Original subtitles

Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at Viki

The Story of Ming Lan

Episode 12

He... so what if he does. It has nothing to do with me.

Miss!

The Young Lord from Duke Qi Manor is here.

Saying since he's studied so much at our home academy all these years,

he came especially to show his gratitude.

He brought gifts for each of the Young Masters and Misses,

delivered to each room.

Miss. This was brought here by Buwei personally.

He said the Young Lord, when he sent him to purchase items for the Imperial exam,

had him procure a nice brush for you.

And there are other little things in here,

to have you pick out all you want.

Buwei also said, this purple hare brush, (T/N a special type of fur for a premium brush)

no one else has it.

Where is the Young Lord right now?

He went to pay visit to Master and now he should be at Old Madam's room.

Miss, maybe we sneak out and take a look?

Look at what? He's taking the exam tomorrow. Don't distract him.

There are too many items and I can't take them all.

I'll just pick out a few to honor his good will.

The rest, let's have him take them back.

You two go out first and thank Buwei for me.

Alright. Let's go, Xiaotao.

Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at Viki

May you pass the exam quickly, to put to good use the exertion you've put in these years. ♫ One morning, a flower opened and approached a willow tree, beautifully fragrant and mistaking him for her lord ♫

Afterwards.

Thanks. ♫ Even if drinking in water in the morning, red clouds have half a day of sunshine, the wind and rain do not affect them completely ♫

Second Son! Second Son! ♫ In the palace, you are constantly brave and growing thin, from on high, your cold tears of distress flow ♫

It's so late, but you're still going out?

You might get a cold. You're going to the exam yard tomorrow. ♫ Brocade letters delivered to me dismiss me, only suddenly to recall me,

not for many years can I see you other than stealthily♫

Tonight, just stay home and rest.

Whatever you need tomorrow,

brushes and ink, clothing, carriage and servants, I've prepared them all for you already.

Early tomorrow, the whole family will send you off to the exam yard.

Won't that be nice?

If he wants to go, let him go.

I was going anyway. You needn't chase me out, Father.

I'm chasing you out?

Your mother says to remain at home,

but you insist on going to some brothel with your rogue friends.

Then you say it is I who am chasing you out?

Say a couple words less.

He's going to the exam yard tomorrow.

Forget it. Don't plead for him. He's already gone.

How can we be the boss of him?

Darling Second.

Tomorrow at the exam, you'll surely place at the top.

For you and the sake of the two children,

I must pass with high marks.

You are the mountain for my children and I.

With you, I fear nothing.

Here.

Tonight, just stay in my room and don't leave.

The two children are already asleep.

They are with the nanny. It's no trouble.

Ye'er! You've got the big exam tomorrow!

Tonight, you should drink less alcohol.

Yes, Nanny. I'll go over to the study to sleep soon.

Tomorrow, I'll escort you to the exam yard.

I'll chant and pray for you outside.

Woman, you can still chant and pray for him at home.

And you've got the two children with no one watching them.

Once Ye'er enters the exam yard, he should have nothing weighing on his mind.

You shouldn't distract him.

Nanny is right.

Those restless ones in my family,

they're looking for you everywhere, wanting to seize something against me.

You must not go tomorrow for sure.

Darling Second!

After you pass the exam with top marks,

you won't just abandon me, right?

For you and the two children, I've already gone to a deadlock with my family.

If I stop here in the middle of it,

then the sufferings will have been in vain.

My maternal grandfather was a merchant.

Since I was young, I've known not to engage in a losing deal.

[ Duke Qi Manor ]

The four writing utensils are in this box.

The ink and tray are wrapped in oiled paper.

Please be careful when you open the oiled paper so you don't soil your hands.

If ink taints the exam paper, that's big trouble.

Sixth Miss of Sheng Family, after taking the hare brush,

did she send word with you?

She just tipped me a few coins and took a few little items.

She said to thank the Young Lord on her behalf and nothing else.

Think it through again.

I didn't even see the Sixth Miss in person.

Even if she wanted to tell you something, she didn't have a way to send it with me.

That sewing shop is quite diligent.

I told them to make two pairs of knee guards, and he shoved an extra pair in for me.

They even used velvet for it.

That old sewing shop sure knows to flatter.

[ Yuanbao ]

"Yuanbao".

Yuanruo.

Let me ask you something. After you received the knee guards, where did you place them?

I put them in the basket.

Other than the knee guards, I also bought brushes, ink and trays.

I put them all in the basket.

I sent them to Sheng House for Sixth Miss to pick out items, and then brought them back.

What are you smiling about, Young Lord?

She has me in her heart.

She does have me in her heart.

[ Four Eras in Highest Rank ]

Miss, I hear,

Duke Qi rented the biggest inn on this street.

What exam-taking is this? It's like celebrating.

Don't talk nonsense. Matters of Duke Qi House aren't something for us to discuss about.

Everyone on the street knows. Not just me.

They do look as though they're celebrating.

The Emperor dotes on Princess Pingning the most lately.

His family is so grand beyond the speakable.

That's true.

So it just shows that one needs to have a mother who is the proper wife to be the best.

It's nearly time. Let them go in so they don't miss the exam time.

May you two brothers place gold, success with one stroke!

May you two leap over the Dragon Gate (T/N idiom - pass the tough exam)

and pluck from the Toad Palace. (success in Imperial exam).

Then I shall wish for the two brothers, at the exam place,

drink lots of water and rest a lot.

What's that you're saying?

You don't know how to say anything auspicious?

I just said what came to mind.

Then, I'll say . . .

Two brothers, it must be stuffy and tiring at the exam yard, and water can kill the fire.

Once your mood is better, your essays will be written nice and pretty, as though helped by the divine.

Sixth Sister's words are true. We shall both drink a lot of water.

You never like to smile but you actually smiled, Second Brother.

Then, let us borrow Sixth Sister's great words.

Done talking?

Go on.

Isn't that the Second Young Master of Marquis Gu Manor?

How come he doesn't even have a horse carriage?

He's the one with least fanfare.

If that Young Master wants to grab the attention,

I fear even the ducal manor can't cover it.

[ Silence ]

The courtyard is locked for three days during the exam period.

No one unrelated is allowed entrance.

Within a hundred steps outside the exam yard,

no one related is allowed to loiter!

Over there.

This?

Confucius stated one should not rely on devils or illicit gods.

You've got three gods you're praying to. Which one are you pleading to?

Too much oil doesn't ruin a dish and too much cordiality won't ruin a person.

Don't worry about which god. Just as long as I offer more incense,

they will watch over our Changbai naturally!

If Changbai is truly talented, he will pass the exam for sure.

If he's just an ignorant fool, even if you go to Buddhist realm,

and kneel before the Buddha himself,that's still useless.

Useless or not, at least I've offered my sincerity.

Look at Duke Qi and the wife.

They even went to Daxiangguo Temple to burn incense and donated thousands of taels for fragrant oil. (T/N Built by the Tang Dynasty, the Royal Temple of the Song period, destroyed by flood in Ming era, rebuilt by Qing.)

I am just praying to gods at home and nothing extravagant, and this still won't do?

Minister, you come and pray too.

- Pray. - I'm not praying.

- I told you . . . - Do we keep these things you don't want for Second Brother?

Let me see.

- You pray now. - Go on.

Dear various gods, watch over my sons, Changfeng, Changbai,

so they pass with high marks on the first try.

Let our Sheng family honor our ancestors and bring glory to the clan.

May the divine spirits watch over the Sheng clan.

Minister, just pray already.

For your son, it's nothing bad.

Go on. Pray what?

I have work to do.

Why don't you eat?

Second Son is taking the test. I made a wish.

I'm abstaining from baths and burning incense to pray for blessing.

I only eat two meals a day.

You've already spoiled him rotten.

Even if you treat him even better, he still won't shine.

He's only a child still.

No matter how he wrongs,

I will still, on Sister Bai's behalf,

dote on him more.

Minister, don't nitpick with that child either.

When others go to the exam yard, they call out and embrace.

But he went without as much as a notice.

How does he regard this father of his?

I imagine it's because Second Son is worried you'd might worry

he didn't want to call any the attention to it.

it's not like you don't know that child is always so thoughtful.

Ji Kang and Ruan Ji, these great literary scholars. (T/N two of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, 3rd century CE, scholars, writers and musicians)

Which one wasn't poetic and passionate?

Not like you. So just like him be.

Just a petty son and how can he be compared to Masters Ji and Ruan?

Don't stick gold to his face now.

Since he passed the preliminary to make it to the exam, I'll be easy on him for a few days.

After the exam, I'll deal with him.

Try this. I made this especially for you.

Hurry and eat.

Little chicken eats rice gain.

Feed it slowly.

And a big bean.

Good. Play well at home with Nanny.

Where are you going?

I just feel anxious.

So I wanted to go to the temple and pray for Second Young Master.

What did he say before he left the door?

He said for you to stay at home and watch the children, and don't show your face.

So you don't get discovered by people from Gu House.

Go back. These few exam days, you just stay home.

Put the rice in.

Sit.

These few days with Brothers Bai and Feng taking Imperial exams,

with only two gone, the whole house is suddenly

so quiet now.

Replying to Grandmother, my mother says these next few days she's going to abstain from bathing and shut her doors to devote herself to prayer.

Others are not allowed to make a ruckus.

I hear Big Madam is praying to Confucius, Buddhist and Taoist deities, all three at once.

I don't know which is the divine spirit?

Your mother isn't devoted to the gods or Buddha.

But I hear everyone in Linqi Pavilion is holding a copy of Book of Changes lately. (T/N "Yijing", the classic ancient divination text employing cleromancy)

Even those who are illiterate are holding a compass and making calculations. (T/N divination methods)

Who knows? Maybe a person's life is already fated at birth.

Noble is noble, and lowly is lowly.

No matter how you calculate, it's all useless.

Fifth Sister, who are you talking about here?

I wasn't talking about anyone.

Sister, we are just chatting idly while gathered by Grandmother.

Why are you getting all upset for?

I . . .

Grandmother, actually, no matter what my mother prays for,

it's all for the sake of the whole family.

During the time of your brothers' exam time, we must have the family in harmony.

You sisterhood must help your main mother watch over the house.

Yes.

Miss, the sun's about to go down. How about--

Didn't I tell you? You're not allowed to mention the word "down' these days!

Can't you remember this?

A petty air is just petty.

If even he can pass the exam by abstaining from using some words,

then all the monks in the temple would be top scorers. (T/N vow of silence, naturally prevents ALL words.)

Even if this Brother passes with high marks, the concubine-born sister?

She still can't social-climb her way into the ducal house!

You . . .

How can you say such shameless words?

Father already said, no one is allowed to fight over legitimate or concubine line anymore at home.

The way you speak, you're disregarding Father.

That act again.

Nothing new?

Just cry then. After you're done crying, go tattle.

I'm not scared.

You . . .

Fourth Sister, don't cry anymore.

Everyone's worried about the exam now.

Later, if Father hears you, he might blame you.

[ Exam Courtyard ]

Sixth Miss, it's very cold. Don't catch a chill.

Xiaotao, add a cloak for Miss.

What are you looking at, Miss?

Fan House has lights on.

I hear it was ordered by the Duke and Duchess of Qi to hang them for luck.

Miss.

They all say Young Lord is loved by a million.

Other than parents, he has others thinking of him.

Brilliantly white like snow on the mountain.

Shining brightly as the moon between clouds.

[ Exam Courtyard ]

Don't worry, Mother. Second Brother is not a question.

Why isn't he coming out?

The door's not open yet.

I know. I'm just anxious.

They're coming out.

Brother Bai is coming out.

You have to make an exception and go drink at Fan House with me.

Father. Mother.

Was it cold in the exam courtyard?

Your family's waiting scratching their ears.

What's he saying there? Hurry and come now.

- Second Brother. -Feng'er.

Father. Mother.

Bai'er. How did the exam go?

Young Master. Over here.

Young Master.

Let me. How did it go, Second Brother?

I'm sure he can place at the top!

You must be so exhausted.

I'll help you recuperate.

- Let's go. - Did the scholar guess it right?

You've only tested for three days and you've thinned out three rounds.

Were the exam topics very different from what you studied for?

You needn't worry so much.

I'm talking to you.

Mother. Let me catch my breath first.

I was holed up in that shell of a room for three days. I need to get some fresh air.

Alright, then. Get some air. Let's go.

Get in the carriage.

♫ One morning, a flower opened and approached a willow tree, beautifully fragrant and mistaking him for her lord ♫

What did you see? You're so happy.

I didn't get to see Mother for three days and I've missed you. ♫ Even if drinking in water in the morning, red clouds have half a day of sunshine, the wind and rain do not affect them completely ♫

Now I'm heading home.

I don't know why but I just feel happy.

That mouth of yours is growing sweeter. ♫ In the palace, you are constantly brave and growing thin, from on high, your cold tears of distress flow ♫

♫ Brocade letters delivered to me dismiss me, only suddenly to recall me, not for many years can I see you other than stealthily♫

Xueniang's man Chiwu was sent off for Yangzhou by Mistress Lin today,

saying it's to procure some items.

Such timing she picks.

The entire family is waiting for exam results and there's no room to think about anything else,

so no one will notice her.

Do we go see your aunt later today?

Not later today, right now. You go to the inn right away.

Tell my aunt the snake's already shown itself.

As long as she follows that Chiwu, she won't need to worry that she won't find some clues.

Miss, you wanted me to pretend like I was sending your aunt back to Yangzhou secretly late at night,

and installing your aunt at the inn.

At the time, I didn't know what you were trying to do.

Now you know then?

Fishing requires a hook and a bait.

Now, we just wait for news.

This morning's incense is burning so beautifully.

Great, like a lotus flower!

That's a great auspicious sign from above.

I bet our Bai'er must have placed at the top!

Yes, yes, top placement.

Why isn't Ru'er still not out yet?

We've finally made it through to the results posting and she's still so lazy?

Hurry and rush Fifth Miss!

Winning or losing is at one stroke.

Bai'er must win for me. Best if my son places at the top,

and that little rabbit's name falls to the bottom. Then I'll see--eek!

- Big Madam! - Big Madam!

You put too much power into that stroke. It's off-scale.

You have something on your mind to break through.

If you can't write well, rest a bit.

I can write well.

You're worried about the Young Lord's result.

How can you write well?

N-No. I... I'm not.

I've lived to such an age,

at least I can tell about these things.

The night before the big exam, Young Lord came under pretext of paying respects to come present gifts here.

But in reality, he was just trying to send a gift to you.

That's putting a louse on top of a bald head. So obvious!

You're the flesh on my heart.

Of course I want you to have the best match in the world.

Qi Yuanruo is a great person and his family is great too.

Just that the family is too great and the parents are strict.

If you go over there, first, you may not rise to be the main wife,

and second, even if you rise to be the main wife,

your days will still just be full of suffering.

On this, you'll have to be clear-minded.

Princess Pingning is so proud and arrogant.

His prospects are far-reaching and too rich to be a good match.

Your granddaughter understands all that.

It's just a bit hard to take.

Big Madam rushed out and wasn't careful, so she slipped and sprained her foot.

She's fussing about calling a physician here.

The results are posted.

Whether you go see it or not, the rankings won't change.

Old Madam is right.

Master said to have Fifth Miss go and look.

But Big Madam just insists on going personally.

She's fussing about it now.

Ming'er. You accompany your Fifth Sister for the trip.

The Minister does not find it convenient to leave.

He needs to send a messenger, and you're my messenger.

Go take a look at the grandsons' result on behalf of the grandmother. That's reasonable and proper.

Thank you, Grandmother.

Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at Viki

Since the old days, Bianjing has had the custom of picking out son-in-laws before the posts.

Those people are waiting eagerly for the day the results are posted.

Watching outside the exam courtyard, seeing who passed, and they snatch him into their own carriage!

Thus forcing him to marry their own daughter!

We must be careful so our Second Son isn't snatched away.

Those people are mostly town peddlers, merchants of the land.

Don't mention merchants again!

A merchant is one thing.

But Second Son's temper.

You know, if he's bent on being stubborn,

I don't know who he would pick,

and it will affect his future career as an official.

He's keeping a singer outside.

Did he think about his government career then?

If we can get our Second Son to chase that woman away, that would be great.

But with his temperament?

He surely won't be willing.

He dares?

Whether he passes this exam or not, he must separate from that woman regardless.

If he refuses, I will break his legs.

Don't fret, My Lord.

He's become more mature lately.

And also, no one passes the exam on first try.

If he didn't pass today, don't you scold him.

[ Grace and honor to the ones who made it to roster. ]

Second Brother!

Your entire family has mobilized.

They're so scared if you made to the top of the roster, their brother will be snatched away.

Even the younger sisters are here as your guards.

Here, here.

That man seems quite good.

Handsome in appearance and a great air about him.

He's got that unique air about him.

If he passes, Brother Wang,

you must not try to fight me for him.

Landlord Yuan, you take him all you want.

Why?

He's none other than Gu Tingye. I will not fight you for him.

That's actually him?

That charming vanguard. Beguiling conqueror of the peony. (T/N Ladies' man)

My daughter? I'd rather to keep her with me forever

than to have him ruin her!

That's true!

Did you hear that?

No one wants to find one like me for their son-in-law.

Let's go.

What is it? What ranking?

I . . .

I didn't see Young Master's name.

How can that be?

We all looked at all corners.

We really didn't.

I'll go personally.

Mother. Don't go.

All four had their eyes opened wide and looked through for so long and didn't find it, so it means I didn't pass.

What if they are blind and missed it?

Mother.

Mother.

That's her temper.

After she looks, she'll give up.

He made it. He made it! Second Brother, there!

Second Brother passed!

Second Brother. You passed! Great!

You passed! You're in the top! You placed thirteenth!

[ Thirteenth: Sheng Changbai ]

- Go back home to tell them this good news. - Congratulations, Second Brother.

Thanks to the heavens and earth.

That aura! Handsome and talented. A great pillar of the nation!

Let me marry my daughter to you!

What are you doing? What are you doing?

Did you pass?

If I have good news, I'll come and tell you.

Alright.

Not here.

Brother, where are you?

I'm looking!

I've disappointed.

Passing on the first try is as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.

Not many since our nation was established.

If you don't pass this time, all you have to do is take it again.

[ Imperial Exam Roster of Top Candidates ]

Little Sixth Miss!

Greetings, Second Uncle.

Can't be.

How can there not be?

What are you all doing all dazed up? Hurry and look.

It's impossible that I'm not there. I wrote it and I know I made it!

Young Master, this must be your first try at the exam.

You're so young and you'll have lots of opportunities in the future.

If you don't pass this time, just come again next time.

What did you say? What did you say?

- Young Master. - How can I not pass? What are you saying, you scum!

You didn't pass and that means you didn't. Hurry and go back now instead of embarrassing ourselves.

Let's go.

Let's go.

[ Exam Roster ]

Go back.

Go back to the manor.

Stop the carriage.

What for?

I think Sheng Changbai made it to the top roster.

We were classmates for a long time, so propriety calls for me to congratulate him.

Yes, yes. That's the proper etiquette.

You go. I can't afford that embarrassment.

Brother Changbai.

Actually, Brother Yuanruo's family is so mighty.

He doesn't need the Imperial exam to have a prospect.

It's not an issue of prospects.

Young Lord has cultivated himself for years for this exam.

He didn't pass and he must be very sad.

What's there to be sad about?

In time, he can just submit a memorial and ask for an official position based on his family merit.

Like me, didn't pass.

Congratulations to you two sisters.

Brother Yuanruo, you needn't be sad.

Not many pass with top scores on first try.

Many are still taking the exam at age seventy or eighty!

I'm fine.

Sixth Sister. We've not seen each other in so long.

Are you well?

I am fine. Very well.

I haven't seen you in so long either, Brother Yuanruo.

Why don't you ask me if I'm well?

Your face is shiny with rosy hues and your voice is sonorous.

One can see clearly you are well and there's no need to ask.

Young Lord, the Imperial exam is extremely difficult and that's well-known to everyone.

Take the next exam and you'll surely pass.

You are really willing to believe I can still pass?

I believe in you.

Young Lord, your talent is outstanding.

Fifth Sister is most aware of it.

We all know. Yes, yes.

Don't despair.

These words of yours, I shall mark to heart.

Next Imperial exam, I must pass it.

Then let me bid farewell first.

Did you see that?

Earlier, Heng'er looked like he was struck by frost.

But a few words exchanged with the Sheng girls,

and he's elated with all weariness gone.

Those chits from little households.

They are not easy.

Sheng family's girls are pretty.

I mean, if Heng'er likes one of them, we should look into it,

see if the girl is promised to another.

Are you senile?

Does their house have a noble title?

[ Exam rosters ]

He passed.

Second Brother. Actually, not passing isn't such a big deal.

I'll accompany you and study a few more years.

Then, we should return.

I don't want to go anywhere.

Actually, there aren't many like that Su House.

Most don't pass.

Even the Duke Qi Manor one, theirs didn't pass either.

I finally know.

Why my maternal grandfather, back then,

insisted on marrying my mother into the Marquis Manor.

Those merchant families snatching top scorers are like my Bai House.

All for the daughters' next half of their lives.

I had thought I had higher resolve than others.

I didn't imagine,

that I failed to roster.

And it turns I am no different than they are.

Second Brother, you are the legitimate heir of the Marquis!Manor.

You are different from the rest!

I am not much different than the rest.

You are different from them indeed.

You only came out of your resolve.

And this resolve has dissipated.

You didn't make it on the first try and there's a next time.

Don't be so hopeless.

[ Exam Courtyard ]

Hurry. Second Brother!

- Second Brother. - Hey, slower.

- Son. - Mother.

My son. You didn't disappoint me!

You made it worthwhile that I gave birth to you and raised you!

My son.

Changbai. You've added honor to the Sheng House.

I have not put to shame Father's hope in me.

Don't you say that. You're just the best!

Hurry. Hurry and ease my son with some food and drinks.

Let's hold a celebration banquet. A banquet to thank the teacher!

Set off ten li of firecrackers. Bestow porridge and scatter coins! (T/N 10 li = 5 km or 3,1 US miles)

Set off firecrackers?

Of course. It's such a happy event.

Don't we need to set off the firecrackers to congratulate?

Ten li of firecrackers!

Great then.

Big Madam will just be more haughty now.

That Rulan is going to step on my head now.

What's the dazing around for? Hurry and go in.

Don't show yourself.

- Second Brother passed. - Mother.

Congratulations to Mother.

Bai'er didn't disappoint us and made it to the top roster.

Great. I already found out.

Everyone come sit.

Let me ask you. What's the loud bustling outside about?

I told them to set off firecrackers1

Bai'er scored top marks.

Today at our family banquet, we'll all chime in to celebrate.

You're raising a ruckus,

so the entire capital knows that the Sheng son passed?

They all studied at the private academy in our house.

Young Lord Qi didn't pass.

Second Son of Gu House didn't pass either.

Our family celebrates with such fanfare.

Is that to give Duke and Duchess Qi

along with Marquis Gu a slap in the face?

Hurry and go and tell those who went out procure to return.

Have them come back.

We'll close our doors and windows. That firecrackers and porridge donation,

we won't hold it and we won't set it off!

Living in the capital is so stifling.

Princes and dukes, noble clans, all squeezed together.

And we have to be sensitive to how others feel. This is worse than Yangzhou.

You.

Big Madam, don't feel deflated.

- We can close the doors and celebrate and that's still the same. - Right.

I've already prepared a congratulatory gift for Second Brother.

I've been waiting for him to place on the top roster to gift it to him.

You're the sensible one, Ming girl. Better than your older sisters.

Fifth Sister also prepared a gift.

It's much more precious than mine.

When did I prepare a gift?

Old rules. I prepared yours.

You're the sensible one.

We need to make a marriage match for him or else he's going to be over the age at this rate we're dragging out.

This matter can't be rushed.

Why did I insist on disapproving before?

Think.

There's no hope for me to enter the central cabinet in this life.

At most, I muddle myself into a silver-green-colored grand advisor title.

If I can retire honorably at the court ranking of three, would be considered very respectful.

If Bai'er doesn't have his wife's family's assistance, how far can he go really?

If he's just a talented scholar,

then which house will be willing to come assist him?

Big Madam, you must not blame him for not setting a marriage prospect for Bai'er.

This is what I did to him back then too.

At the time, he passed and rostered,

and that's how I could afford the shame to propose marriage to you at your Wang House.

Mother is right.

My Wang House is quite accomplished.

Mother. Yesterday, my sister came to visit.

She brought her niece on her husband's side, Yun'er.

I saw that Yun'er has both great appearance and temperament.

I've seen Yun'er when she was little. She's pretty good indeed.

When she has someone she's fond of later on and about to marry,

let me know, so I can send a nice gift.

Yes.

Bai'er rostered at a young age.

His talent is rare. What marriage?

Let us discuss this out slowly. We can't rush.

Yes, you are very right in that conclusion.

How many times did I tell you?

Don't go roam around wildly before the exam and you wouldn't listen.

If you put that effort you have for wine and entertainment

into studying for the exam,

then today you might have been listed at the top too.

We wouldn't need them to wield their might at us.

You've caused me to be scolded by your father too,

saying I am too lax with you.

These last couple days, Father's been staying at Weirui Balcony.

He doesn't even come take a look at us.

Brother's the only one that didn't roster and it's implicated Mistress Lin and I to suffer too.

And that chit Rulan. Her tail is about to point up to the sky!

Can't even walk straight.

One incompetent man makes three suffer.

Passing on first try at the exam is as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.

It's more common to not pass after seventeen or eighteen years still.

Then how did Second Brother pass?

Didn't you say your essays are better than his?

If I don't blame you, then I'm supposed to blame myself instead?

If I were a man and I could go out to take the exam,

who'd put hopes in you?

Second Brother's sister is always burning incense and praying to Buddha for him.

Praying for him and doing needlework for him.

How great is my sister though? Even the knee guards for the exam yard were gifts from Minglan.

You're just thinking about reciting and writing poetry all day,

and marrying into a marquis house! Or else, fighting Rulan for attention?

Hopes in me?

You want me to do needlework for you?

You're always surrounded tightly by those witches in your room.

Why do you ask for me?

You all shut up.

What's the arguing for?

This isn't some great act. Some honorable deed.

If others hear you, you will have no honor either.

And you. You said you ran out of stamina for the test.

But you come back home, and you've got energy to argue with your sister?

Let me tell you. Your sister's talent is higher than Xie Daoyun! (T/N Exceptional woman of the 4th century - Eastern Jin Dynasty - poet, writer, calligrapher, scholar, debater)

What's wrong with her wanting to marry high?

It's you instead.

If you can't pass the civil exam and can't get an official duty,

then you might have to depend on your sister's husband for support!

Who? Who wants another's support?

Among my good buddies, so many are sons of aristocrats and nobility.

Which one couldn't help me? Who needs my sister.

And you, Molan. Stop saying I didn't pass!

Next time I take the exam, I'm sure I'll pass!

Mother, look how he's scolding me.

You. - Alright.

Let me tell you, your father's gleeful lately and your look now,

if it annoys him, he just won't come even more so!

And I've got Yangzhou matters I'm busy with.

Wine, wine.

You said it well!

Yes.

There's a matter

that I don't understand, no matter what.

Your essays? I know them.

How can they not pass?

Where was the loss?

It must be me.

I regarded myself too highly. Actually, my essays aren't so great.

I hear, Duke and Duchess Qi.

The second day after the roster was posted, they went to pay a visit at the main proctor's home,

asking the reason why he didn't pass.

Did Marquis Gu not go and ask then?

Princess Pingning of Duke Qi Manor.

She loves her son more than life.

The elder in my home?

He would rather that I bury myself in a hole and never come out to embarrass him!

How would he possibly go and ask for me?

Come, now. Drink wine.

My father's only a fifth-ranking minor official in court.

He regards himself noble and virtuous. Never socializes or entertains.

He only knows to press me to study to death and I'm a concubine-born at that!

Those princes and nobles are born lucky!

What's wrong with being a concubine-born?

Are all legitimate heirs guaranteed of success?

Your elder brother at home, I've never seen him smile ever!

A man like him, even if he rosters high,

he will only be faced with struggles at the government post.

I think Elder Brother Youguang is right.

You have to look at the situation clearly.

His Majesty doesn't have a son. All the high ministers

are all dying to kneel inside the hall daily.

Begging the Emperor to adopt from the Imperial clan. Prince Yong is vulgar.

Prince Yan is capable. The world knows.

You mean Prince Yan, he's going to be . . .

Just keep it to yourself. No need to say it aloud.

Yes, yes. I understand.

Prince Yan is of noble birth.

His mother's clan are third-generation high ministers. Glory and honor never-ending!

All the men that work for him are all capable and fierce.

I can't think of anyone else besides him in the Imperial court!

It's nice to be an Imperial clansman. You don't need the exam.

You don't need to toil and study by the cold window.

[ Fan House ]

[ Sheng Manor ]

Slowly.

Where did you go?

I've been waiting here all night without sleeping!

I was going to send someone to look for you but I was afraid your father would know and Weirui Balcony would have one against us.

Where did you go?

Before I left yesterday, didn't I tell you?

Third Young Master Qiu wanted to invite good friends and wanted me to accompany him.

I've always been like this, so why this alarm now?

You're usually not coming home at night?

Then did you go and sleep on some whore's bed last night?

Mother, must you speak so ugly? Not a whore.

Flower-adorned beauty is what she is.

You loser.

You fail to make the list, and you go to the brothel and drink wine?

If your father finds out, what will happen? Have you thought it?

So what if he finds out.

Who is that Young Master Qiu?

His father. His older uncle.

They are officials serving Prince Yan. The current monarch has no sons.

When Prince Yan ascends, he becomes the new Emperor.

I have my reason to socialize with these friends.

Didn't you say if I didn't pass the exam,

I will need my sister's husband's support?

I just won't!

Slower.

Prince Yan?

Hurry and make some sobering tonic for Third Young Master.

Yes, don't worry, Mistress Lin.

Marquis, you've come this early.

Is it over the matter of your Second Son failing to roster?

My humble son lacks talent and I knew he wouldn't pass.

But if he wants to retake the exam, I must ask clearly.

Where was he lacking, so he doesn't repeat this again?

I really don't know how

- I can even begin on this. - Why?

Yesterday, Duke and Duchess Qi came to ask too.

Their Young Lord Qi,

he's innately-talented and smart.

His essays are beautifully written, but they lack a backbone.

If he can grind on it more, it's hopeful if he retakes later on.

Yes, yes. But what about my humble son's essay?

This is where I sigh.

Your son's essays. I've seen them with the two other proctors.

They were considered excellent text and imposing in vigor.

His writing reminds me of Duke Wenzheng's. (T/N Fan Zhongyan, scholar, poet, statesman of Song)

That's an over-praise.

So by rules, he should be listed.

But then, why did he not end up on the roster?

Find two men and go fetch that scum!

Second Young Master is already back. He's drunk and asleep.

He's got enough shame to drink wine? Beat him to wake him up!

I don't dare.

That scum!

You can still sleep?

Do you know what wreckage you have caused!

Do you!

Not passing the test is considering making wreckage?

Does the law of Gu Family allow one to live?

Who's that Yang Wuduan?

You return to the capital to take the exam, but you indulge in the entertainment outlets.

It's one thing if you just make some lousy poetry. But you get yourself and drunk and say what?

Passing the test isn't as good as attaching yourself to brothels?

The Emperor made it absolute to disallow him to retake the test!

But for a thing like that,

you roll your tongue wildly?

Scholar Wuduan is a rare talent.

Can't be that you're coming to beat me over his matter too?

I can't beat you little scum?

You went out and spoke wildly outside lamenting the injustice to Yang Wuduan.

Those words went to the Emperor's ears.

He had you scratched out from the top-three ranking!

And he said you can only retake at age fifty like that Yang Wuduan!

If you were good and stayed home

and had not gone to those brothels and to your rogue friends,

then how would you have fallen to this plight?

And you say I don't give you a way to survive?

I know! I've got it!

What are you doing?

Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at Viki

T/N In the following song, "Don't You Know, Don't You Know?", Lines 5 to the end are the poem by Li Qingzhao, a famous female poet of the Song Dynasty, the poem is titled "Spring Ends".

♫ One morning, a flower opened and approached a willow tree, beautifully fragrant and mistaking him for her lord ♫

♫ Even if drinking in water in the morning, red clouds have half a day of sunshine, the wind and rain do not affect them completely ♫

♫ In the palace, you are constantly brave and growing thin, from on high, your cold tears of distress flow ♫

♫ Brocade letters delivered to me dismiss me, only suddenly to recall me,

not for many years can I see you other than stealthily♫

♫ Last night, gusty winds and rain during my deep slumber did not spoil the wine's lingering effect ♫

♫ When I asked someone, they rolled the blind up and told me that all the crab-apple trees are as before. ♫

♫ Don't you know, don't you know, there must be flourishing leaves and fallen flowers? ♫

♫ Last night, gusty winds and rain during my deep slumber did not spoil the wine's lingering effect ♫

♫ When I asked someone, they rolled the blind up and told me that all the crab-apple trees are as before. ♫

♫ Don't you know, don't you know, there must be flourishing leaves and fallen flowers? ♫

♫ Don't you know, don't you know, there must be flourishing leaves and fallen flowers? ♫