Xiao Yue, your friend is here.

I will take my leave now.

General Wei, please take care of Xiao Yue.

He's gone.

I want you to stay out of my business!

Why did you come into my courtyard without my permission?

Get out!

Don't forget that you've also once invited me over to look at flowers.

Lovers' Vine?

What did you tell me it was back then?

You called them honeysuckles!

Why have they collapsed?

Two years of care and love...

Why have they collapsed so easily?

Why have you come home so soon?

What happened?

Do you feel unwell?

I need you to return the money that I borrowed from Xin Yue.

If we don't have enough funds yet, sell some of our businesses.

You were by the Ninth Lord's side.

What happened?

What exactly happened?

I have no idea either.

He... He didn't say a word.

Xin Yue, the gardener is here.

What happened to these flowers?

Please save the Lovers' Vine as much as you can.

I will.

Let me take a look at it first.

House Mistress, look at how badly the vines are damaged.

The flowers will definitely fall off and the leaves will soon turn yellow.

Please see what you can do.

Which of the vines can still be kept?

I think that the only solution is to protect the roots first.

It might still sprout next spring.

All right, it's fine as long as we can still keep it alive.

Look at all these intertwining vines

that can't be sorted out.

It's just like...

Shi's Shipping just sent this over.

Is it the money that you said you needed for investments?

Xin Yue, I really don't understand what's going on between you and the Ninth Lord.

I don't know what to say.

But the Ninth Lord is the owner of Shi's Shipping.

He is mysterious and unfathomable. No one can read his mind.

However, you care so much about him, and never hesitated to please him.

On the other hand, Wei Wu Ji did everything with you in mind.

I know that love can't be understood.

But if the Ninth Lord really doesn't cherish you

Wei Wu Ji is also a good option.

Ms. Hong, it's not as if I'm unwanted.

Why would I list out options so soon?

I know that.

I just don't want you to suffer.

Feelings can't be forced.

Since this relationship makes you unhappy, you should let it go.

Otherwise, you'll be the only one who suffers.

And you won't notice anyone better.

I understand.

All right, that's enough about me.

Ding Ling is getting married soon.

We still have so much to prepare.

I'd have to trouble Ms. Hong to make a bigger effort

so that Ding Ling can be married in great splendor.

Then we won't disappoint Madame Xiang and Mister Qin.

They are no longer what they used to be.

I know that. I will definitely make the best arrangements.

That's good.

I'm relieved.

Exactly! We have to tease them in their nuptial chamber!

Why don't we get Ding Ling to sing for us?

As for the lyrics, we'll get her to sing words of love to Mister Qin!

That's right!

And they have to drink, dance, and sing!

We have to tease them properly!

We must make them drink more!

Xin Yue...

Why do you insist on having Ding Ling and Mister Qin move out?

They can still stay in our house.

Since they are married, they should have some peace and quiet.

Besides, if you ask Mister Qin to compose new songs for us

would he turn you down because he's married Ding Ling?

It won't affect our business if they move out of here.

What's the matter?

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

You still insist that you're fine?

Where's the drive and will to fight in you?

You don't seem to care about anything anymore.

Fair Maiden's House is already very well developed.

It's about time to secure our foundation.

Ms. Hong, this marriage does involve the imperial family.

I believe that officials and imperial relatives will send their wishes.

You must see to it.

Be sure to remind the girls as well.

- Don't let them go overboard. - I know where to draw the line.

You're the one that I'm worried about.

Miss Ding Ling, you've chosen such a good date!

You chose to have your wedding on the first day of lunar new year.

Do you wish to have everyone celebrate your wedding day?

This date was chosen by our house mistress.

Your house mistress is so thoughtful.

Look! The imperial gifts are so luxurious.

All this dowry is bestowed by Madame Xiang?

This is all prepared by the House Mistress.

Her Highness has meant to bestow dowry to Ding Ling

but when she heard that the House Mistress has prepared dowry for you

she said that it is the best.

Madam Yue treats us so kindly.

I really don't know how I could repay her kindness.

It'd make me very happy as long as you both like it.

- Madam Yue. - Madam Yue.

How is it? Is everything almost ready?

What else do you still need?

- What is still needed? - Nothing. We don't need anything else.

Madam Yue, you treat me with such loyalty and kindness

I really don't know how to repay you.

We're like sisters.

Why would you say that to me?

Madam Yue, although Ding Ling is no longer bond to an indenture

I'm sure that she wouldn't marry me without your consent.

I hereby express my gratitude.

You're welcome.

Ding Ling is like a sister to me.

I definitely want her to be happy.

Regardless, I still have to thank Madam Yue for your consent.

I wish you both a long and loving marriage.

Madam Yue, please wait!

Madam Yue, although I've always blamed you for

getting my sister into the harem

now that I see how His Majesty dotes solely on her

I am slightly relieved.

Mister Qin, I'm content as long as you stop blaming me for it.

It's my fault for blaming you for my own family matter.

It's good that you understand.

Although nothing can be changed

perhaps your happiness with Ding Ling could influence Madame Xiang

and bring her new hopes.

Madam Yue, you mean...

The palace is a place of scheming and plotting.

It's hard to truly be cared for.

It's not the same as her own family.

I understand.

If you and Ding Ling could stay out of trouble in the palace

it might actually be good for you.

Thank you for your kind reminder.

Madam Yue, you might seem to be an utilitarian

but you treat everyone with sincerity and you've won us over with virtue.

I'm truly impressed.

Mister Qin is too kind.

You even hired a teacher and a study mate for Yuan Chao

in hope that he can make progress in his studies.

Now that you've consented to my marriage with Ding Ling

you've truly rendered me speechless.

Whatever it may be, we all have different destinies.

I hope that you and Ding Ling can hold on to your happiness.

Then Madam Xiang will feel relieved, and so will I.

I know that you mean well.

That's good then.

My Lord, it's time for your meal!

I'm not hungry.

You may go.

What is it? Is he still not having his meals?

What's wrong?

It's already dead.

Why are you still pulling such a long face?

The gardener said that if I protect the roots well

it might sprout again next spring.

I am sorry.

I shouldn't have taken my anger out on them the other day.

Are you apologizing to them?

So Young Master Wei makes mistakes as well?

If this is known to anyone, everyone in Jian-An City will be shocked.

You pull such a long face every day.

Doesn't it imply that you think I've done wrong?

You just did what you would never do.

I have no choice but to accept your apology.

What else can I do?

Xiao Yue...

Actually... The Lovers' Vine wasn't entirely ruined by you.

You should know that.

I do.

Therefore... I don't blame you.

I've tried my best to save it.

But why would the gods still play such a trick on me?

Please head home.

I've already passed on your message.

Xin Yue already said she won't see you, so she definitely won't.

Please relay our message to her again.

Tell her that if she refuses to see us

we'll keep waiting here for her.

You...

You're putting me in a tight spot.

Listen, it's useless to keep waiting.

If it were me, would you also refuse to help?

Master Wu, you're here as well?

Ms. Hong, for my sake

please talk to Xin Yue again.

Persuade Madam Yue to come out here and meet with us.

Ms. Hong, since we're already here, we must see her.

He's right. It's easier to talk if we all meet up.

All right then.

I may not be able to convince her.

Ms. Hong, you don't have to say a word.

All right, I don't wish to say this either.

I find myself a nag as well.

But they keep begging me.

Even Master Wu has shown up.

Xin Yue, will you just treat this as doing me a small favor?

Why don't you go and see them?

You have all suffered because of the Ninth Lord and me.

Ask them to leave.

You should know that I'm indebted to Master Wu.

Shi's Shipping used to be my employer.

All three of the supervisors in Shi's Shipping is waiting out there.

This has never happened in Jian-An City.

Xin Yue, treat this as a favor that I'm asking of you.

Go and meet with them.

It seems that if I don't agree to it

you'll keep begging me.

- Running away... - Running away isn't a solution.

No, running away really isn't a solution.

- Miss Xin Yue. - What is the matter?

You keep avoiding us.

Are you trying to make a clean break with Shi's Shipping?

You won't stay in contact with us anymore?

Is that so?

The Ninth Lord was willing to sell his businesses

to return the money to me in full amount as soon as he could.

Shouldn't I say that it is Shi's Shipping

that's trying to make a clean break with me?

In terms of that, we'd also like to figure it out.

What exactly happened between the two of you?

He came over happily to meet with you but went home looking pale.

It seemed as if he had suddenly fallen ill.

We asked him, but he wouldn't say a word.

All he said to us was to return the money to you quickly.

He's shut himself in his room since then.

Madam Yue, you have a good sense of propriety.

Do you feel wronged?

If you do, tell us about it.

We can offer you some advice and come up with some solutions.

Master Wu, I'm not the one who is shutting him out.

I've done all that I can.

As a woman, I've already been thoroughly embarrassed.

I understand.

You feel wronged.

Xin Yue, no matter what happened

I still hope that you could give the Ninth Lord a bit more time.

You should know that some issues take time to be resolved.

Am I right?

I've tried again and again.

He's avoided me again and again.

I tried my best to get close to him

but just when I would think I was close enough

he would push me away.

I kept asking him for a reason

but I could never figure out what his expression meant.

This isn't as simple as you think.

If it's just because of his handicap

I've already told him about my opinion.

But he's still pushed me away.

As a woman, I don't hesitate to tell you any of this

because as his childhood companions, I'd like to ask you

do you know his reasons?

This is really hard on you.

Miss Xin Yue, I don't have an answer for you.

But what I am certain is that

the Ninth Lord treats you in an unique way.

He cares about you. You're right.

We did grow up with him, and because of that

we can all tell that you're special to him.

The Ninth Lord does treat you differently from others. Give him some more time.

That's right. Why would you torture each other like you do?

You should say that to the Ninth Lord.

Miss Xin Yue, how I wish I could say that to him!

But how do you expect me to say this to him now?

Since he got home that day, he's shut himself in his room.

Now that he's really fallen ill, how could I still say this to him?

Go and take a look at him.

All right?

Get the physician if he's ill.

Have you?

Why are you telling me about it?

Matters of the heart will need to be cured through the heart.

Please head back home.

I'm exhausted.

I need to get some rest.

Miss Xin Yue!

Please think it over carefully.

Go and visit the Ninth Lord.

Running away is not a solution.

I will have to face the problem sooner or later.

Miss Xin Yue, you're finally here to visit the Ninth Lord.

Thank you.

I wonder if he is willing to see me?

Why wouldn't he?

Look! You haven't been here for quite some time.

The main hall of Shi Manor has been too quiet.

Here, this way, please.

What is the Ninth Lord down with?

He said that he caught a cold.

He's prescribed some medications.

However, we asked the pharmacy about the prescription.

The pharmacist gave us a very different answer from the Ninth Lord.

He said that the herbs in the prescription were all for

the flow of his inner energy.

It seems that the Ninth Lord has troubles on his mind.

All right. Miss Xin Yue, I won't go in with you.

Thank you.

What is there to be afraid of?

Could it get any worse?

Ninth Lord.

I have to talk to you.

Don't say a word!

I'm worried that if you say anything, I won't have to courage

to finish what I wish to say.

Whether you're willing to listen to me or not

I beg you to let me finish what I'm about to say.

I'll leave right away after I'm done talking.

I don't know when I began to fall for you.

Perhaps it was because of how warm you look under the light.

Perhaps it was when you applied medication to my ears...

Perhaps it was when you were smiling and yet you still carried a frown...

I only know that I want to be with you.

I've tried carefully once to see if you like me.

Ninth Lord, let me tell you this.

At times, my throat hurt

and sometimes, my shoulders hurt.

I lost my appetite on some days

and I was often down on some minor illnesses every now and then.

Those were all lies.

I was never ill.

I've always been in great health.

I just wanted you to think about what to prescribe Xiao Yue every day.

In fact, I'm not afraid of taking bitter medication either.

I'm not afraid of bitterness.

But I just wanted you to be in a dilemma.

I wanted you to think 'What should I do?'

'Xiao Yue is afraid to take bitter medication.'

I think that if you think of me every day

I would gradually secure a spot in your heart.

Am I not cunning?

Do you remember the last time I was here going through your books?

I wanted to know what books you read.

You can tell a person's temperament by the books he reads.

I know that you love to read Lao Zi, Zhuang Zi, and Mo Zi.

You like Mo Zi probably because he wrote a lot about machinery.

His books are very useful.

'It is a gentleman's clever use of other tools that helps him stand out.'

There's also another reason.

Mo Zi never truly wishes to see people at war.

I don't know if I should say this...

My Lord, you've kept so many messenger pigeons in the manor.

I think that there must be a reason for that.

Last year, the imperial court sent out troops to attack the Tartars

and it happened that natural disaster struck them as well.

That was when you were in need of a huge amount of money.

You're fluent in so many different tribal languages of the Tartars

and you acknowledge so many of Mo Zi's theories.

I think that has nothing to do with managing the business.

Perhaps... you're from the desert?

What you're doing is just helping your own homeland.

I also know that you like Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi's books.

I had paid attention to my teacher when he talked about their books.

I couldn't figure out what you have in mind for the future.

Mo Zi talked about using a lifetime's efforts to do all that he could.

But Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi talked about taking the course of nature

when people are left with no choice.

I don't care about any of that!

I don't care if you're from the Tartars or Nan Dynasty.

You are who you are!

If it's freedom that you seek

I'm willing to leave Jian-An with you.

We can roam freely in the desert.

I can fulfill whatever wishes you have on your mind.

As long as you can tell me about them, I'll do my best to fulfill them.

I beg you not to behave like this anymore.

Stop carrying all the responsibility on your shoulders!

Have you done something in secret?

You manage whore houses and pawnshops

in order to fish for information of the imperial court?

Silly lass.

Shut them down quickly.

Shi's Shipping has been in Jian-An for decades.

We have businesses in all fields.

If we wish to know about the finances of some officials

or get hold of evidence of their corruption is an easy task for us.

Could you have made some sort of promise to Madame Xiang?

That's good then.

You must never be implicated in the fight for the heir to the throne.

If you cross paths with them

it will be far worse than running into wild beasts.

I'm not cold.

You made a good guess.

I am closely related to the desert.

My grandfather was a Tartar.

He was raised by the wolves just like you were.

My grandfather was originally the prince of a Tartar tribe.

When he was born, there was a coup d'etat.

His uncle killed the King of Han.

A palace guard escaped from the palace with him and the imperial seal.

They went into the desert.

Because there wasn't a wet nurse the guard had to capture a wolf

in order to raise my grandfather.

After my grandfather grew up he behaved very strangely.

He didn't gather up his old subordinates.

Nor did he use the seal to claim his throne among the Tartars.

Instead, he spent all his time flirting with the princesses

and made all the tribes come after him.

One day, he was finally fed up with living a life of romance.

One night, he sneaked into the bed chamber of the palace.

He seized his uncle from his bed

and shaved him bald.

But he didn't anything else other than that.

All he said to his uncle was 'You're a better king than my father.'

Then he left his seal behind and left without a care.

Since then, he became a bandit in the desert.

This story started out quite violent

but it ended up being quite funny.

How did Old Master Mo ended up in Jian-An?

After a few years, my grandfather became very influential.

All the bandits in the desert succumb to him.

Because he was raised with wolf's milk

the bandits he ruled were also called wolf bandits.

In order to sell the valuables that he robbed

he began to run a business.

By chance, he ended up becoming the most influential jade merchant.

In his own words

the gods didn't want him to get too cocky

but they also doted on him too much.

That's why they gave him a sweet punishment.

When he robbed a troupe of traveling merchants from Nan Dynasty

he met my grandmother.

That was how the term 'wolf bandit' came about.

Old Master Mo fell in love with your grandmother at first sight.

In order to be the son-in-law of a Nan Dynasty merchant

he settled down in Jian-An to run a business?

You only got half of that right.

My grandmother was already married, but she was just a concubine

who was not favored by the merchant.

My grandfather pursued her all the way to Jian-An.

After he snatched her away, he found Jian-An to be a nice place

he decided to stay behind.

This is far more exciting than those stories told in tea houses.

Old Master Mo had such a thrilling life.

My grandfather had assisted the tribes in secret.

Back then, the Tartars were powerful.

They harassed the borders, robbed and killed the innocent.

He helped the villagers to stay safe

but these years, the Tartars started harassing Nan Dynasty instead.

Blood was shed within and beyond the Great Wall.

Both my grandmother and mother were of Nan Dynasty descent.

I also carry my grandfather's Tartar blood in my veins.

Therefore, I can't ignore the tribes in the desert

as well as the businesses my grandfather established in Jian-An.

If any trouble is stirred up

it will only be a huge disaster to both the Tartars and Nan Dynasty.

By then, Hu Wei Li would be able to make use of this opportunity

to turn his defeat around.

The borders of Nan Dynasty will always be in chaos.

His Majesty will surely be furious and the Tartars will be wiped out.

This is the story of my background.

It's also why I am so careful.

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