Original subtitles

Subtitles by DramaFever

[Sound of the Desert]

Episode 5

House Mistress, bad news!

Young Master Wan Ang sent a messenger to say that they are coming to the show!

Really?

Then why are you still standing here?

Go and get ready!

- Go now! Quickly! - Yes!

Who is Wan Ang? Miss Hong!

Even if Wan Ang is the son of the Senior Princess and the Great General

you don't have to be so flustered.

He is the princess's favorite among her three sons. He's young, but very snobbish.

He's extremely haughty.

Fair Maiden's House would be destroyed if we offend him.

Since Master Wan Ang is visiting us, you could have notified us earlier

so that we could reserve the wing for you.

Do you mean to say that I've come late and that there's no seat left for me?

Are you going to make me come here for nothing?

Indeed.

Our little house has been quite popular these days.

We wouldn't receive anyone without an appointment.

But a distinguished guest like Master Wan Ang calls for an exception.

Yes, your wing is over there.

This way, please.

Master Wan, this way, please.

Refund the customer who was forced out of the wing twice of what he paid.

Also, apologize very sincerely.

Yes.

When does the show begin?

Master Wan, please be patient.

Master Wan, the show is about to begin soon.

I will take our leave first

so that Master Wan could enjoy the show in peace.

Be sure to take orders from Master Wan at anytime.

Yes.

Master Wan, have some wine.

- Wonderful! - Exactly!

This is great!

She dances gracefully and she looks beautiful.

What is that woman's name?

Her name is Ding Ling.

Her voice and dancing skills are the best here in our house.

Good... Very good...

Ms. Hong, I'll be right back.

Why are you here?

Because this is the best spot to see the entire performance.

There is an important guest here in the house today.

That's why I have to be here.

You don't have to worry about it.

It's just a suggestion.

You've put in so much effort creating 'Moon and Blossoms.'

If there's anything that I could do to help you in any way

I'll be happy to be of assistance.

If you truly wish to help me

just stay out of this as much as you can.

Ms. Hong, a customer in that wing is asking for you.

Master Wan, excuse me.

Master Wan, Miss Ding Ling asked me to pass this on to you.

She said that she would like to meet you.

Here you go.

Ding Ling, sit down and have some tea.

Thank you, Mister Qin.

Who is Ding Ling?

You're even prettier without any makeup.

Master Wan, please don't be like this!

What is this about?

Pretending to turn me down when you secretly desire me?

How interesting.

Xin Yue, don't worry.

We are in the same boat.

What tricks are you up to?

You're smart.

But you have to be careful not to become a victim of your own cleverness.

Master Wan!

- Get in there! - Let me go, Master Wan!

What's the matter?

- What's wrong? - Master Wan.

Master Wan, what has happened?

Has Ding Ling done something wrong to displease you?

This whore means to seduce me

but now she is kicking up a fuss.

I didn't!

Who do you think you are?

How dare you fool me?

Did you write this?

I didn't write this.

House Mistress, you must believe me.

I would never do anything like this!

House Mistress, you must believe Ding Ling!

She couldn't have written this!

Master Wan, who handed this bamboo slip to you?

He did.

Yes, I handed it to Master Wan.

Miss Ding Ling asked me to do so.

I didn't! Why are you framing me?

Did Ding Ling really write this?

Or did you forge it?

Or did someone make you do it?

Of course not!

No one made me do anything.

No matter how bold I am, I wouldn't have the guts

to make a fool out of Master Wan.

House Mistress, I really didn't do it.

Please believe me!

That's enough!

I don't have the time to listen to all this bickering!

Whether you wrote this slip or not or whoever it is that lied

I have already set my eyes on this woman here.

I'm going to take her with me!

Master Wan, you're very generous, so please don't mind us.

This is just a misunderstanding. Please let us off.

You now know that I, Wan Ang, is not to be made fun of.

You're scared? Begging for forgiveness?

It's too late!

If you don't hand her over I will destroy everyone along with this dance house!

- Take her away! - Hold it!

You dare to stand in my way?

Aren't you afraid of being killed?

How can I not be afraid?

It's a great honor that Master Wan came to our performance.

We not only did not make the right, arrangements, we dampened your mood.

This is our mistake.

All I ask is that Master Wan gives me a chance to make it up to you.

Make it up to me? How?

Please come with me, Master Wan.

What are you playing at?

I'd like to make a bet with you.

What about?

Whoever takes that hairpin off and puts it back in Ding Ling's hair... wins.

Should Master Wan win the game

I promise you that you could take away all the girls in my house.

This is a great idea.

Should Master Wan lose the game

I would ask that you leave my girls alone.

You tricked me first, and now you're fooling with me again?

No, this is a fair game.

Or do you think that you can't defeat me

because you're scared?

Who do you think you are? Me, afraid of you?

How could I lose to you in such a simple game?

Fine, I'll have you hand over the beauty willingly.

I'll become the most legendary philanderer of all times.

Stop her!

I've won.

Despicable!

Now that this hairpin is in my hands, it is mine.

I always get what I want.

I've already won!

- This is great! - This is great!

Master Wan only had the hairpin.

You didn't win the game.

I'm going to kill you!

Please have mercy on us, Master Wan.

Our House Mistress just wanted to play a game with you.

It isn't a serious game.

It was sheer luck that she won.

You let her win.

Master Wan is of a respectable status.

It's not worth taking this to heart with female performers like us.

I hope that you could be generous enough to admit defeat.

Our House Mistress wasn't just fooling around.

She also didn't win the game out of sheer luck.

Our House Mistress is so skilled that if she doesn't give in

no one could defeat her.

When dealing with ordinary customers

our House Mistress only flatters them to avoid conflicts.

That is, unless she runs into someone who is equally skilled.

Our House Mistress challenged Master Wan

so it means that you're unlike anyone else.

Your outstanding spirit shows that you are unique from those simple men.

You flatter me!

This is also the first time that I've seen a woman with such skills.

I'll treat this as my misjudgment.

Master Wan's great skills in martial arts truly impressed me.

Fine!

The Wans always keep our promises.

I'll let this go.

Let's leave.

- Goodbye, Master Wan. - Goodbye, Master Wan.

What on earth is this about?

Yuan Chao, tell me. Who wrote that bamboo slip?

Didn't I already said that Miss Ding Ling...

Stop saying such nonsense!

I don't believe that Miss Ding would do anything like that.

Why did you frame her?

I... I didn't frame her.

It was our sister who made me do it.

I had to.

I wanted to test Madame Yue's abilities.

She lived up to my expectations.

She remained calm when facing a dangerous enemy.

What's better is that she proves she values faith and friendship.

She is reliable and trustworthy.

But what if she didn't turn out to be so capable?

Wouldn't that cause harm to Miss Ding and Fair Maiden's House?

Sister, you always have a good sense of propriety.

But don't you think you've gone too far this time?

In order to test Madame Yue, you had her at the tip of the sword

and even implicated the innocent.

My brother, you worry too much.

If Madame Yue dared to use us all as her stake

it means that she's confident in her ability to turn the crisis around.

All in all, Miss Ding Ling would never have been harmed.

But... I still don't agree with the way you're handling matters.

I hope that you wouldn't do this again.

Actually, it is Madame Yue who keeps putting herself in danger.

She plans to be in command here.

How could this be the only danger that she's getting herself into?

If she couldn't even handle this trivial matter

then she shouldn't even dream of making a name here in Jian-An.

She might as well just take a step back and be content with where she is.

Miss Qin truly flatters me.

I just escaped from death and plan to relax a bit.

I wonder if Miss Qin has the time to take a stroll with me?

Sure.

Wan Ang was taught a lesson by Xin Yue

and yet he left happily with a smirk?

Yes, this famous little tyrant of Jian-An City

didn't even manage to scare Xin Yue. She was very tough and fierce.

I heard that Master Wan ended up being quite awkward.

Xin Yue is really bold.

If you had met her in the desert you wouldn't be so surprised.

The desert?

She roams at will, fearless without any restrains.

That is her true nature.

As for her ferocity, that is in her nature too.

It is beyond one's imaginations

that she could live with the wolves in the desert.

She wasn't born to be some ordinary woman.

Although I've never seen her like that Xin Yue is indeed extraordinary.

Sadly, she doesn't get to roam about freely and happily in Jian-An anymore.

Instead, she developed an intelligent and cautious way of life.

It's because she fears the obstacles and dangers ahead of her.

My Lord is afraid that she might get into trouble and implicate Shi's Shipping?

This time, she is too impatient to succeed and profit.

Although My Lord had no choice but to give up Fair Maiden's House

you still care a lot for Xin Yue and watch over her.

I hope that Xin Yue would understand that you meant well.

Don't make any more assumptions.

Focus on what you should be doing.

Yes, My Lord.

Don't worry, I will keep an eye on Xin Yue for you

and report back to you anytime.

You've already tested my abilities

so you should at least reveal your true identity.

It isn't that I refuse to tell you about certain matters

it is that they cannot and should not be told.

Xin Yue, as long as you're willing to help me

and fulfill my wishes, I will be grateful and repay your kindness.

Ms. Hong said that I'm like a wolf.

I am indeed a wolf.

In the desert, when wolves save their companions

they will give it their all, even their lives

but will ask for nothing in return.

But wolves have their own regulations as well.

They are absolutely faithful to their companions

but they are not to be manipulated.

If you plot against me, know that you're also plotting against yourself.

It will all be for nothing.

Xin Lan, what are you doing?

Don't you know that even a stalk of grass is rare in the desert?

How could you break these willow branches off so easily?

I wouldn't dare to do so again.

Why is Qin Xiang so upset to see a broken willow branch?

Master Wei.

Are you going to let go of me?

I won't!

- You're so mean! - Me?

Who told you to sneak on me for no reason?

I didn't know that the wolf girl could be so bold.

No wonder Wan Ang couldn't handle you.

Xin Yan, get me some hot water!

Notify everyone in the house that they are not to give Master Wei any clothes

or shoes to change into

or any food

or any cushions to sit on

or help him to stay warm, understand?

Yes!

Madame Yue, Master Wei is here to see you again.

Wei what? Who cares!

You're not to give him any hot water even if he is thirsty!

Not even any cold water! Treat him as poorly as you possibly can!

- Yes! - Yes!

I'm going make you die from cold, hunger, and thirst!

I'm going to torture you to death!

What is it with you? Why don't you have anything that I ask for?

We just don't have anything at all!

We have no water nor clothes.

We only have women's clothes here.

Why don't you just handle this on your own?

Xin Yan!

You have to get Master Wei whatever he wants. Go and get them ready.

This is the House Mistress's order.

What?

The House Mistress said that we are not to give him anything.

Master Wei, please soothe your anger.

It so happens that all the men's robes are already in the laundry

and we ran out of firewood to boil water.

We're sorry... Sorry...

We're not to give him anything.

It's just that in our house there are only women's dresses.

If Master Wei is willing to wear it

we could get you one or two of those.

Get my horse ready outside the house. Order all others to stay away first.

- Yes! - Yes!

- Who is it? - It's me, Ms. Hong!

Yue Er! Come over here.

What exactly happened?

Why is Master Wei hiding backstage and asking for clothes to change into?

- Tell me. - So did you give it to him?

I didn't, but I was put in a really tight spot just now.

I was worried that he might tear the house down in a fit of anger.

I dare him!

Fortunately, he didn't.

What exactly happened?

I just want to see him get mad.

He dared to make fun of me in my own house.

I'd like to see who gets laughed at in the end.

What... What are you both fussing over?

Why would he have everyone stay away

and ordered to have his horse brought outside the house in order to leave?

Then that means... we get to watch a good show!

Let's go!

Where to?

To watch a show! Let's go!

Like I said, we get to see a drowned rat if we follow the wet trail.

In Jian-An City, from the emperor to every civilian

everyone cares a lot about their outfits.

Master Wei has always been well-groomed and amazingly charming.

But now, you're in such a state that you've become a laughingstock.

You might even get teased in imperial court.

Poor you!

Thank you for such great hospitality, House Mistress.

You're too polite. That's what I should do.

But I don't find this funny at all.

You don't have to laugh so exaggeratedly.

Goodbye!

What is there to laugh at?

This is called the moist outfit.

It's the most popular outfit these days.

Once one gets on the horse it squirts out water.

I believe that this moist outfit would soon lead the trend in imperial court.

All court officials would soon imitate me.

By then, I'll send you one each.

Thank you.

- Who is it? - Who is it?

Uncle Shi, it's me!

Stop it!

I am Xin Yue.

You are all dismissed.

Miss Xin Yue, why won't you come through the front door

and instead sneaked in from the rooftop?

I...

I truly have no idea what children like you are thinking?

The Ninth Lord seems to be up.

Go and see him.

Who said that I'm here to see Ninth Lord?

I haven't seen Uncle Shi for days, so I came back to see you.

I'm old now, so I have to go to bed early.

I couldn't manage to stay up late.

Don't forget to come over earlier next time when you come to visit me.

I'll let the Ninth Lord receive you for me this time.

Here are your eyebrows...

Here are your eyes...

Here is your nose...

Here are your lips...

I can't see you but I know that

this place is covered in a layer of fog.

I could be that wind to blow away the fog.

You're his shadow, so you should know about his worries.

Why is he always sorrowful deep down in his heart?

Tell me.

How long have you been here?

I just got here.

It's humid outside.

If you aren't in a rush to get back, come in for a while.

Why have you lit an oil lamp when you've already lit the candles?

There's an ancient saying.

'More light brings good news.'

I'd like to see if that is accurate.

Then... Is it accurate?

There's also another saying.

When ghosts appear, the flames from oil lamps would turn green.

Really?

I saw the flames turn green, so I opened the window to take a look.

Didn't you spot anything weird when you were outside?

I heard that all ghosts like good-looking men.

They like to suck on their masculine spirit.

So you should be the one to be careful.

I think that you're absolutely fearless.

Is there anything that you're afraid of?

I heard from Xiao Feng that you are very skilled in medicine.

So if we fall ill, we can save quite a lot of money from hiring physicians.

Since I was little, the best physicians were always visiting my home.

Some would stay up to a year or more.

I've learned enough just by watching them.

Xiao Feng still cleans your room spotlessly

even if you haven't been home for days.

Are you still willing to let me live here?

That room is unoccupied anyway.

It's not a big deal to save that room for you.

But now, you have to work on your business

so it's inconvenient for you to commute to work.

Why did you give up on your dance houses in Jian-An City?

If I try to buy those dance houses that you gave up

would you object to it?

It is up to you how you intend to run your business.

Once you've cleared the payment for Fair Maiden's House

your business would have nothing to do with Shi's Shipping anymore.

We would manage our businesses separately.

The more you tried to steer away from me

the more tangled I want us to be.

I have no money. Lend me some.

I could only lend you the money to buy Fair Maiden's House.

If you don't have the money to buy the other dance houses

you should safeguard Fair Maiden's House.

If you really want to run a business, Fair Maiden's House is enough.

What's wrong with leading a quiet and peaceful life?

How could it be so easy?

Even if I don't attack anyone, others will still attack me.

Would Beauties' House let us off easily?

You don't have to worry about that.

I have a way to keep her away from you.

So you're still willing to help me?

My Lord, I don't wish to be like vines.

Vines grow by intertwining unto trees.

Trees shield the vines from rain and wind

to protect the vines from hardships.

But trees would get tired as well.

I don't wish to depend on trees.

I want to become a tree.

Then I could stand against rain and wind with the tree next to me.

Xin Yue, it's complicated here in Jian-An City.

I only got myself into such a situation because I had no choice.

I'm different from you.

I have my reasons for doing what I am doing.

It's late. Head back now and go to bed.

If the person I care about is unhappy

then I definitely wouldn't be happy either.

'Moon and Blossoms' means nothing to me.

Even if my plan succeeds

and the Senior Princess finally visits, it is all useless.

What exactly should I do to be able to help him out?

What should I do to become his tree?

The tallest Southern tree offer no shade for me.

The maiden on the stream can but be found in dream.

Let's leave now.

Cousin.

I heard that my wise and valiant cousin

was made fun of by the House Mistress of Fair Maiden's House?

You even acted as if nothing happened while you went by the streets in Jian-An

in wet clothes?

Seriously, that is so shameful.

- It is indeed shameful! - Yes!

Exactly!

After all, you still belong to the Wan family.

Moreover, you're a talent in the eyes of the General and His Majesty.

How could you put up with such a humiliation and disgrace Wan family?

All right! I'll stand up for you

and we could enjoy some ladies at Fair Maiden's House. Let's go!

Hold it!

What do you plan to do?

Young Master, stay calm. Stay calm.

She is but a female performer with a lowly status.

Why would you be upset for her?

In my presence, even that crafty House Mistress of Fair Maiden's House

wouldn't dare to overstep the boundaries.

Today, I would have her serve me

to avenge my cousin.

I dare you!

Why wouldn't I?

I'd never let you off if you dare to lay a finger on her.

Who... Who do you think you are?

My status is higher than yours.

My mother is the Senior Princess and my father is the Great General!

But you're nothing!

Don't think too highly of yourself just because His Majesty values you!

Who are you to be cocky?

Listen up! Everyone else may be scared of you, but I am not.

And I won't obey you!

I don't care if you do or not.

You throw your weight around because of your authority.

That is the behavior of hooligans.

You're the one who has disgraced the Wan family.

However, you suffered at the hands of the House Mistress the other day

and was still gloating.

That is truly shameful.

Get up!

You...

I'm warning you, don't you ever mess around in Fair Maiden's House again...

or I wouldn't just be stretching your leg for you.

- Master Wan! Are you all right? - Are you all right?

Here, let me help you!

Help me up!

- Uncle Chen, let's go. - Yes.

Enjoy!

Get back here!

What does he mean by that?

I mean well for wanting to stand up for him

but instead, he reprimanded me!

He even hit me in public!

Wu Ji is getting more and more impudent.

All young men are hot-headed.

It's normal for them to get into fights because of some squabbles.

- What's the big deal? - Big... It isn't a big deal.

I could just let this go.

But what would others think of me?

Doesn't this mean that he disrespects his uncle and aunt?

If it's still painful, you should go to bed earlier and get some rest.

Later, I'll get someone to bring you the medicine.

I know that you've always doted on Wu Ji.

Although he was brought up with Ang Er and our boys

he is born rebellious and untamed.

No wonder he acted like that.

Compared to our three sons, Wu Ji is indeed different.

But as long as his goal is appropriate

Wu Ji could still put his strength to great use.

In valiance and martial arts skills, he has always stood out.

Whoever could make Wu Ji defend her must be quite something.

Are you referring to the House Mistress of Fair Maiden's House?

It seems that you are still concerned about that play.

'Moon and Blossoms' might be just a play

but whoever scripted must be quite a figure.

I think that it is about time.

I would take a look at her myself.

Xin Yue, are you looking for me?

Speak up.

Who exactly are you?

What is your background?

You were upset over a broken willow branch the other day.

I saw the expression on your face.

That isn't the usual reaction of an ordinary person.

I am just an ordinary woman.

An ordinary woman?

Fine. You've made such a huge effort and used so many tricks

to get close to the Senior Princess.

What exactly is it that you seek?

No matter what my intention is

you wouldn't be able to stop me, even if you choose not to help me.

If what you have in mind would cause harm to Shi's Shipping

I would never let you off.

Senior Princess Zhaoyang's servant just came to send us a message.

He said that Her Highness will be visiting shortly.

The Senior Princess is coming over!

What are the both of you still standing here for?

Come on! Hurry up!

I've already ordered the maids to dress you up

in appropriate clothes and accessories.

Sit down quickly! Hurry up!

- Hurry up! - Be careful!

- Be careful. - Do I need a hair piece?

And all those gold, silver, jade...

- How could I walk with those? - Turn around!

You must display the best of your skills in grooming and dressing Madame Yue up.

- Sure! - Look into the mirror!

It hurts!

Bear with it! The tighter it is combed in

the longer the bun will stay shiny and fixed.

Look into the mirror. Look into it.

Look. Now you look decent.

I'm going to meet Qin Xiang now.

Qin Xiang?

Meet Qin Xiang?

You haven't even gotten dressed, and you're meeting Qin Xiang?

We are not meeting Qin Xiang!

We are meeting the Senior Princess!

This is like facing our enemy head on. Do you understand?

What's the most important matter right now?

We have to remain calm. Remain calm...

We... We have to stay calm.

- Stay calm... - Ms. Hong.

Ms. Hong, you're the one who is the least calm in here.

Is that so?

Stay calm...

You may all get up.

- Thank you, Your Highness! - Thank you, Your Highness!

It seems that Miss Hong's method is right as well.

Fine clothes do make the man.

I am here especially to watch the play.

We've already made the arrangements for Your Highness.

Subtitles by DramaFever