Original subtitles

Team Credit

♫ Apricot blossoms are floating around during a spring day ♫

♫ The sunlight follow you unconsciously ♫

♫ Our youth is like a small boat drifting to the current ♫

♫ When the mist covers the rivers, worries among people begin to form ♫

♫ The people of our past has gone towards the heavens ♫

♫ When the (zither) string breaks, who will continue to play it's song? ♫

♫ Fate has been predetermined but does not help others ♫

♫ Life and death is just like a promise ♫

♫ In my dreams, I'm always drifting towards you but when I'm awake I'm alone ♫

♫ I'll never forget the joy and sorrows ♫

♫ On this path, let's meet as stranger ♫

[Song of Youth]

[Episode 05]

What a fragile beauty.

No wonder so many people ask to see you perform.

Thank you for the praise. Please take a look at the menu.

There's no hurry. Let's talk for a bit.

My family name is Xu, which is the third sister-in-law of Yulou.

If you don't mind, just call me sister-in-law.

Did she ask you to invite me here? Where is she?

Don't onverthink it.

This is the side garden of the Suns. She doesn't know about it.

I wonder why you invited me here.

Come here. Let's sit down and talk.

Come here. Sit.

I bet you heard about the Sun family's reputation.

It's a family with high social status.

Not any girl can enter.

Our Madam Sun pays a lot of attention to the fourth son's marriage. She has no interest in those from families with low status.

Not to mention someone from the brothel.

Even if you are pure, she would not take a second look.

You must be here to convince me.

You want to scare me off with power. Thank you for your effort.

You don't have to worry about me or talk me out of it.

If you have the time, you should go talk to Yulou, so he won't come to me again. Wouldn't that be more efficient?

Don't think of me that way, sister.

I'm just straightforward. If it were someone else, they wouldn't care about your business.

You guys can't be together regardless.

But I'm too kind to see Yulou being sad.

He asked me to talk to Madam Sun for him. It's hard for me to say no to him.

You guys love each other. I bet you don't want to see him stuck in this situation.

If you really are concern about him, how about come to the front yard with me?

This is Mammy Jin from the palace. Learn some manners from her,

so Madam Sun would like you when you meet her.

I'm not born to make others like me. I'm not good at pretending.

Many things are waiting for me to take care of in Bai Xi Troupe. Sorry that I have to leave.

Please stop.

Yulou is trying his best. Since you love him, you should be more considerate.

I've found the right person for you.

If you don't care about it, there's only so much I can do.

To learn or not to learn, it's up to you.

Are you going to learn or not?

Please, teach me.

Have you learned the manners before?

I know a thing or two.

Manners in big families are different from the ones outside. You need to stand and sit straight.

See all the jewelry and hairpieces the empress wear in the palace,

and they are always elegant.

Now, please calm your mind and practice.

Make the tea and drink the tea.

It seems like you are out o things to teach me.

If that's so, I shall stop wasting your time. Good day.

Stop.

You are in such a hurry. Do you really think that was all?

One shall not make any mistakes in families like this.

Practice makes perfect.

Let's practice what you did a hundred times.

If you don't make any mistakes after a hundred practices, you pass the test.

I don't think that's necessary.

How dare you talk back to me?

Are you ok, Mammy? Come up.

I know Kung Fu. Are you two going to fight me?

Tell you what. I've seen people torture others in such ways.

It would work when you are trying to scare some naive young girls. I, Lin Shaochun, am not falling for it.

Go back and tell your Third Mistress. If she wants to punish me again, please think of a smarter way.

If she find those useless idlers who only know to eat and drink as stopgap again, she will only humiliate herself.

You...

Hurry up. You are next.

Senior Sister, you have worked hard.

You must bind tighter. Help to draw for me next time.

Shaochun.

This is the way.

For today's Legend of the Purple Hairpin, you sang extremely well. You brought out the feelings of love that Li Yi felt for Hua Xiaoyu.

It's just a cheap trick to deceive young ladies and you believe this?

I don't think so. I feel that before the transformation of Li Yi,

he was sincere to Hua Xiaoyu.

Are sons of rich families, like you, that easily deceived?

Everything's going well. Why do you relate this to me?

Isn't that so?

This happens in the story of the opera every day. A pity I'm not that pitiful girl in there.

I won't resign myself to the manipulations of others.

I think you shouldn't try so hard with me.

With this leisure time, go find a young lady from a family with equal social status. It's more normal.

Who wants to manipulate you?

Do we have any misunderstanding between us?

Go and ask your Third Sister-in-law.

Third Sister-in-law?

What did she do to you?

Hand this to Nanny Jin. Tell her it's an apology from me.

Yes.

Third Sister-in-law, what did you do to Shaochun? Mind your own business between her and me.

Fourth Young Master is becoming more immature. You don't even know the etiquette of entering my house?

If Third Brother has half of your affections, I will be satisfied.

Alright. Stop fussing. Take a seat.

Have a cup of tea and calm down.

You have really misunderstood me. I did this for both your sakes.

The family is in peace now. Is there a need to create a fuss and sow discord over this trivial matter.

First Madam loves well bred young ladies. Just find a decent and dignified young lady. You insist on rebelling.

It's fine if First Madam is angry. If Older Master finds out, he won't be happy too.

I found a nanny to teach her some etiquette.

That's to prevent you from taking the wrong path. You are not grateful to me

and are even here to show your displeasure.

I misunderstood you.

However, I hope that you will take care of yourself. Don't interfere between Shaochun and me.

Alright, I know.

Thank you, Third Sister-in-law. I'm taking my leave.

Go.

Mistress, Fourth Young Master really doesn't appreciate kind-hearted help.

It would appear this Miss Lin isn't easy to deal with.

I only set up a few obstacles,

and she's already urged Fourth Young Master to come make accusations.

If she enters the manor, wouldn't that be horrible!

Exactly.

Just wait. The good show is still coming.

Master.

I came to help you review the books.

Ma-Master, I'm sorry.

I haven't read those books.

The imperial examination is coming up soon. This is quite unlike you.

I will read now.

When two people fall in love, it's supposed to be good.

Besides, it is difficult to find a likable person.

I have noticed how deeply enchanted you are,

so I am actually quite happy for you.

Those matters concerning the older generation ultimately belongs to the elders.

- If you can really let go— - Master.

I can't let go.

Overnight my family was ripped apart. I must revenge for this grievance.

Why go through such suffering?

It's the reason that I'm staying alive.

In that case, you shouldn't be distracted.

There's a bumpy road ahead, you may even lose your head.

How many people have you seen who can

succeed in revenging for the family's grievance while conducting romances?

Nanny, where are you going?

I'm going to East Guandong.

Why are you going to East Guandong?

I'm going to find my daughter. It's been eight years.

My ill-fated daughter has been barely able to survive in a farway desolate land.

She gave herself to replace you, but you've already forgotten.

You are not revenging for your father's grievance, you are even romancing a wealthy young master.

How can you face Old Master who died under injustice?

No, I'm not that way.

No? Then tell me.

Who did you give an umbrella to that day?

In recent days, who is the one

that has been staying around you all day?

It appears that you have already forgotten the heavy burden you bear.

If I had known,

why did I save you back then?

I've made my own flesh and blood separated from me.

I've not forgotten. Nanny, don't leave.

I will definitely appeal to exonerate Father. I will definitely bring back Xiao Ya.

Don't abandon me!

Is that true?

Yes, I mean it.

Miss.

I'm not trying to force you.

All these years, haven't we suffered so much

just for this one matter?

If you give up halfway right now,

no only that Old Master's spirit in heaven will not receive justice,

even my Xiao Ya's suffering in exile

will be wasted for nothing.

Who is here? Announce your name.

I'll kill you. I'll kill you.

Shaochun.

What's the matter?

Is it because of Third Sister-in-Law?

Yulou, I'm sorry.

Shaochun, listen to me. None of what happened in recent days is what I wished.

You've suffered. I want to apologize to you.

I am deeply in love with you. The one that I admire is the true you,

not those girls who strictly obey rules in the big manor.

If you become someone like that,

I will not forgive myself.

So you don't need to change yourself to accommodate me.

Just be yourself.

It's like a mountain piled up with rocks. If you don't save me, I will save you.

You will never be rid of me.

He has so much love for me.

If I tell him right now to break up,

he will definitely not accept it.

He may even continue to entangle me.

Consequently, it may damage my plan.

I need to find a solution that will be good for once and for all.

Aren't you very moved?

Don't be so quick tempered from now on.

Alright. The show is about to start.

Go to the front to watch. I need to put makeup on.

Alright.

Shaochun, what are you thinking about?

I was just thinking about how Li Yi entangled Huo Xiaoyu in The Legend of Purple Hairpin.

If Huao Xiaoyu had a way to get rid of him,

then the later tragedy wouldn't have occurred.

You are still too young.

Love and romance aren't free.

You have to stay together every day and carefully nurture it in order to keep it long-lasting.

If Huo Xiaoyu really doesn't want to be entangled,

she can come up with an idea to leave Li Yi for a while.

As the days go by, the feeling of love will fade.

At that time, who knows which one will be the first to dump the other?

The way the story is written in the opera now,

you can see Huo Xiaoyu really loves Li Yi.

I understand now. Thank you, Senior Sister.

Good. We'll go on stage soon. Don't overthink it.

However the script is written, that's how we'll act.

Why cry over the storytelling and worry for people in oolden days?

[Long En Temple]

Do you remember this place where you acted shamelessly?

Wasn't it also to let you fulfill your wish?

But I have another wish today.

Are you willing to fulfill it for me?

Just say it. No matter the wish,

I will fulfill it even if I had to leap into a boiling cauldron or a blazing fire;

- Good. It's a promise. - It's a promise.

Can you do it?

I wish Yulou will be ambitioius

and aspire to great success.

What do you mean?

You've said that I don't need to change nor accomodate you.

But, Fourth Young Master, living isn't only about such frivolity as wind, flower, snow and moonligh

When you open your eyes, you have to consider the daily necessities such as firewood, rice, oil and salt.

You don't need to worry about eating and clothing by relying on your family's wealth.

What if someday you have to rush about for a living,

will you be able to shoulder the heavy duty?

What do you want me to do?

The imperial examination is about to start. If you are truly aspirational,

then obtain scholarly honor by passing the exam.

Apparently our Shaochun wants to be the wife of an official.

I am being serious.

Alright, I promise.

Even though I was born into that kind of family and saw too much of the muddy officialdom,

but I'll go since you want me to. I absolutely won't argue.

If you go, then there will be a good official in the future.

If there is one more good official in the world, hundredds of injustices won't exist.

Therefore, you won't waste this lifetime of yours.

That's right.

Alright then.

I have another wish.

- Say it. - Before you are placed in the honor roll,

we cannot see each other.

Why?

Please concentrate on studying, Fourth Young Master. You won't need to worry about me.

No way. How can I do that?

This is my challenge for you.

If you can withstand the ordeal, we won't worry about staying with each other forever.

If you can't withstand the ordeal, then I'll have to think things over.

Are you someone that I can entrust my whole life?

I know that what Third Sister-in-Law did to you last time

has left fear in you.

She is actually concerned for my sake.

I also know that my background and upbringing

makes it hard for you to believe that I am wholeheartedly devoted dto you.

If you want to test me, just go right ahead.

I'll participate in the imperial examination. Since you don't want me here, I won't come.

I believe that metal and stone yield to the power of sincerity. Sooner or later,

you'll know that I am worthy of being entrusted to take care of you.

[I wish Yulou will be ambitioius and aspire to great success.]

These days, it's fortunate that you've been staying with me.

Otherwise I'd be bored to death.

I heard that Fourth Young Master has changed like he's a different person.

He's either ready books or practicing calligraphy. What is going on?

It is strange. Fourth Young Master doesn't usually enjoy studying.

The Four Books and Five Classics are like enemies to him.

Now that he has greatly changed, he doesn't even go back to his bedroom at night.

When he feels sleepy at night, he just copes by sleeping in the study.

Even Master has praised him.

Since you've mentioned it, this really makes us look at him with a new admiration.

He's so well behaving now, it's actually made me really bored.

I originally thought that he and that woman wouldn't separate once they got together.

But I didn't expect that after just a little while,

they are already apart.

I worked hard for nothing.

It may not be what it seems.

Could it be that the spell that Madam got from the Taoist temple recently really worked?

If so, I need to get one for Third Young Master too.

Really?

Just based on Fourth Young Master's vigor, I can't help but believe it.

Hurry and go! Hurry and go!

Why are these essays hanging here?

Come.

Fourth Older Brother, what are you doing?

Fourth Young Master is reciting the books. His skill at reading ten 10 at a glace is leaving no room forh anging.

So he has to read one article and tear one off.

What an interesting way to memorize!

The examination is coming up soon, if I don't study diligently, it'll be too late.

I've heard that Fourth Older Brother has a carefree temperament.

But you are now taking the imperial examination. What happened?

Someone told me, if there is one more good official in the world, hundreds of injustices won't exist.

This is very well said.

I wonder which master instructed you?

It's Shaochun.

So you're doing it for her.

I've never seen anyone else as devoted to love as Fourth Older Brother.

For your sweetheart, you are willing to do your best even no matter how difficiult it is.

I'm only proving myself to her. She also doesn't need to restrain her natural character for me.

I am willing to become what she likes and stay with her.

If someone will treat me this way,

even if I died right away, I'd be willing.

What am I thinking?

Miss, Long En Temple is famous for having a lot of worshippers.

It happens to be the middle of the month. Every family or household is going there to burn incense to worship Buddha.

I saw a lot of people on the way just now. What does Miss wish for?

I am not praying for myself but for Fourth Young Master. I hope that he will achieve his wish.

Miss, there is probably no one else who is as good-hearted as you.

You... only have a sweet mouth.

Miss, let me go take a look.

What happened?

Miss, the reins are broken. Please wait a bit. It will be fixed soon.

It's fine. Take your time.

It's stuffy inside. I'll come out for a walk.

Only the emperor can give people a comfortable life.

- Only His Highness can pacify the world. - That makes sense. - That doesn't make sense.

If people do not produce grains and pay taxes, how is the national reserve stocked?

If there are no wise ministers to support the laws of the imperial court, how will the nation stay in harmony?

- This young master makes a lot of sense. - What did I say that didn't make sense then?

- Am I wrong? - What you said doesn't make sense at all.

The emeperor should be the one decider in the world.

No, no. The nation's foundation is based on all the court ministers supporting the laws of the imperial court.

Has everyone read The Classic of Herbal Medicine by Shenong? (T/N: Shenong is literally Divine Farmer, or God of Agriculture)

Look, Miss, isn't that Miss Shaochun?

Fourth Young Master is studying day and night for her, but she is having a good time mixing with a bunch of men.

That's right.

The primary medicine cannot be surpassed by the supplemental ingredients. There is a ranking order between the two. If the complement each other, then illness will be eliminated.

Everyone is smart here. Do not forget the way to use the primary and the supplementary medicines.

When the monarch and the subjects support each other, the nation will be at peace.

That's so well said.

You clearly know that lovesickness is painful, but you insist on being devoted in love.

I don't deserve it.

- We are in admiration. - Young Master Lin, I've learned from you.

- Miss, what was the matter with you just now? - I'm wondering.

How are matches made in the world? When it's clearly a good match, but someone has to deliberately make trouble.

Miss, are you feeling sorry for Fourth Young Master?

Fourth Young Master really dislikes studying. But after listening to her, he is now focused on taking the examination to obtain honor.

But what about her? She is drinking and having fun like a man. So shameless.

Xiao Chai.

Yes, I know I'm wrong.

But that is ultimately Fourth Young Master's matter. Why are you so sad?

Because I like him.

In that case, why not let Fourth Young Master open his eyes to see?

I won't do something like that. Even if Fourth Young Master detests Miss Lin,

Fourth Young Master still may not like me. The melon grown at the foot of a wall isn't sweet. Why should I be a villain and make him look down at me?

Miss, it's hard to meet a good man. You've finally met one,

if you give him up, you'll regret it later on.

I have my own ways.

Nanny, I'm back.

You're back.

Drink slowly. Don't choke.

Miss, how did it go today?

It's not good to read by rote. So I went to Long En Temple today.

I met some scholars who were going to the capital for the imperial exam in order to find out more about them.

Miss, how certain are you?

Based on the talks from the past few days, I can't say about the top one, but I'm quite certain about placing among the top three.

Oh my.

God and Buddha in Heaven, there is finally hope to exonerate Old Master.

Grand Councilor Sun, the position of the Chief Judge at this year's imperial examination,

belongs to you and no one else.

Grand Councilor Sun, you are so full of knowledge. All the scholars in the nation admire you.

Except for you, who else can take on this important duty?

You've overpraised me. Everything should be decided by His Majesty.

His Majesty has arrived!

We respectfully welcome Your Majesty.

Stop the music.

Put away the sceptor.

Kneel.

Bow.

Rise.

Kneel.

Bow.

Salute.

Ten thousand years of longevity to Your Majesty and many thousands more.

My dear ministers, you may rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Rise.

Bring out the sceptor.

The nation is stable and solid. The imperial courts' commands are carried out.

It's all because the monarch and the officials are united in one heart. Where do the capable officials come from?

They originate from the imperial examination. That's why the exmaination is crucial to the prosperity of the nation.

It is the source of talents for our dynasty. It concerns the welfare of the nation,

it has to be conduct with faireness, impartiality, and strictness. If anyone plays favortism or cause irregularities as had been done before,

the punishment extends to nine levels in family connections. I've considered it seriously,

and have decided on the Chief Judge for this year. Announce my decree.

Yes.

Hanlin Academy's Academician Wu Mian, receive the imperial decree.

Announcing His Majesty's decree:

Wu Mian has a wide range of knowledge. He is honest and has integrity. He is therefore appointed

the Chief Judge of this year's imperial examination.

As decreed.

Thank you, Your Majesty. I accept the decree.

If only learning and experience are considered. no one can match Lord Sun in this court.

But since Lord Sun has two sons taking the examination this year, in order to avoid suspicion of impropriety,

this will uphold Lord Sun's reputation for honesty and integritiy.

Your Majesty is wise. I also intend to avoid suspicion and do not want to give rise to any talk from association.

It is by Your Majesty's grace that I am blessed to receive kind consideration.

Elfest Brother, now that I came out with you today, I've finally noticed there are crouching tigers hidden dragons in the capital. I am so impressed.

Understand yourself and others is the way to win every battle. You can't bury your head in the books every day.

But, Fourth,

you've never liked studying. Why have you decided to participate in the imperial examination this time?

I am doing it for someone.

Is it the young lady you love and admire?

I'll tell you when the time comes.

You, you.

Enjoy life to the fullest when you are at the peak. (Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai's "Invitation to Wine")

Never face the moon with an empty gold cup.

Heaven gave me talent, so there must be a purpose for me.

A thousand gold coins are all spent, more will turn up again.

Oh.

Uh oh.

Mr. Jia? Mr. Jia? Wake up.

You've owed money for a long while. When will you pay up?

Wake up, Mr. Jia.

Don't nag.

Help me up.

Let me tell you.

Once I pass the examination with high honor, I'll have plenty of money.

If you dare to be disrespectful to me now,

I will order...

confiscation and destruction of your family.

Sir...

Eldest Brother, there are actually people who are more unruly than I am?

Don't underestimate him.

I've had some encounters with him. He really is learned and talented.

There is a saying: "Rather bully a white-headed old man than a poor young person."

Therefore, no one does any harm to him.

Just drink, don't spill it on the clothes.

- Bring wine. - Sure. Just wait a bit.

Master, it 's 3 am.

(Taoist spell)

Taishang Laojun, please rush over to help! (T/N: Taishang Laojun is the supreme deity in Taoism)

Mistress?

Wu Yuehong!

What's the matter, Master?

What are you fussing about?

Husband, you didn't know this. Madam asked for a talisman spell for Fourth Young Master.

Previoiusly Fourth Young Master nevered studied.

But now he is like a changed person.

So I have also asked for a spell for you.

It guarantees your success in the exam.

You have no talent and no virtues. What do I do with you?

Husband? Don't leave.

This spell cost a lot of money. You should at least finish it.

Master?

Greetings, Eldest Yuung Master, Fourth Young Master.

- Miss Yao. - Miss Dizhu.

Fourth Younger Brother, I'll wait for you in the carriage.

Alright.

I'm giving you this.

I have writing brushes already.

This one is different. If you don't believe, smell it.

Why is it so fragrant?

I soaked it in peppermint oil all night. It can clear your head and refresh energy. I hope you'll succeed in high honor.

You are thoughtful. Thanks.

It's what I should do.

I'll leave then.

Father,

tomorrow is the day of examination. I've waited for eight years.

Once I succeed in being ranked in high honor, I will definitely appeal for your exoneration.

Your spirit in heaven will be able to rest peacefully

Old Master, Young Miss has edured humiliation to bear the burden these years.

She has suffered so much, but she's never complained.

And now, this one move will determine success or failure.

I hope Old Master's spirit will hear us,

And protect Young Miss to be ranked in high honor.

[Grave of Mr. Lin]

The imperial examination is an important mission for the court to select talents.

All the canddidates, please adhere to rules. Any fuad, abuse, deception, and falsification are all forbidden.

Otherwise, according to the imperial court's laws,

you will be expelled to be exiled to the frontiers, and to be forbidden from taking the examination ever again.

Why are you so flustered?

My lord, I...

Arrest him right away and put him in jail.

My Lord, I don't dare anymore! I don't dare anymore!

Please forgive me, My Lord!

I beg you to forgive me, My Lord. My Lord, please spare me!

They are dragging out someone.

My Lord! My Lord!

Even if you are able to fly to everywhere,

do not dream of doing tricks under my eyes.

If you want to hide words, the best place to hide is in your brain.

Everyone, listen well! If I find any cheaters, I'll punish them without mercy.

Take him down.

- Get up. - My Lord! My Lord!

Are they inspecting the body for the examination?

Sir, there were too many cheaters in the last examination. To prevent this situation from recurring,

His Majesty has issued a new command. You didn't know?

What do we do then? It is all in vain.

Old Master will not shut his eyes in the underworld.

Shaochun?

Did you come to specially visit me?

Don't worry. I will definitely place in high honor.

Fourth Brother.

We need to go in now.

Go ahead.

Wait for me. I'll come to find you when I finish.

Next one.

I didn't expect that

all these years of planning are ruined all of a sudden.

Heaven doesn't give you a dead end.

He must be the wealthy young master who is close to you, right?

If he can place in high honor, we won't be hopeless.

Perhaps he can be relied on to get a chance to exonerate Old Master.

I don't want to drag other people down.

Other than this, is there another solution?

Let's think again. Solutations are thought of by people. Let's leave then, Nanny.

Wait, wait! Here I am! Here I am!

Why did you just come?

Sorry. I'm sorry.

Go on in.

All the examinees will enter one by one.

Be seated by assigned number. Do not make a mess. Do not randomly walk around outside of your seat.

Do not gather a noisy crowd and disturb the site against rules. Do not glance around.

Do not bribe. Do not carry notes or use substitutes.

Do not cut from the scroll and pass messages.

Do not fake identity or impersonate. Offenders will be severely punished.

Distribute the brush and ink. Enter the test site.

Start the imperial examination!

(Topic for the first exam)

[Stability]

Release the honor roll!

Brother Mu, take a look.

Make way! Make way!

Make way! Let me see.

Mr. Jia, why have you been drinking so much?

Look, you got the second place! Why did you just come?

Congratulations! [Per Chief Judge Wu Mian, the honor roll includes 298 people.]

[No. 1 - Sun Shijie. No. 2 - Jia Fengyuan. No. 3 - Gu Zhen.]

Make way! Make way!

Excuse me! Excuse me!

Eldest Brother is No. 1?

Eldest Young Master is No. 1!

What about me? Look for me?

credit

♫ As the winds starts, flower and snow falls ♫

♫ Frost begin to fall like jade ♫

♫ Let's promise to meet ♫

♫ Let's promise to be content ♫

♫ Let the bow of the our boat be like the clouds and conceal the moon ♫

♫ Waking from a dream and listening to the misty rain ♫

♫ The sound of a broken-hearted in form of a poem ♫

♫ With a heart full of regrets ♫

♫ But you're already gone into the distance ♫

♫ When can we meet again? ♫

Since olden days, we are empowered to love ♫

♫ Every broken-hearts to remain silent ♫

♫ Just like a pond of spring water ♫

♫ Happiness to last a lifetime ♫

♫ Men and women have reincarnated many times ♫

♫ Just to gamble with the game of love ♫

♫ We'll blossom into two trees growing together as one ♫

♫ And compelled to be by each other side ♫