Original subtitles

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"No Return" by Fan Shiqi

♫ Memories slowly surround me, are they happy or sad? ♫

♫ The intersection of being clear-headed and blurry, can’t determine if it’s white or black ♫

♫ Going against the wind yet still pursuing, I must retreat if I cannot advance ♫

♫ You needn’t and I am unwilling for tears to fall ♫

♫ For you I won’t regret anything even if I forget who I am ♫

♫ No matter how many years have passed, even when stars are falling ♫

♫ I’ll spend this long journey nestled together with you ♫

♫ Grant me a cup of deep love, a life of being intoxicated ♫

[Qing Qing Zi Jin]

[Episode 14]

Forget it! I think I should just continue

being the little quiet worm of the Wenren family.

You have only failed.

Who told you that failing is the end of it?

As humans, there are always times when things don't go our way.

Who gets their way all the time?

You might not have the ability to do what you want right now,

but if you give up because of this, then from now on,

you can only continue to be helpless.

Yi shot down nine suns to respect his generations.

When he shot down the first sun,

the world, was, of course, hot.

Then he fired the second arrow...

the third, the fourth...

till the world was no longer scorching hot.

When it wasn't scorching, the people could finally...

Do you understand me?

A little bit.

I knew it. Forget it! I'm leaving.

Don't go! Didn't you say it?

- I can't give up just because I've failed. - Be quiet!

- Where are you going? - The dining hall.

Staying indoors and starving...

then that's a real case of helplessness.

- Let's go. - I'm telling you, you can't skip breakfast in the future.

You have to come early.

Where is Xia Qing?

Is Miss Xiaqing here?

Xiaqing? She already left.

Left? Le...

You must be Miss Wenren?

When Xia Qing left, she said you would come looking for her.

She left you a letter.

[For Wenren Juan]

I'll get back to work.

Okay.

"No sign of you when you came and left.

Good dreams are gone as illusory dreams.

The mud has departed the green lotus.

Like drunken faces, red flowers shine under the sun."

Don't miss me! Xiaqing.

Eldest daughter's dance is the most outstanding among the young ladies in the capital.

She will certainly make a good impression during Sir Wenren's birthday banquet.

Thank you, Madam Yin.

Shu'er, you must be tired.

Come! Have some water.

Thank you, Mother.

Mother, I dance every year at the banquet.

Will Father find it boring?

What are you worrying about?

You dance so well and you're so pretty.

Performing like this glorifies our Wenren household.

Anyway,

that savage girl

will just be reciting some poetry this year.

Compared to her, you'll come across as even more dazzling.

But...

she seems to have gotten closer to Father recently.

What if...

Where would there be any "what if"?

As long as I'm around,

she can forget about drawing any attention!

You give it a try.

Pick the moon.

So careless!

Why can I still not remember it?

I'm not practicing anymore!

It's already stated in the medical book that

the brain is the marrow of the sea.

- What does that mean? - It means you're dumb.

Don't blame me for not reminding you.

When you perform, you'll be onstage alone.

If you forget the movements,

then you'll really lose face.

Then... why don't you perform with me?

Wait, still not good, not good...

If Father saw that, he'd be unhappy again.

I just don't understand... Is it really worth it to put in so much effort into trying to please him?

You're performing and acting all obedient, isn't it really tiring?

It's because he's my father.

So what? You're doing so much just to make him happy.

And I've not seen him pay that much attention to you.

Maybe it's because

I'm not interesting and not easy for people to like.

Does he like Wenren Shu? Isn't it just because her mother's family

have high positions in the court?

The more powerful a person is, the more snobbish he is.

I won't allow you to talk about my family like that.

Family... Have you forgotten?

Who were the ones who left you in the mountain village and didn't care?

Your family, indeed!

What do you know? You have no family.

So... Sorry, Qiuchi.

I shouldn't have said that.

In this family, I've always been like an outsider.

Mother isn't my biological mother

and my sister is only my half-sister.

Although Father doesn't really like me,

he's the only one who gives me some sense of security at home.

If he really starts disliking me one day,

then I might not be able to stay on

in this household anymore.

Are you mad?

I can't bring myself to get mad.

Then what?

Keep on practicing.

[Wenren Residence]

Little Sister.

What are you thinking about?

Older Sister.

I was just about to find you.

Yesterday, I went with Mother and bought some jewelry.

Bring it over.

This is for you.

Don't worry! Mother didn't see it.

Thank you, Sister. You're the best.

That's right, Sister!

Are you going to rehearse your dance now?

I've already rehearsed. How about you?

What are you doing?

There are only two days until Father's banquet.

How is your poetry recital going?

Don't wait until you get on stage,

only to get me to give you hints off-stage!

That won't happen!

Sister, I'll tell you a secret.

I'm not reciting poetry this year.

Not reciting poetry?

If you're not reciting poetry, what are you performing?

Let me tell you!

Father hates things that are overly showy.

You must not make him unhappy.

It shouldn't be! My performance is elegant and refined.

Father should definitely like it.

Elegent and refined?

What are you performing?

A sword dance!

Special, right? Luo Qiuchi has been teaching me these days.

I must not embarrass myself before Father at this banquet.

Sister, it's good you're here.

Maybe I can show you some of my performance and you can give me some tips.

- All right! - Then, hold this for me.

And also, this!

Come!

Be careful, Sister!

Good!

How is it, Sister?

- Not bad! - That's good.

Sister... remember!

Don't hurt yourself.

Don't worry, Sister, I'm not that dumb.

If there's nothing more, I'll take my leave.

I've been training until my muscles all ache these days.

Off you go.

Thanks, Sister!

This is what your grandfather brought back from the south.

You must take good care of it.

I understand.

Madam. Young Master.

Miss Wenren Shu has come to pay a visit.

Senior.

Shu'er greets Madam.

Why did you come to see me?

No matter, just speak your mind.

I was thinking...

could Senior

perform with me at Father's birthday banquet?

But I don't know how to dance.

Not dancing.

Shu'er wishes Senior

to accompany me on the qin.

My Father has always thought highly of Senior.

If you could be there, he would be very happy.

It's only a few days until Sir Wenren's birthday.

So sudden, I'm afraid—

Okay.

You mean it, Madam?

Of course.

Yuanzhi will go to your home

to find you later.

No need.

Shu'er wants to give Father a surprise.

I don't want other people to know.

I'll leave it to you two to make arrangements, just don't do anything improper.

Shu'er thank you, Madam. Then, I'm taking my leave.

Mother, if we perform together at Sir Wenren's banquet...

others will definitely misunderstand.

That will be the best.

This Wenren Shu, whether you consider status or position,

all of it is a good match for you.

She's just a little too clever for her own good.

But that's still not a problem.

If you and her get engaged sooner,

then your father will

look upon you much more kindly.

Mother, I always listen to you.

- But marriage... - You're going to bring up that Wenren Juan again.

I really like A'Juan.

What are the benefits of liking?

Once you enter officialdom, then you'll realize

how important the status of one's wife is.

Yuanzhi, I'm doing all this for you.

So that you can advance quickly in your official's career.

Don't be like me, pent up with frustrations.

Once you have power and influence, which woman won't you be able to get?

No one will ever block your path.

But the point is that you have to already have embarked on that path.

Understand?

I understand.

Tidy all this up.

If I gave this to Little Monkey...

Forget it! I'm here to buy Sir Wenren a birthday present.

I didn't bring that much money.

Young Master,

have you seen anything you like?

I'm buying a present for my future father-in-law.

It's for his birthday.

Do you have anything that would be appropriate?

Birthday?

What about this stick of ink?

This is made by Yu Hangzhang.

It has always been used as an imperial offering.

Take a look!

It's good ink, but it's all black and dull.

It doesn't look good.

This...

What about this brush?

What do you think? Each and everyone

are genuine brushes from Huai Tuhao.

If one is fake, I will compensate you for ten.

It's a good brush.

However, it's too light and thus, it lacks in sincerity.

This one...

is extravagant but not practical.

This one... it's for women, so no.

Thumb ring? It's too cheap as a gift.

Do you have anything else good around here?

Boy, bring that painting over

and show it to this young master.

All right!

This was painted by a master.

This painting is good! The lines are fine and sleek.

There are many trees and characters,

but every one has its own flair.

The expressions of the seven people in the painting

are very natural, each and everyone is different.

Gu Kaizhi is one of the renowned painters from the six dynasties for his vivid portrayals.

It's all in A'Du's essence.

You've got a good eye, Young Master!

This painting was painted by master Sun Wei.

It's called "Seven Sages in the Bamboo Forest."

I only just brought it in.

The lucky thing is that Master Sun is currently in the capital.

I' got him to authenticate this work in person.

It really is his work.

There's only this one piece in the whole world.

This... A piece of work by someone who's still alive isn't worth as much as someone who's dead.

But using it to pretend,

this works, too.

This painting...

How much is it?

- Fifty... - That's a good price!

Fifty guans. (one tael equals 1.5 guans)

Did you just say that Master Sun is in the capital?

That's right!

"Splendid clouds and flowers remind us of her beauty.

Spring breeze is blowing on the railing, the dew on the flowers is condensed.

If not for..."

Master Sun...

Who are you?

It doesn't matter who I am. I'm here to ask for a painting.

Another art enthusiast!

It's a pity, I'm not painting today. Get out!

Not painting?

That's not up to you.

There have been many incidents in the academy these days.

We've to be more alert.

- Yes. - Dismissed.

Xiao Xue!

How many times have I told you, don't call me Xiao Xue?

Look at what I've gotten!

What?

A painting by Sun Wei. It's good enough, isn't it?

If I give it to Little Monkey's father, won't I look good?

Where did you get the money to buy such a valuable painting?

I didn't say I bought it.

You stole it? Luo Qiuchi, how could you still...

Don't worry! I didn't steal it.

That's better.

[Birthday]

Madam, this is bad!

What is it that has you so panicked?

Sir Wenren... Sir Wenren is missing!

Should I go and look for him?

What do you mean, "look for him?"

Do you want the entire capital to find out?

Madam, the guests are almost here.

Go back to tend to your chores.

Yes.

Isn't it your fancy birthday banquet today?

Why are you here?

It's also the anniversary of her death.

I knew you'd be here, too.

But she died because of you.

It's been so many years.

You keep talking about this.

Is there any point to it?

I've seen A'Juan.

What did you say to her?

You should go ask her.

All these years,

have you treated A'Juan well?

What did you say to her?

If I had known, I should have brought her back to the mountain with me.

She's my daughter.

Not yours.

However, ask yourself,

have you treated A'Juan well all these years?

I promised Xiaomei not to kill you.

But that doesn't mean that I don't have other ways to make things difficult for you.

All the sins you've committed all these years,

will be repaid soon.

[Grave of Cherished Wife, Ruan Xiaomei]

We should leave. The soldiers will catch up with us soon.

I can't just not worry about him. He will be killed by them.

Why do you care about him? He's from the Wen family.

We are strangers coming together by chance. Thank you for your help.

You should go or you'll get dragged into this. Hurry!

Relax! I will save you.

Xiaomei!

- What is going on? - Second Miss, I need to get back to my work.

First Madam, the palanquin of the Lord from the Ministry of Appointment is here.

And also, Lord Liu from Dali Temple will be here from two streets away.

- I know. - Sir Wenren still hasn't come back yet.

Open the door! Be prepared to receive guests.

Yes.

[Qinghui Pavilion]

Mother, why isn't Father back yet?

You even dare to say?

Since you appeared,

nothing in this family has ever gone well.

You'd better behave yourself today.

If you ruin this banquet, you'll see how I deal with you.

[Qinghui Pavilion]

- Please, come in! - Congrats! Congrats!

Come in, please.

Sir Wang! Sir Liu!

We are honored by your presence.

Congratulations, Madam Wenren!

This is a little present, I hope you don't mind.

You're too polite!

Please enter.

Where is Sir Wenren?

I'm here.

Sir Wang. Sir Liu.

It's my birthday today but I still had to deal with some documents.

I apologize for not showing enough hospitality.

Not at all, not at all! Work is more important.

- Please, come in. - Please!

You went to see her just now, didn't you?

Sir Wenren, congratulations!

- Thank you! - Please!

Congratulations!

Sir Wenren, Prince Kang has sent me to wish you a happy birthday.

He's sent this little present with his regards.

Prince Kang isn't even going to attend?

Isn't this present too small?

You still don't know?

Prince Kang doesn't get along with Sir Wenren.

He's doing this on purpose just to spite him.

Receive it!

Please thank Prince Kang for his well wishes.

When it comes to his birthday, I'll send a large gift.

Sir Liu, what an honor!

Congratulations.

Excuse me for not going out to meet you.

This way, please.

- Are you clear about everything? - Yes.

Don't be obvious! Move the other presents away.

My cousin would like to take a look later.

Hurry, off you go.

[Wenren Manor]

So this is what the Wenren Manor looks like from the front.

Let's go! It's time for my father-in-law to see

my present.

Brother Luo.

- Sir Wenren. - Welcome, welcome!

Brother Luo, you're here.

Everyone, this is my good friend!

He's the great talent handpicked by the emperor, Luo Qiuchi.

So, this is the great talent?

- I've admired you for a long time. - Sir Sun. - Oh, Sir Sun.

Oh, Sir Sun, you're too polite.

This is a painting I asked the master painter Sun Wei to produce.

If it's Sun Wei, then it won't be cheap.

Let's open it and have a look.

We've got to have a look

If I give Sun Wei's painting to Little Monkey's father, won't I look good?

- Where did you get the money for such a valuable painting? - I never said I bought it.

You stole it?

This... This is really a treasure.

Wow! What a treasure!

What a gem!

Such a good painting!

Look at it.

Look at that painting.

It's excellent.

This painting has a forest and

there are seven masters.

This must be the "Seven Sages in the Bamboo Forest."

Sir Wenren, you have a good eye.

Guoli, come here.

Keep this.

I heard that Sun Wei is aloof and arrogant.

It's difficult to get him to paint and you got him to paint for you.

It must have been very expensive.

Sir Wenren, if it's for your birthday,

then the amount of money doesn't matter.

Didn't you say you didn't spend any money?

I can't be bothered with you!

Luo Qiuchi, thank you for your sincerity.

I organized a banquet not to seek riches.

If you spent too much because of this, then it goes against my intention.

So I can't accept this painting.

I'm sorry.

Actually, I didn't spend money on this painting.

Didn't spend money? How can that be?

It must be a fake!

A fake! How can it be real if he didn't spend any money?

Then, why did you say you spent quite a lot just now?

I found out that Sun Wei was in the capital.

So I asked him for a painting.

But he refused,

so I played chess with him all night.

He saw that I was sincere, so he agreed.

Then, why did you lie?

Was it because you wanted to look good?

I was afraid that you'd worry that this painting was procured by dishonest means.

So that's why I didn't tell the truth.

You were being thoughtful.

Sir, Classmate Luo's sincerity

is very admirable.

I just looked at the painting.

It's too bad that it's fake.

A fake?

If Classmate Fu doesn't believe me,

feel free to invite Master Sun here to authenticate it in person.

What a good idea!

- There's no need. - I agree.

Madam, this is the banquet you especially organized for me.

It might spoil the mood if we go down this path.

If someone manipulates me during my husband's banquet

then that would really spoil the mood.

Let's go with what Master Fu says.

Baoquan.

Go invite Master Sun to the manor.

Yes.

So much has been happening in the manor today.

A'Juan, are you done yet?

If you don't come out, the banquet will be over.

Coming, coming.

Qinghe, is this okay?

It's fine. It looks so nice!

Really?

Who is it?

Me!

Qiuchi?

Quickly go.

Hurry and go.

Qiuchi, why are you here instead of the front yard?

Open the door first.

I can't.

Why not?

Because... Because we can't meet before the banquet begins.

What are you saying?

Anyhow, just no!

You should go back.

So many people have come today.

If we're seen, then there's no way we can explain ourselves.

Qiuchi?

Luo Qiuchi?

He really went away?

Why didn't he, at least, let me know?

A'Juan, you're back!

I never thought that someone as scary as the Mountain Lord would be so good to you.

Actually, he's really not so scary.

- It's just that he's too deeply misunderstood by everyone. - Really?

I still think he's scary.

Maybe it's because...

he looks a little scary, doesn't he?

I think that's true.

That's right! I brought this good rouge for you.

Try it out! I'll get a basin of water for you.

Wow, this is great! Thanks, Qinghe.

Little Monkey, do you think if you don't open the door I won't—

Qiuchi, why did you come?

- You... th-th-this... - I...

What have you put on your face?

Doesn't it look good? Qinghe bought this rouge for me.

It looks good! You look even more like a little monkey now.

- Look at your face! It's just like a monkey's butt. - You...

Then, don't look!

I say...

You already look pretty good, why did you have to put on makeup?

I see that my sister and the rest of them do this.

Tell me! Why do you think it looks

so good when my sister puts it on?

Why does it become like a monkey's butt when I put on makeup?

What do I care about how your sister looks?

I just like monkeys butts, so what?

Are you due to perform soon?

Then when you're performing, if you get stage fright,

then you just look at me.

I'm right by your side.

Then, you'll understand something.

There's nothing in the world

that's scarier than me.

All right, then.

Then you need to be by my side all the time.

Of course, that's a given.

Then... you still should go.

If you disappear for too long, people will get suspicious.

Let them be suspicious. I don't like these pretentious events anyway.

Has something happened?

Nope!

♫ Those promises that were kept in the heart ♫

♫ Those past you mentioned ♫

I... I-I-I have to go.

♫ The bits and pieces that cannot be replaced ♫

♫ I want to wait till the right time ♫

♫ And turn to the page you switched to ♫

Doesn't it look good?

Qinghe!

- This way, please. - What's going on? I'm asking you a question.

- Don't get anxious, Sir. - Can I not be anxious?

Are you dumb? I've been asking you, who sent for me?

Please, Sir.

Sir Sun, you're here!

- We are honored by your presence. - You...

Sir Sun, I think Butler Wang must have explained to you

why we've invited you here.

Now, you think of me?

Why didn't you invite me when you were having a banquet?

Moreover, now, you want me to do this pointless task. I'm very busy!

Master Sun is usually very low-key.

It must be because Sir Wenren didn't know you were in the capital.

That's right!

I have been impolite, Master Sun.

Forget it! Bring it over.

What painting needs my authentication?

- Present it. - Yes.

Bring it closer!

There are too many fakes on the market.

Master Sun, you have to look carefully.

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by Cheerful Scholars @Viki

This art is fake.

Fake?

How can it be fake?

You don't believe me, do you?

Look at this paper! Such low quality.

Will I use such cheap paper to paint?

This can't be more fake!

Which scumbag stole my name

to fool people? Tell me!

Classmate Luo, what should we do now?

Creating a forgery and getting found out by the original artist.

Is there anything more shameful?

A commoner is just a commoner.

This is really shameful.

- I think this Master Luo didn't mean... - Sir Wenren is magnanimous.

I really feel guilty.

- All right, let's just forget it. - Hang on!

Master Sun.

Master Sun, be good!

Master Sun, I think

you've drunk too much and you're confused.

Do you really forget so easily?

You're the one that's drunk too much! What do you mean by this?

Just now, Classmate Fu also said

that there are many fake paintings out there that look like the real thing.

Doesn't that mean that some real paintings

can also be mistaken for fake?

Is there a pair of eyes that

is more reliable that Master Sun's?

Of course, eyes are reliable.

But the mouth that gives voice to what the eyes see... that's something else.

There's something else that differs from person to person.

And that's Master Sun's

fingerprint.

"Pear Blossoms Bloom" by Su Miaoling

♫ Pear flowers are blossoming, pear flowers are blossoming ♫

♫ Fluttering in the wind ♫

♫ Waving to and fro on the mountain ♫

♫ Thousands of miles away ♫

♫ Thousands of miles away ♫

♫ Is she still waiting there ♫

♫ Dear wind, please blow gently ♫

♫ Slowly blowing the ends of her hair ♫

♫ Rain, please drizzle slowly ♫

♫ Don’t dampen her face ♫