Original subtitles

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by the Serenade of Youth Team@Viki

♫ 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 11]

Shaochun, come with me!

Where are we rushing to?

I'm taking you to meet my godmother.

She has treated me the best since I was a child. I've already talked it over with her.

She will take you to tomorrow's Thousand Flowers Banqueet.

Shouldn't we wait for me to do my hair and makeup first? It's rude to meet her with an unkempt appearance.

Whatever you need, Godmother has prepared them all for you.

When you see Godmother in a while, she will tell you about what Mother likes and her habits.

You just need to do as she says at that time.

What is it?

Yulou, I know that you've been working hard for our marriage.

But I don't feel this is the best way.

You know my temper.

If I change my appearance to make your mother like me now, there will also be times when I will disappoint her.

What will I do then?

I'd rather be candid and be myself now.

I understand your concern.

This is just for the time being. Think of it as doing it for me, please?

Alright please? Just this once.

Look at how silly you look.

Your head is all sweaty.

Wipe it off.

This one?

How about it?

This one?

This one? Closed-collar short-sleeve top with pipa sleeves.

Plus the pendulum skirt. This is the style that Yulou's mother favored when she was young.

Try it.

This skirt is too wide. It's not convenient to walk.

I should just wear what I have on right now.

Alright then. I'll listen to you.

Give it a try then.

You are originally a daughter from an official's family. Your demeanor is impeccable.

It's just that you've suffered hardships these years, so you may not be accustomed to everything right away. It's alright.

Just practice a few more times, you'll be fine.

Yes.

It's really pretty.

Oh my Fourth, why are you still here?

These are things related to a woman's chamber. It's nothing to do with you. You should leave.

I'll trouble Goddmother with everything then.

Yulou has grown up and reached the age to marry and establish a career.

He has always been a silly child who never wavers when he's decied on what he wants.

For you, he has actually thought of this idea to come beg me.

When you see his devotion, Miss, you will be good to him when you are together, right?

I will keep Madam's advice to heart.

Let's try more.

Yes.

At the Thousand Flowers Banquet tomorrow will be young laddies from big families.

I heard that Yulou's mother wants to choose one of them to be his wife.

Even though I can't guess what kind of young lady his mother likes,

it's still good to find out about their character.

You are willing to devote your mind for his sake,

it shows that you really want to achieve your wish.

Master, you are teasing me again.

I'm not teasing you. I'm happy for you.

Say it. What kind of help do you need from me?

Master, you used to visit these grand manors. Do you know these young ladies?

I haven't sung in private parties for many years.

So I'm not familiar with these people.

But your Senior Brother, Liu Wushuang, has been attending the private parties at these manors.

I can get him to help you find out.

Thank you, Master.

I wish to cross the Yellow River but river is full of ice. (T/N: Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai's "A Trying Journey')

I wish to climb the Taihang Mountain but it's covered in snow.

I idle away my time by angling over a pristine creek.

Suddenly I dream about being in a boat sailing to the capital.

How trying the journey is! Such a trying journey!

So many forked roads, which way shall I go?

What they say about the time will come to fulfill one's ambition is all a lie.

I am taking shelter in someone else's abode.

I have to rely to their whims. To fulfill my ambitions,

I have to keep on compromising.

My ambition will all be in vain.

What's the use?

I've already talked with the qin shop's boss. He will repair my qin tonight.

If I go late, I'll have to wait longer. My time will be wasted.

Yes.

Listen.

Mistress, it's the sound of a flute.

The flute sounds so melancholy.

Go ahead to the qin shop first. I'll see who that is.

Yes.

Clearly there was a sound just now. Why is it gone suddenly?

MIss, are you looking for me?

Who are you?

Miss, you are looking for me but you ask who I am. Does that make sense?

Impudent! I am the Second Young Mistress in the manor, not any miss.

You don't belong to this courtyard. Why have you suddenly barged in here?

Second Young Misstress?

Su Yingxue loves music.

You... Which song were you playing?

You want to know?

Come closer then. I'll tell you.

- You! You! You! - Shush.

There is no one around. A single man and a single woman. It's not good if we are seen.

Who are you exactly?

I am not anyone. I'm a celestial immortal.

Who's that?

Who's there?

It's me.

Second Young Mistress, so it's you.

The courtyard is about to be locked.

Second Young Master, you should go back soon and not get a chill.

Alright, I know.

Madam Shi, is everything well at your manor lately?

Thanks for your blessing, everything is fine.

Please come inside quickly.

Greetings, Madam He.

Madam Sun.

This must be your daughter?

Greetings, Madam Sun.

So pretty.

She is taking after Madam He more and more.

Yes, but still a child in temperament.

She begged me to come see the Madam Sun's Thousand Flowers Banquet.

Let's not wait then. Please go in quickly. Lead Madam and Young Miss to the garden. Serve them well.

Yes.

Madam.

I haven't seen you for a few dadys, and you look much recovered.

Godmother.

I thought you wouldn't be coming. You're actually the last to arrive.

Look at what you're saying. How can I not come?

Let's go inside to talk.

I was just looking for someone to chat, and you are here.

With our childhood bond, you should stay here for a few days.

Ever since my husband retired at the age of 70, he has been staying home and rarely goes out.

It's made me so bored too. When I heard that you are hosting a Thousand Flowers Banquet,

I'd want to join the lively scene even if you didn't invite me.

Hurry. Sit down first.

How great!

Women.

- Do they look good? - They do.

- Have you seen enough? - No.

Give me some room.

Young Mistress.

It's the womenfolk who attend the banquet. Why are you here?

- No. - Return home immediately!

If you dare to step out of the bedroom, I'll break your legs.

- Yin Suo, watch him. - Yes.

Go now!

I heard that you've just made a goddaughter.

Shaochun, come over and see Madam.

What a nice lady!

Madam, nice to meet you. I'm Lin Shaochun. Greetings to you.

Lin Shaochun?

Madam.

Go back to your seat.

Yulou has always clung to you since he was little.

You also spoil him a lot.

You always listen to him.

I remember when he was little,

you kept cats and dogs for him.

But now you're keeping a person, not a pet.

You need to think twice.

This lady is likable and clever.

I find her great.

Most importantly, Yulou likes her.

Exactly.

Isn't that the most popular Yinzi connoisseur in the capital?

What is a Yinzi connoisseur?

That means a storyteller.

Good! I want to hear stories.

Today I'm going to tell you the Three Pagodas of West Lake.

During the reign of Emperor Xiaozong of Song in Chunxi Era,

there was a person in Yongjin Gate

- of Lin'An Manor– - This storyteller

also learned performance skills from Liu Sanjue of Bai Xi Troupe long time ago.

Miss Lin, both of you are under the same master, aren't you?

- Why is she here too? - Why?

Did they invite a Chinese opera actress as well in today's Thousand Flowers Banquet?

Here. I'd like to propose a toast to everyone.

I'd like to propose a toast to everyone.

Nice! Excellent!

She's your Eldest Young Mistress, isn't she?

She's superb!

This year the flowers in my courtyard are blooming very well,

but these ladies are more charming than the flowers.

Watching them joke and have fun, I feel young too.

I know.

Think about it. When we were young ladies,

we were just like them.

We were always flying kites and catching butterflies.

- Look! - Son,

you take a look too. All these ladies are decent.

Who do you think is the best?

Son,

did you hear what I said?

Yes, I did.

Shaochun.

What's most important about a lady is good manners and decent appearance.

She should not show her teeth when smiling or her feet when walking.

What are you laughing at? Did I say it wrong?

No, you didn't. You said it right.

When those ladies catch butterflies, they are violent

and not ladylike at all.

Now look at Shaochun.

She stands out from other ladies.

Madam, godmother.

Let's go over there.

Very well.

Miss Lin is making me awkward.

I was going to pick on her,

but she does everything better than others.

Madam, she's spent all those years in the performing troupe,

so she's used to faking it.

Why do you still trust her?

She can pretend for a while.

She definitely can't pretend forever.

Just wait and see.

Then what should we do?

Madam, just watch me.

Come over here. Ladies, come over here.

- Come over. - Go ahead.

Come here.

How about having a contest?

Masters gather around and have a poetry contest.

How could we lose to them?

Since the ladies here were born in noble families, it makes perfect sense that you're good at needlework.

Why don't we have an embroidery contest?

- What do you all think? - That sounds good.

Yin Suo, prepare embroidery tools.

Yes.

Very nice.

Exquisite embroidery and a gorgeous pattern.

Madam, this is even better.

That's right. This is a net stitch.

Those with mediocre skills can't do it.

Why do you cover it up?

It's fine if you feel embarrassed.

The point is to have fun.

I've never seen a hundred flowers embroidered so beautifully!

Exactly. How could she pull it off

within such a short period of time?

Learning how to do needlework and embroidery

will make you more patient and calm.

You can't be flighty or impatient when learning performance skills.

If you can stay calm,

then you'll be able to master my skills.

Yes, Master.

Women should be good at embroidery.

I have to say Miss Lin excels in it.

That's fine. Let's go.

Madam, please stay.

This Thousand Flowers Banquet is set up for finding a marriage prospect for Yulou.

Yulou and I wish to be together, but Madam isn't pleased.

That's why I came today in the hope that Madam will see me.

There is a saying, "Listen to both sides and you will be enlightened." I was sure that once Madam sees me,

you would know my advantages.

Now that I've been here for half a day, I think I finally understand.

Madam selects people not based on someone having both talents and virtues.

Instead, it's only about family background and prestige.

Today I'm wearing the clothes that Madam likes.

I'm wearing wearing the hair accessory that Madam likes.

Already I am not myself.

But how many who are present here

are also their true selves?

What do you mean?

Let's start with Miss Bai. She appears to be quiet and virtuous,

but she just beat a maidservant to death last month.

This Miss Ning here ordered others to put snakes under her stepmother's comforter.

It's lucky for the stepmother to still be alive.

Also this Miss. She already has a sweetheart.

But she is forced by her parents to come here.

It's so pitiful and unfortunate.

Madam's judgment is unique. I wonder which young lady you prefer?

It is wrong of me to come today. I bid you farewell.

Shaochun!

Shaochun!

Shaochun, Shaochun.

We agreed to please Madam today.

What you just said has embarrassed everyone.

Even you would blame me?

No, I think you are so awesome.

This is the first time I've seen when someone made Mother speechless.

Once we're married, you won't treat me this way, will you?

So? Are you scared?

I'm not scared.

I know that you love me and wouldn't bear to presure me.

I indeed lost my manners just now.

But I just couldn't stand it. Parenets always say they are doing things for the children's sake.

But is it good only to focus on family background and prestige?

I just wanted Madam to understand a principle.

Whether someone is good has nothing to do with family background

but one's character.

But it appears it will be even more difficult to enter your family now.

Don't worry. Mother will think it over carefully.

Who knows, she chooses here and there and will find my Shaochun to be the best.

Enough now, you should go back.

Madam is feeling upset right now.

Your running off has added an extra offense to my guilt.

Just wait for the good news from me. Anyway, I will only marry you.

- I'm leaving then. - Alright.

That young lady has a bold insight.

I heard her speek passionately just now.

She has an imposing style that can surpass heroic men.

I will definitely marry her.

It doesn't feel to be easy.

If one sets mind to it, nothing is unachievable.

Whatever I decide to do, no one can stop it.

That's the moral, but life is short and can't wait.

If you are slow for a moment, there a moment is lost. PUshing and shoving,

even if you eventually get it, the harm is done to each other.

At that time, the gain may not be worth it.

I'm fine. I'm fine.

Madam, don't be angry anymore. She is just a wild girl.

Why keep thinking about her?

Have all the guests left?

Madam, don't worry. They were all escorted out according to etiquette.

This Lin Shaochun is really not simple.

A heartless little actress.

A good banquet was ruined by her.

Are you not embarrassed to criticize her? Look at all those girls that you invited.

On surface they are young ladies from good families, but underneath,

they are all monsters.

Madam, how can you believe her fabricated nonsense?

Is any of those young women easy to provoke?

If she didn't possess solid evidence, she wouldn't have dared to say the nonsense.

It's fortunate that this happened today, if I really welcomed one of them to enter the family,

our family would become a nest of wild beasts.

I deserve to die.

I didn't know that those glamorously looking young ladies

are actually this way behind people.

If Lin Shaochun could find these information, why couldn't you?

What it really means is that you were thorough enough.

If someday she really enters our manor and become my daughter-in-law,

you might not be as good as she'll be.

I did wrong. I will definitely be more careful next time.

I gave birth to a total of seven childrne.

Yulou is the only one whose marriage isn't settled.

If you don't think for him, who will?

Yes, Madam.

On the other hand,

even though Lin Shaochun wandered among the civilians for many years,市井 e

Her temperament is quite straight forward and candid.

Shs is actually strong those those pretentious insincere ones.

Just as she said, "Listen to both sides and you will be enlightened."

Let's find a chance to really test her.

This...

Shaochun!

Shaochun!

- Slow down. - Shaochun!

Shaochun, I'm here.

Be careful. Don't step on it.

Give it to me.

- Shaochun. - Hurry, hurry.

Receive the gift. Hurry and receive the gift.

Shaochun, I'm here to marry you.

- Alright. Airght. - Hurry and receive the gift.

- Line up. - What are you doing?

Hurry and take it away.

Shaochun, I've come to marry you.

Godmother has agreed to be our matchmaker.

Everything is ready with a matchmaker and the bridal gift.

You don't have to pack anything. Just come with me.

Your parents have agreed?

I'll just marry you and take you home, who cares if they agree or not?

That won't do.

Without the parents' permission, it's elopement.

I don't particularly care about these empty formalities, but you are an official in the imperial court.

If anyone impeached you, your career would be terminated. The Sun family would lose respect.

I would be considered a sinner for hundreds of years.

Why-Why didn't I think of these things?

Godmother, I know that you pamper Yulou.

But you can't lete him get his way easily.

If he were an iliterate commoner, it wouldn't matter.

But he has honor and career now.

Yes, yes, yes. I really got muddle-headed.

When he begged me, my heart simply softened.

Yulou, you should listen to Shaochun.

You need to make a thorough plan for this matter.

Come with me.

It's very difficult to make my parents agree right now.

But I really want to marry me.

I originally thought, as long as we've confirmed the marriage,

Father and Mother wouldn't send you back here.

Don't you understand yet?

A marriage between two families isn't only about our being in love to be sufficient.

Your reputation as an official is important. The respect for the Sun family is important.

Whether Master and Madam will accept me is even more important.

- But I want— - I promise you.

I won't take in anyone but you. (T/N: She used the word describing a man marries a woman)

I won't marry anyone but you. (T/N: Here she used the word describing a woman marries a man)

I will definitely find a way

to let them accept me.

Are you confident?

Yulou, believe me and go home first.

I guarantee that, within a short time,

we can definitely be together and never to be apart.

Yes.

Look at you sweating.

Do you really have a way for the Sun family to accept you?

How can I come up with anything in an instant?

But if I didn't say that, with Yulou's temper,

he would have raised a fracas at home.

That's true.

It's not easy to marry into such a grand family.

All three of the Sun family's daughters-in-law come from renowned families.

When you take a quick look, they are well matched in family and prestiage.

But when you think more, it's a lot more than that.

The world of officialdom is like a huge web.

The tighter it is woven, one's status becomes more secure.

Even though you have vindicated your father's grievance,

but you have no one behind you as support, how can it be easy for you to marry into that family.

Master is right about all of my concerns.

Actually, it's not that difficult to marry into the Sun family.

You...

Haven't we met at the Thousand Flowers Banquet?

He is your senior brother that I've spoken about, Liu Wushuang.

He wanders in the outside world all year long.

He actually knows to come back.

Master, it's been years since I left, and I think of you every day.

Glib talking. Sit down.

I'll help you, Senior Brother. Here.

Be careful. Be careful.

Yes, right here.

Ever since I entered under Master's tutelage, I've never met this senior brother.

He completed his study in the year before you came.

He was probably around 15 years of age.

He could imitate anyone and anything.

It was enough for him to eestablish his own name.

Later on, it depended on his conscience

to remind him to visit me from time to time.

Oh my.

The calendula flowers on Junior Sister's clothes is really gorgeous.

Aren't you blind?

How do you know what's on my clothes?

I could smell it.

Nonsense.

Don't listen to his nonsense.

- He is pretending to be blind. - Pretending to be blind?

- Why? - Junior Sister, when a person has a defect,

people find it easer to get closer.

If I don't pretend to be blind, once I entered a manor,

how can I openly watch their young ladies change clothes?

Rascal! How can you speak such nonsense in front of you little junior sister?

Master, I said that for the purpose of offering an idea for Junior Sister.

Since Master won't let me talk, I'll just have to shut up.

How dare you whet your master's appetite?

You are asking for a spanking. Hurry and say it!

Junior, do you know what this big family lacks the most?

What is it?

Money!

Money?

Lu Sheng died in his sleep from over-indulgence.

His wife from the Cui clan cried and patted him,

which woke him up.

When he woke up, he looked around

and everything was fine. He looked around again.

The rice wasn't cooked yet.

Then he realized what had just happened

was only a dream.

So this is what the World Inside a Pillow is all about.

- My stomach hurts from laughing so much! - Third Young Mistress.

Third Young Mistress.

What's going on? I'm listening to a story.

Third Young Mistress, it's the serious matter.

I'm coming.

Why is there so little? Didn't we agree on 3%?

Third Young Mistress, they gave 2% only. That's what I got. That's it.

Junior, the bigger the family, the more expense.

They don't just spend money on maintaining relationships with other officials,

but they also have magnificent banquets and feasts.

They have to look respectable and show off. Which of these doesn't cost money?

But how much do they get paid by the imperial court?

Compared with all these expenses, it's nothing.

They can only rely on rewards given by the emperor and their rental income.

That's why some madams loan money to people outside.

Junior, if you were well off,

the Sun family would pick you up with a carriage already.

Forget about social status. As long as you are rich, you can get close with any families.

Many officials' manors nowadays

mostly look great.

They lack nothing but money.

But it's not easy to make money.

But I remember seeing lotus flowers in the pond

and fruit in the orchard at Thousand Flowers Banquet. Can't they make money from them?

This big family turns their nose up at these things.

They turn their nose up at them? Do they let them rot?

Not really. One of the servants Xiao Si

picks several of them to eat when she has time. The remaining fruit either rots on the trees

or get soaked in water and turn into purée.

That's not the worst waste.

Those mistresses and servants

wear the latest clothes.

They don't wear them anymore when the trend is over.

This is the worst waste of all.

Alright. Stop saying useless things.

If it was easy to make money,

Bai Xi Troupe would've been much bigger now.

I think for now

you should make friends with the mistresses.

They often see the Sun family.

Maybe you'll have a chance to get close to Madam Shen.

Master, how long do we have to wait?

I've spent years going in and out of different manors. Do you think I know nothing about what those madams think?

Junior,

you have to do whatever they like

to achieve your goal.

I'll make money and satisfy them.

How can I make money?

- Line up. Line up. - Everyone get in line.

Those in the back, don't worry. You'll have food to eat

and water to drink.

Those in the back, please get in line.

Judging by these women's outfit and behavior, they don't look like beggars.

Why do they come here to get congee?

You have no idea how many poor people are out there.

Maybe something bad happened in the family, they got separated from their family,

or their husbands can't make a living but they can't go back to their parents' either.

They can only wander the streets.

These are mistresses from good families

who are unwilling to make a living by performing on the streets.

Without other ways to survive, they see someone give away congee

and then come running cover.

Granny, why don't we take them all in?

For what?

I've come up with a great way to make money.

Guess who I am.

You're playing a childish game again.

You're not willing to marry me even if I want to marry you.

It's hard to convince Madam as well.

I'll go crazy if I don't try my best to cheer you up.

I've come up with an idea.

Really? What is it?

Here they come.

Miss.

Miss, I've told them already.

Good.

Every one of you has gone through hard times and knows that it's not easy to survive.

You all come from good families. You have integrity, so you don't want to perform on the streets.

Then let me offer you a way to make a living.

If you're willing to do it, please stay behind. If not, you're welcome to leave.

- Will you leave? - Let's stay behind. It's pretty good here.

- Give it a thought. - Yes, let's stay behind.

We have nowhere to go if we leave.

- It's better than starving. - Indeed.

Alright. Granny,

Help them get prepared.

Yes.

Let's go.

What do you have in mind?

Just give me a few days. I'll be rich and famous.

Your parents will have nothing bad to say about me.

Really?

You don't even trust me?

Just a word of warning. You don't need to be involved in what we're doing.

You can rest assured and focus on your job as a judge.

Don't argue with your parents at home.

If we end up failing because of you, I won't forgive you.

Okay. I do as you say.

This is our family's garden.

It's a shame that you all came here a little late.

The lotus flowers in this pond were stunning.

Are we here today to visit the garden?

Godmother, don't worry. Since Lady Zhang's garden

is where madams in the capital like to get together the most,

I must take a good look at it.

This...

What's wrong?

Does Miss Lin have something to say?

Lady Zhang, forgive me for being abrupt.

Your garden is gorgeous,

but why is the pond full of withered lotus flowers, branches and leaves?

- It looks a bit– - Shaochun.

That's fine. Our master has been socializing a lot.

Our servants have been really busy as well.

Nobody can take care of it. I have no idea what to do.

Why don't you hire some people?

There are womenfolk in the chambers, so it's not convenient.

Also, our master is incorruptible.

This expense...

If someone is willing to do it for free

and has women come over to clean up the garden for you, will you accept it?

Is there such a good deal?

I've taken in some helpless women, and I happen to be thinking about what they should do.

If there are any tattered clothes and crooked fruit found,

I hope Lady Zhang can do good and give them all away

as a reward. What do you think?

Miss Lin, you'll be a great help.

The lotus flowers and fruit in my garden are either rotten or stinky.

I had no idea what to do with them.

What we don't wear anymore is put in the hearth.

What a shame.

If they want them, be my guest.

Thank you, Lady Zhang.

- Remove withered leaves and gather lotus roots. - Yes.

- Come over and sweep this area in a bit. - Yes.

Take away and trash rotten fruit, and then water the fruit trees.

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by the Serenade of Youth Team@Viki

What do you think?

So beautiful! It looks a lot more gorgeous than it did.

If you are satisfied, please speak highly of them

in your family and give them food to eat.

Let them come here every month,

and they'll take good care of this garden for you.

Don't worry. Just leave it to me.

Thank you, Lady Zhang.

♫ 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 lover

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

♫ And compelled to be by each other side ♫