Original subtitles

Credits

♫ 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 08]

Hey, wake up.

Hey! Wake up!

- Where is this place? - Where are you from?

Did you take my boat out for fun? I'm telling you,

I'll report to the government officials.

Shaochun? Shaochun!

Are you listening to me? I'll report to the government officials.

I am an official. What do you want to report?

Shaochun?

Shaochun!

- Shaochun! - Mister!

Mister, this must be for you.

[To Sun Yulou]

Yulou, I don't know where to start.

Since I've met you,

I have no regrets left in my life.

However, life is unpredictable, and you don't always get what you wish for.

I've got a disease that cannot be cured.

I don't want you to see me in misery eventually.

So please take last night as my farewell.

I'd wish that fate brings us together again in the next life.

Please take care.

Don't worry about me. Lin Shaochun's last words.

Shaochun? Shaochun!

Shaochun!

Shaochun!

Shaochun!

Shaochun!

Who are you looking for?

Where did the people who lived here go?

Out of a sudden, they moved out this morning.

Who knows what has happened to them. They left in a hurry.

Shaochun!

Shaochun!

Master Liu, where is Shaochun?

Is she here?

She has left. She won't return anymore.

No way! Tell me where she is!

She's gone. I don't know where she went.

No way.

Is what you're doing

really worth it?

I have to fulfill my responsibilities

to redress the grievance for my father.

I can't abandon myself in love anymore.

Since you've made your mind,

go for it. But don't

regret it in the future.

Once you miss the right one for you,

it won't come again.

♫ Apricot blossoms are floating around during a spring day ♫

I'm Sun Yulou. Nice to meet you.

♫ The sunlight follow you unconsciously ♫

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

If you really don't want to see me,

I won't come anymore.

You said you wanted to prove it, but you're only proving it to me.

Does it mean you like me too?

Guess.

I can keep on waiting for you

till you're willing to marry me.

It's already late autumn when the song ends

♫ 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 ♫

[Act according to god's will and the desire of the people]

The imperial court selects maids

every three years.

Those who are chosen to serve the royals in the palace,

must be maiden who are virtuous and educated,

between thirteen and twenty years old,

but not from a family of physicians, sorcerers,

merchants, or craftsmen.

Only those who meet the acquirements are permitted to attend the selection.

It begins now.

Miss.

Let's not rush.

I have something to tell you.

Now we're out of options.

If it still doesn't work out this time,

I won't blame you.

The Master wouldn't blame you either.

We will... just accept fate.

Rest assured. I'm sure I'll make it to the selection.

Do you have the money?

- No. - Then what are you doing here?

Does the selection require anything about the family possessions?

Of course. Even if you're as beautiful as a goddess,

it won't work if you don't have the money.

Putting everything aside, you won't be able to

get through the painter.

[Selection Plate]

[Selection Plate]

[Selection Plate]

It's done.

It's so pretty.

Thank you, Mr. Liu.

Wait.

Don't you know the rules?

What rules?

To enter the palace, you have to bribe your way in.

This is absurd.

Why would it cost money just to enter the selection of maids for the palace?

This is the rule nowadays.

If you follow the rule, everything will go smoothly.

If you don't, please leave.

You...

I'll report you to the officials!

Report me?

Got evidence? Would anyone take your word for it?

Even if they would,

I'll just tell them that the painting has been damaged by worms and rodents,

or got stained by ink. It won't be a big deal.

But you will have to expose yourself in public

and go to court with me.

By then, if your reputation is flawed,

whose family would have the guts to marry you?

You!

If you respect the rules,

I'd be happy to redo a portrait for you.

Otherwise, I'll hand this one

to the internal supervisors.

You can figure out

what's going to happen to it.

But...

But my family is poor.

I don't have the money.

What are you here for then? Get out.

We won't be able to finish today.

Those who are after the tenth place in line should come back tomorrow.

Yes.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven...

Let's go.

What's worng?

The painter asked me to bribe him.

But I didn't have the money.

So he deliberately made me

look hideous and ferocious.

As a maiden, I can't just go in public

and report him.

I can help you.

[Bulletin]

Look at this girl. She's such a beauty.

She'll definitely be favored if she gets to enter the palace.

Indeed.

Look at these arched brows.

And these cherry-like lips.

Eunuch Hai, what has brought you here today?

Look at it. How come a fine maiden

became hideous and ferocious in your hands?

If His Majesty knows about this,

your entire family will be doomed.

Eunuch Hai, you must've been mistaken.

Please save me, Eunuch Hai.

I know that you're a dutiful person, so chances are

you've signed the wrong name by accident.

But what good does it do if only I know it?

You'll need a favor from others too

to cover this up for you, right?

Exactly. Thank you, Attendant Hai.

I'll handle it for you this time.

But if there's a next time,

I won't be able to save you.

I understand.

I'll be more careful.

[Selection Plate]

[Capital City, Lin Shaochun, aged 18]

[Selection Plate]

I have no money.

You're a skilled master, so I'm sure you'll do a great job.

Otherwise, we'll have to repeat what happened yesterday again.

How did you know that?

Because I drew those portraits.

If you dare to do sabotage my portrait in any way,

I'll just go through the trouble and do it again.

Only maidens like you

can be qualified as educated and virtuous.

Please rest assured. I truly admire you.

I'll make sure to submit a portrait that looks exactly like you.

Now that we came across each other,

if you're favored in the palace one day,

please remember to promote me a little.

You're so thoughtful coming here to pick up the foreign adornments yourself.

Yulou has been quite down lately.

So I want to pick something fun to cheer him up.

The owner of this store is very sneaky.

If I hadn't come in person, she wouldn't have brought out the best collections.

Please don't make fun of me, miss.

I'd always provide you the best service as long as you visit here.

Please look around, and I'll pack your picks.

What is this?

You've got a good eye, miss. This is a newly arrived foreign piece.

It's called "Dutch Column Monocular". You can see things through it clearly from a hundred steps away.

You can use it to take a look at outside, miss.

[Nature bestows]

[Makeup Store]

[Makeup Store]

Lin Shaochun?

Isn't she the one in a relationship with Yulou?

Why did she attend the selection of maidens?

What are you looking at, miss? I want to see it too.

[Nature bestows]

You're spot-on, miss. This Miss Lin is indeed vainglorious.

Just a while ago she was still inseparable from the Fourth Young Master.

And now she just dropped him like that?

Yulou is going to be devastated.

The Third Young Mistress is right.

An actress is always skilled at deceiving.

She's trying to get into the palace and badgering Yulou at the same time.

If she gets selected and becomes a concubine, she'll just pretend nothing happened here.

And if she fails, she'd marry the Sun family and still gets to be a young master's mistress.

[Nature bestows]

[Freely Express Inner Feelings]

Shaochun.

It's you.

If you're tired, you should lie in bed awhile.

Files can be read anytime. You don't need to rush.

Now that I'm an official, I should do my best to work for the people.

I've already misjudged one case.

What is this?

The willow branch is already yellowed. Just throw it away.

Someone important gave it to me. Even if it's rotten or broken,

I won't throw it away.

Has that important person left you?

How did you know?

Along the Yangtze River willow tress sway in the spring.

The willow flowers bring deep sorrow to the ferry passengers. (T/N: "Parting with Friend" by Tang poet Zheng Gu)

A broken willow branch symbolizes farewell.

So it is. Why didn't I think of it?

If I hadd thought of it, I could have made her stay.

What exactly happened between you two?

She left me a letter, saying that she is severely ill.

Thene she left without saying a word.

Are you talking about Miss Lin Shaochun?

I've searched everywhere that I could find her.

But I haven't found any of her trace.

She is deliberately avoiding me and not wanting to involve me.

Why are you laughing?

What happens between you shouldn't concern me.

But when I see you being so sad, I have to advise you.

You see the person, see the face, but you don't see the heart. Don't lose your heart and mind

over someone who is half-hearted.

Today, I saw someone in the streets.

It happened to be your Miss Lin.

You can't find her anywhere.

It's beacuse she got on the palanquin to enter the palace for the palace maid selection.

Impossible.

You are an imperial official. You can easily go in and out of the imperial court.

It's the initial selection right now. If you can catch up, perhaps you can see it for yourself.

If she has already entered the inner palace,

then you can still see her under the justification of visiting Imperial Noble Consort Sun.

This is impossible.

I should have covered it up from you..

But I can't accept that you are being twisted around her little finger.

It's impossible.

This is the Dutch Telescope from the west.

I'll give it to you to play.

I hope you can really see. The faraway flowers may look beautiful,

but you shouldn't forget the scenary next to you.

Impossible.

Impossible.

Royal Physician Wu to examine

Li Youying of He Jian Prefecture.

Healthy, no chronic disease.

Healthy, no chronic disease. Stay.

Imperial Physician Liu to examine

- Chang Youyou of Fujian's Ji Lan Prefecture. - She has a lung disease.

She has a lung disease. Reject.

Sir, please give me another chance.

Give me antoher chance, please.

I'm sure that I am not diseased.

- Imperial Physician Lu to examine Lin Shaochun of the capital city. - Heathy, no chronic disease.

Healthy, no chronic disease.

Stay.

Next group.

Next group.

Next group.

Lady, I can't do it well. Please let me try again.

Unstable posture. Reject.

Lady! Lady!

Lady, let me try again!

You can all come inside.

Why did Lady leave?

Why did she leave us here?

- Where did she go? - Why don't we sit down adn rest for a while?

- Yes. - Let's sit.

I'm so hot.

It's so hot. When can we leave?

Is there anything to eat?

- Take a bit of this. - You have snacks?

Eat some.

Thanks.

- When can we leave here? - I don't know.

You all get up!

Head Maid is here.

The key to serving the royals is to follow the rules.

Don't turn your heads as you walk, or show your teeth as you smile.

Stay elegant and poise at all times.

But look at you now. So improper!

Anyone with untidy clothes, poor posture,

or negative attitude shall not be permitted to enter the palace.

Ladies, please leave.

Please give us another chance, Head Maid.

We'll never do this again.

Head Maid.

Get out!

Hurry.

Miss Lin, please follow me.

You all wait here. Stay still!

Yes.

What happened to the Head Maid? Guess she's setting us up for another test.

Let's just stay still as she ordered.

Miss Lin, the Head Maid has asked you to come with me.

- Just me? - Yes.

Why would the Head Maid ask me to come here?

Shaochun. Why?

No reason.

I don't believe it.

Now that you've caught me. There's no point in cheating you anymore.

I waited patiently in the troupe for years just for a chance to have my day.

If I make it to the selection of maids for the palace now,

I'd be able to enjoy a life of endless wealth and comfort.

If I fail, I'd just go back to you.

I'll just tell you that I'd met a magical physician who managed to cure me.

And ask you to marry me, so I can become your mistress.

This is not who you are.

This has always been who I am.

Actresses are heartless. I'm sure you've heard of such a saying.

I was going to be perfunctory with you.

Now it seems that it saves me the trouble this way.

From now on, we're done.

If we come across in the future,

we'll be nothing but strangers.

Come with me! I'll tell my mother now and marry you with a grand ceremony.

The Sun family's glory is only relying on Consort Sun who's been in favor.

After all, your family only took advantage of a woman.

In that case, why should I settle for this when I can go straight for His Majesty.

Go home. Your family is nothing compared to the royals.

I've made it this far. I hope you could be a gentleman

and leave me alone.

Fourth Young Master, thank you for taking care of me before.

I hope you can let go of me for the sake of our past.

Don't ruin it for me.

If my wish comes true one day, I'll repay you.

Fourth Young Master, let's leave now. Head Maid Jiang has returned,

if she finds out that I drugged her, she'd devour me alive!

That's not who she is.

Fourth Young Master, come on! Let's leave.

- Luomei, Yingxiang, you two live in the first room to the right. - Yes.

- Yuanrong, Huixian, you two live in the first room to the left. - Yes.

Shaochun, Lvyi, you two live in the second room to the right. - Yes.

- You two, the last room at the end. - Yes.

Alright. You're dismissed.

Yes.

It's so small. How can we live here?

Guard.

Yes.

Take her away.

Head Maid, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. Please spare me.

Head Maid!

I'm sorry.

Happy now?

In the royal palace, the most important is to obey.

Always follow the orders as you'll never get to choose.

It's not your turn to enjoy life yet.

The sooner you become tame, the better you'll appreciate it.

If you can't, go home to be the heiress of your family

when you still have the chance.

Head Maid, please don't be angry.

Don't let it affect your wellbeing.

My father had connections with the Bureau of Embroidery.

He asked me to send his regards to you,

and prepared a present for you for your hard work.

Please pick it up at the restaurant on Tongtuo Street at your convenience.

I treat everyone equally, regardless of who's your father.

Don't give me that. Learn to follow the rules instead.

This Head Maid is actually quite upright. The painter previously

has taken so much money from us.

Now we get to save it.

Who does this like you nowadays?

If you want to kiss up to her, you should've done it in discrete.

Now that you do this in front of everyone, how could she accept your offer?

If you ask me, I think the money is necessary.

When the time comes, she'd put me in the front line to meet His Majesty.

My chance of getting selected would be much higher.

Where are you going?

I heard that you went to the palace.

Yes. I was so stupid.

Now that you've seen it through, just be a man and cut it off.

Somethings are not meant to tell. Regardless of how she pretended to be heartless,

I could see her heart from her eyes.

She must have her reasons, but she couldn't tell me.

If she really is vainglorious,

she wouldn't refuse to accept a single penny from me all this time.

Maybe that's why she's sneaky.

She's just playing the long game.

I know that's not who she is. It's just that her family background has always been a mistery.

The fact that she never told me about it has made me more curious.

Where there's a will there's a way.

If you want to find out, I'll ask around for you.

You?

Have you forgotten that I used to make inquiries for you?

My guests, this way, please.

Why would you bring me to a restaurant?

You'll find out.

Please go ahead.

Miss, this way, please.

What's news in the capital lately?

You're our regular guest, so you'd know what we can do.

Anything that our guests want to inquire about,

we'd be able to tell you the whole story.

The latest news is all in here.

Please take a look.

[Anecdotes]

Are you able to find out about the background of a person of interest?

Anything you want. I'll send my men right away.

Find out about Lin Shaochun from the troupe.

Please rest assured, miss.

You're a lady. How could you get in contact with the underworld?

Just because I'm a lady who's not allowed to know what's going on in the world,

I could use such people to fill the void.

I don't feel ashamed to let you know this.

There have been numerous cases of deceived marriages in the past.

I'm not going to get on that path.

That's why I asked these people to find information for me.

Now that you tell me your secret to help me,

if your future husband finds out, how would you deal with it?

My future husband has already known.

You're kidding.

No.

No one knows what would happen till the end.

I won't push you if you don't like me now.

But over time, you'll learn to appreciate me.

Wow. This silk piece is so heavy.

This is not regular silk.

It's woven with gold threads, thus the heavy weight.

Are you making the embroidery to wear for His Majesty on the selection day?

But these threads are a bit loose.

What's going on?

Why are you still up so late?

Head Maid, I damaged your gown the other day and I felt deeply sorry.

- Did you? - Of course I did.

You're such a forgiving lady. But I can't take it for granted.

Please take a look at this piece that I just finished.

My hands might be clumsy, but please accept my sincerity.

Please consider it as compensation.

If you accept it, I'd be relieved.

Miss Lvyi.

I can't possibly reject your sincerity.

I'll accept it then.

What are you looking at!

Go back to sleep!

Yes.

Luyi, it looks like we should congratulate you.

You are too short-sighted.

To flatter and not be noticed, that's the highest skill.

Yesterday Jiang Caiping asked me to wash a peach for her.

I used the chance to scoop out the peach's nut,

and put a nut-sized pearl inside the peach.

She bit and immediately found it.

There are plenty of ways to use the money.

I purposely broke Lady's flower vase.

- Wouldn't I have to recompense her? - How much? - So I said,

I'm sorry, Lady. I'm so clusmy.

I actually broke the blue porcelain vase from Tang Dynasty.

This porcelain vase is worth 5,000 taels of silver.

And then I justified it as compensation

by asking Father to write a banker's note in silver to Lady.

- Smart? - You are indeed capable.

- You know so many ways. - You are awesome.

Shaochun.

- Why did you give Lady? - That's right.

- What did you give her? - Tell us.

Tell us. Why did you give her?

- I don't have money. - Why are you wasting time here then?

You should leave the palace quickly.

It's alright, Shaochun. Actually, it's fine to leave the palace.

If we can meet again, for the sake of our one-time sisterhood,

we will certainly take good care of you.

- It's good to leave the palace? Why are you still here then? - Aren't you talkative?

Alright, we won't talk more.

- Let's go. Let's go. - Go, go.

[Sun Manor]

Lin Shaochun, resident of the capital city.

Father died early.

Mother, surnamed Chang, worked at VIce Revenue Lin Daoyuan's residence.

Later Lin Yuandao was died from punishment for his corruption case.

Mother and daughter wandered among the civilians.

The Lin girl was naturally smart.

She studied under Bai Xi Troup's Liu Sanjue to learn the male role.

Her posture is dashing and she is talented.

Also, she has studied formal essay writing on her own.

She has impressed people with her unique opinions.

Lin Yuandao's corruption case?

Isn't it the case that Lord Lu was investigating previously?

Lin Shaochun entered the Bai Xi Troupe to study opera.

She disguised as a male, and also studied formal essay writing.

Did she want to disguise as a man to enter the imperial examination?

And now she has painstakingly entered the palace. Why?

Could it be that she wants to appeal to vindicate Lin Yuandao?

But she is the daughter of a servant...

No.

What if the one who went to East Yuedong wasn't Lin Yuandao's daughter

- but Servant Chang's daughter? - Miss, why are you bothering about these things?

No matter what difficulties she has, she simply isn't a good person.

No, I have to tell this information to Yulou.

Miss, she wants to enter the palace, just let her be.

If she wants to revenge, it has nothing to do with us either.

You have finally gotten closer to Fourth Young Master. If you go tell him about this now,

Fourth Young Master is softhearted and may get tricked by her again.

I am upright when I do things. I will not manipulate to keep a man.

I already said I'll help her. I won't go back on my promise.

Are you Miss Lin?

Yes, I am.

Miss Lin, Imperial Noble Consort is asking for you.

Imperial Noble Consort?

I have never met Imperial Noble Consort. Why is she looking for me?

I don't know anything about it.

Mis Lin, we'd better hurry.

- Don't let Imperial Noble Consort wait. - Yes.

Your Highness, Miss Lin Shaochun is here.

This civilian woman Lin Shaochun greets Imperial Noble Consort.

You are Lin Shaochun?

Replying to Imperial Noble Consort, I am indeed.

Yes, excellent appearance.

I heard Yulou say that he drew a portrait for you.

Too bad that you entered the palace before the portrait was completed.

It's a pity to keep an unfinished painting.

I summoned you today to ask for your help

to let Yulou finish the painting.

Yes.

I'll have to bother Miss then.

Miss Lin, please sit.

The others can leave. I usually paint without anyone around.

- Yes. - Yes.

What else do you want to do?

Everything that you're doing, is it all for your father's case?

What's my father's case? I don't know what you're saying.

- If you don't let me go— - I know all about the incident now.

I've already verified it with Nanny Chang.

How long were you planning to deceive me?

Impossible. Nanny promised that she would never tell until death.

She didn't say. I tricked you.

You...

I knew that you aren't that kind of person.

When we were together, you mentioned about an unfinishedd wish.

I finally know what it is.

Shaochun, why didn't you tell me already?

Why did you insist on shouldering so much by yourself?

Don't worry. I've promised you.

No matter what wish you have, I will help you achieve it.

Entrust your case to me. I will do my best

to exonerate your father.

- Yulou— - Don't worry that you may drag me down.

My father is Grand Councilor, and my sister is a favored consort.

Don't worry. I'll be fine.

As this stage, you still don't understand.

I don't want you to take the risk.

I have no home and no achievement, as long as I can meet His Majesty,

I will have the chance to repeal my father's case.

Why would I need to involve you and risk you needlessly?

But have you thought about what if you are not selected?

If I'm not selected,

then it's my fate.

Yulou, you must understand something.

Nothing is perfect in this world.

I am in your heart, and you are in mine. We've made it clear,

so I am calm in my heart.

To protect me, Nanny Chang even gave up her own flesh and blood.

Why can't I give up my personal love to vindicate my father?

If you love me, you must understand me.

To understand me is let me fulfill my wish.

- Shaochun— - It's getting late.

You should get on with the painting.

Team Credit

You know that I'm not at painting portraits.

I actually found someone to draw this one.

You are a little too reckless.

Do you think you can deceive Imperial Noble Consort with this small trickery?

She is you sister, so she is on your side.

If it were someone else, you would have been exposed already.

Allow me.

Shaochun, you don't want to involve me.

I also don't want you to suffer.

Just you wait, I will definitely fulfill your wish.

You've really grown up.

You study diligently, and your painting skill has greatly improved.

I am very happy.

It's just that you are still childish.

For a mere painting, you actually pursued into the palace.

If this is spread, privately meeting a palace maid is not a trivial matter.

You must be more cautious in the future.

Yes, Older Sister.

It's just that I am using this painting to competing with my fellow scholars.

I don't want to lose. That's why I came to ask you for help.

Older Sister, there won't be a next time.

That's more like it.

I remember when I first entered the palace,

you couldn't even tell the difference betwee orchids and grass.

And now, you can draw a portrait so vividly alive.

It's really not easy.

Come into the palace a few days later,

help me draw a painting of Bodhisattva Guan Yin?

What? You'd rather competing with friends on painting

but not paint Guan Yin for your older sister?

Paint! Of course I will paint!

However, Older Sister, can you promise me something first?

What a brother!

Youve been an official for two days, you would actually negotiate with me?

I've said it already. The palace is different from home.

You can't mess around here.

If you have any excessive demand, watch out for your skin.

Yes, Older Sister.

Say it then. What is it?

People say that I am an official because I rely on Older Sister's imperial favor

and Father's high position, instead of my own capabilities.

Older Sister must also know about the previous case that I misjudged.

I must find an opportunity to let those people see me in a new light.

What do you plan then?

I want to review a case to re-establish my official prestige.

Well said.

A man should achieve his ambition.

I am pleased that you are so ambitious.

This consort greets Your Majesty.

- Beloved Consort, waive the formality. - This lowly official greets Your Majesty.

- Yulou, get up. - Thank you, Your Majesty.

I heard everything that you sister and brother said just now.

Your Majesty, young people want to show their might.

I am not the one to decide on this matter.

You have to ask His Majesty.

- I hope Your Majesty will fulfill me. - Alright, I will decide for you.

- I want to select the wise and the talented, and I am in need of such aspirational young people as yourself.

Yulou, you don't rely on your ancestors but to achieve based on your own abilities.

How can I not fulfill your wish?

I approve your request today

to give you an opportunity to achieve your ambition.

Don't disappoint me.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Then I will find an old, unresolved case to try.

Good, I approve.

Show your talents.

Yes.

♫ 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 our boat be like the clouds and conceal the moon ♫

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

♫ The sound of a brokenhearted 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 heart 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 ♫