Would you like to inspect the original subtitles? These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated:
1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:10,000
Timing and subtitles brought to you by "Bound by Threads" @Viki.com
2
00:00:12,000 --> 00:00:16,600
❝ The Old Man of Jiangnan ❞ by Lu Hu - Singers: Lu Hu and Liu Xijun
3
00:00:16,600 --> 00:00:19,400
♫ Apricot blossoms fall on the lake surface ♫
4
00:00:19,400 --> 00:00:23,400
♫ The misty rain dissolves away the longing ♫
5
00:00:23,400 --> 00:00:26,200
♫ The face under the oil-paper umbrella ♫
6
00:00:26,200 --> 00:00:30,200
♫ Hasn’t yet lost the youthfulness ♫
7
00:00:30,200 --> 00:00:32,800
♫ Your face in my dreams ♫
8
00:00:32,800 --> 00:00:37,000
♫ Emerged intermittently ♫
9
00:00:37,000 --> 00:00:39,800
♫ I wish I could return to the past ♫
10
00:00:39,800 --> 00:00:45,400
♫ Lying down drunkenly by the river bank ♫
11
00:00:45,400 --> 00:00:48,800
♫ How attached we were when we met ♫
12
00:00:48,800 --> 00:00:52,200
♫ How inseparable we were when we were together ♫
13
00:00:52,200 --> 00:00:55,600
♫ Mandarin ducks and butterflies couldn't see ♫
14
00:00:55,600 --> 00:00:59,200
♫ The great beauty of this world ♫
15
00:00:59,200 --> 00:01:02,700
♫ I’d like to be carried by the wind to Nirvana ♫
16
00:01:02,700 --> 00:01:05,800
♫ But nothing is comparable to you ♫
17
00:01:05,800 --> 00:01:09,200
♫ If the heart never changed ♫
18
00:01:09,200 --> 00:01:16,200
♫ I would have no regrets on the day I died ♫
19
00:01:23,800 --> 00:01:33,400
[Marvelous Woman]
20
00:01:34,800 --> 00:01:36,400
[Episode 17]
21
00:01:37,500 --> 00:01:40,000
The color of this fabric is beautiful.
22
00:01:41,000 --> 00:01:46,100
However, Second Master, I don't think we should proceed with our wedding.
23
00:01:47,200 --> 00:01:50,700
You should keep this fabric and give it to someone else.
24
00:01:50,700 --> 00:01:53,400
Are you saying this because of Teacher Wei?
25
00:01:53,400 --> 00:01:55,800
Or are you saying this because of the garments?
26
00:02:04,850 --> 00:02:09,240
Second Master, you don't have to put in so much effort for my sake.
27
00:02:11,760 --> 00:02:13,240
Shu Fang,
28
00:02:14,100 --> 00:02:16,200
you are a good person.
29
00:02:16,200 --> 00:02:18,000
We are already engaged to be married.
30
00:02:18,000 --> 00:02:21,700
Our marriage will always be valid as long as you're willing to marry me.
31
00:02:23,200 --> 00:02:25,200
Engaged to be married? No, we're not.
32
00:02:25,200 --> 00:02:27,600
We're not legally bound seeing as I did not put it in writing.
33
00:02:27,600 --> 00:02:31,000
You should stop mentioning our engagement from now on.
34
00:02:31,000 --> 00:02:35,000
I'm going to marry someone I love who will love me back in return.
35
00:02:35,000 --> 00:02:37,400
Let's stop wasting each others' time.
36
00:02:51,600 --> 00:02:53,100
Fine.
37
00:03:18,400 --> 00:03:22,100
Teacher Wei, take your medicine while it's still hot.
38
00:03:24,300 --> 00:03:29,100
Shu Fang, let me speak to Second Master and explain the situation to him.
39
00:03:31,000 --> 00:03:34,800
Eldest Mistress, there are too many gossipmongers in the mansion.
40
00:03:34,800 --> 00:03:38,400
Everyone now knows that I was the one who made that garment.
41
00:03:38,400 --> 00:03:41,600
I don't want Second Master to become a laughingstock.
42
00:03:41,600 --> 00:03:44,100
I cannot be so self-centred.
43
00:04:03,800 --> 00:04:08,800
My dear, I have implicated you.
44
00:04:08,800 --> 00:04:10,400
No...
45
00:04:20,800 --> 00:04:23,400
Second Master, Second Master! Where are you going?
46
00:04:26,400 --> 00:04:28,300
Don't torture yourself.
47
00:04:37,400 --> 00:04:39,200
Shu Mo,
48
00:04:39,200 --> 00:04:43,000
I am a person who is benevolent and righteous. I am a good person, aren't I?
49
00:04:43,000 --> 00:04:44,400
Yes, of course.
50
00:04:44,400 --> 00:04:47,400
You're an exceptionally good person.
51
00:04:55,730 --> 00:04:57,560
Which is why...
52
00:04:58,600 --> 00:05:01,800
...I should lend Shu Fang a helping hand.
53
00:05:05,590 --> 00:05:10,210
Shu Fang has truly fallen in love with Second Master.
54
00:05:11,000 --> 00:05:13,800
You've kept yourself in the dark for far too long
55
00:05:13,800 --> 00:05:16,400
and only realised the gravity of her feelings at this moment.
56
00:05:22,000 --> 00:05:25,800
Second Master definitely has feelings for Miss Shu Fang.
57
00:05:25,800 --> 00:05:29,600
Unfortunately, this incident has thrown in complications such as responsibility, feelings of shame
58
00:05:29,600 --> 00:05:32,000
and many other aspects.
59
00:05:32,000 --> 00:05:34,600
There's no need for them to get married hastily.
60
00:05:34,600 --> 00:05:38,000
It might be better for them to postpone it instead.
61
00:05:41,400 --> 00:05:44,600
On one hand, there is Shu Fang; on the other hand, there's Qiao'er.
62
00:05:45,460 --> 00:05:48,350
We grew up together and they've also been by my side ever since they were little.
63
00:05:50,010 --> 00:05:52,960
I treat them just as I would my own biological sisters.
64
00:05:54,380 --> 00:05:58,850
But now...
65
00:06:01,210 --> 00:06:03,220
My own predicament has caused me to let them down.
66
00:06:07,500 --> 00:06:11,220
Every single person's red thread of fate has already been arranged by Yue Lao.
(T/N: Red thread of fate – a thread which connects two destined lovers; Yue Lao – god of marriage and love)
67
00:06:12,000 --> 00:06:15,400
Destiny will arrange their marriage for them.
68
00:06:33,820 --> 00:06:35,380
Eldest Sister-in-Law!
69
00:06:36,400 --> 00:06:37,600
You gave me such a fright!
70
00:06:37,600 --> 00:06:40,400
Why have you hidden yourself here?
71
00:06:40,400 --> 00:06:42,300
Eldest Sister-in-Law, I need you to do me a favor.
72
00:06:43,410 --> 00:06:45,180
What is it?
73
00:06:52,900 --> 00:06:56,600
Eldest Sister-in-Law, has Shu Fang moved to the ancillary courtyard to stay?
74
00:06:56,600 --> 00:06:57,900
Yes, she has.
75
00:06:58,700 --> 00:07:00,000
Shu Fang is an exceptional lady.
76
00:07:00,000 --> 00:07:03,500
However, she may be a little foolish at times. She and Teacher Wei are not even bound by marriage,
77
00:07:03,500 --> 00:07:06,000
so it is extremely inappropriate for a single man and a single lady to be living together under one roof.
78
00:07:06,000 --> 00:07:08,600
Eldest Sister-in-Law, perhaps you should speak to Teacher Wei so Shu Fang's status might become respectable.
79
00:07:08,600 --> 00:07:10,200
Ren Ru Feng,
80
00:07:10,200 --> 00:07:14,400
by now, you should know exactly what sort of person Shu Fang is and what she's thinking.
81
00:07:14,400 --> 00:07:16,600
The engagement is between you and her alone.
82
00:07:16,600 --> 00:07:19,800
Stop dragging other people into it for no rhyme or reason.
83
00:07:19,800 --> 00:07:21,800
Teacher Wei is very ill.
84
00:07:21,800 --> 00:07:25,000
I'm not sure if he'll even last through the winter.
85
00:07:25,000 --> 00:07:26,600
Shu Fang is a woman who can think for herself.
86
00:07:26,600 --> 00:07:29,000
She knows exactly how she will be living her life.
87
00:07:29,000 --> 00:07:32,500
She doesn't need you spouting "virtuous notions" of compassion, duty, propriety and integrity while making arrangements on her behalf.
88
00:07:48,400 --> 00:07:50,700
Old Master Liu...
89
00:07:50,700 --> 00:07:52,600
I'm begging you.
90
00:07:52,600 --> 00:07:54,400
Please allow me to meet with Chancellor Li.
91
00:07:54,400 --> 00:07:56,400
The Chancellor is not in.
92
00:07:59,790 --> 00:08:01,710
I'm begging you.
93
00:08:02,500 --> 00:08:04,200
Please let me see Chancellor Li.
94
00:08:04,200 --> 00:08:07,000
I already told you he's not in!
[Suzhou Weaving Bureau]
95
00:08:10,600 --> 00:08:11,800
You–!
96
00:08:11,800 --> 00:08:13,200
Chancellor...
97
00:08:14,800 --> 00:08:17,200
What are you doing here?
98
00:08:17,200 --> 00:08:21,200
This insignificant one is willing to be a pioneer for your cause and deal with Shen Cui Xi.
99
00:08:21,200 --> 00:08:23,400
I will exterminate Qingyue Workshop!
100
00:08:26,000 --> 00:08:28,200
What's the matter with you?
101
00:08:28,200 --> 00:08:31,000
If Eldest Mistress had not led her astray,
102
00:08:31,000 --> 00:08:34,000
my wife would not have been rushing about whilst heavily pregnant.
103
00:08:34,000 --> 00:08:38,000
In the end, both lives were lost. Shen Cui Xi led them to their deaths!
104
00:08:38,000 --> 00:08:40,700
This insignificant one cannot live under the same sky as her!
105
00:08:41,800 --> 00:08:44,800
Ding Rong, it is scandalous for the respectable Suzhou Weaving Bureau
106
00:08:44,800 --> 00:08:48,000
to make things difficult for a widow such as herself all day long.
107
00:08:48,000 --> 00:08:50,000
That's enough. You may leave.
108
00:08:50,000 --> 00:08:51,800
Chancellor...
109
00:08:51,800 --> 00:08:54,300
- Chancellor, please give me a chance.
- Move aside!
110
00:08:54,300 --> 00:08:56,400
Chancellor... Chancellor!
111
00:08:56,400 --> 00:08:58,800
I beg you, please give me another chance!
112
00:09:00,190 --> 00:09:01,530
Guards!
113
00:09:02,200 --> 00:09:03,200
Drag him away.
114
00:09:03,200 --> 00:09:05,400
Give me another chance. Give me another chance!
115
00:09:05,400 --> 00:09:08,400
I will deal with Shen Cui Xi! I cannot live under the same sky as her anymore!
116
00:09:08,400 --> 00:09:10,200
Chancellor!
117
00:09:10,200 --> 00:09:11,800
Old Master Liu.
118
00:09:12,700 --> 00:09:13,800
I want you to tail him.
119
00:09:13,800 --> 00:09:15,200
Yes.
120
00:09:31,200 --> 00:09:34,800
Second Master, there's Ding Rong.
121
00:09:41,000 --> 00:09:43,800
You're a despicable excuse of a man who can't even distinguish right from wrong.
122
00:09:43,800 --> 00:09:45,700
Even dogs and pigs are more admirable than you.
123
00:09:48,400 --> 00:09:51,700
Who is that? He's beating him up so badly.
124
00:09:57,400 --> 00:09:59,800
He's so ruthless. What do you think happened?
125
00:09:59,800 --> 00:10:03,000
I heard that that man stole something from the Ren family and even accused their Eldest Mistress wrongly.
126
00:10:03,000 --> 00:10:06,600
In the end, he was caught at the scene of the crime and made his wife so angry she died on the spot.
127
00:10:06,600 --> 00:10:09,000
- Get up.
- What an unscrupulous creature he is.
128
00:10:09,000 --> 00:10:10,800
He bit the hands that fed him, and bullied and humiliated his previous mistress.
129
00:10:10,800 --> 00:10:12,700
He truly is a most devious dog.
130
00:10:16,400 --> 00:10:18,900
A scoundrel such as Ding Rong deserves to be thrashed soundly.
131
00:10:19,900 --> 00:10:21,500
So what if I've given him a good thrashing?
132
00:10:21,500 --> 00:10:24,000
I can't restore the past even if I beat him to death.
133
00:10:24,000 --> 00:10:26,600
You're simply venting your anger, Second Master.
134
00:10:26,600 --> 00:10:27,800
Ding Ring that maggot.
135
00:10:27,800 --> 00:10:31,200
If not for him, my and Shu Fang's wedding would not have been called off.
136
00:10:31,200 --> 00:10:34,700
Elder Sister Shu Fang is a tough nut to crack, I'm afraid this matter won't be resolved anytime soon.
137
00:11:11,370 --> 00:11:13,170
It's done.
138
00:11:25,220 --> 00:11:29,340
So this is what my portrait looks like.
139
00:11:30,510 --> 00:11:36,350
If this were the past, I would have added color to the portrait too.
140
00:11:36,350 --> 00:11:40,760
But now, I understand that simple things
141
00:11:40,760 --> 00:11:44,690
are the most beautiful and real.
142
00:11:47,970 --> 00:11:54,560
It's been too many years since my heart has been so at peace.
143
00:11:57,010 --> 00:11:59,250
I always felt that
144
00:11:59,250 --> 00:12:03,930
since the moment I was born, I was already old.
145
00:12:05,110 --> 00:12:07,650
Before meeting you,
146
00:12:08,730 --> 00:12:10,700
my heart
147
00:12:11,270 --> 00:12:14,320
was always lifeless.
148
00:12:18,530 --> 00:12:20,280
Cui Xi,
149
00:12:21,620 --> 00:12:23,120
thank you.
150
00:12:24,020 --> 00:12:28,410
Meeting you in this life,
151
00:12:29,410 --> 00:12:31,860
was my greatest fortune.
152
00:12:32,450 --> 00:12:36,860
You made me realize that in this world,
153
00:12:36,860 --> 00:12:41,080
even though some people experience the ugliness of human nature,
154
00:12:41,080 --> 00:12:45,120
their inner heart is still
155
00:12:45,790 --> 00:12:49,620
gentle and kind.
156
00:12:56,150 --> 00:12:58,430
I'm not as virtuous as you think I am.
157
00:13:00,760 --> 00:13:04,040
I'm just trying my best to be a good person.
158
00:13:07,020 --> 00:13:09,730
A good person in everyone else's eyes.
159
00:13:17,790 --> 00:13:19,450
I understand.
160
00:13:36,960 --> 00:13:40,630
The rumors in the streets about Cui Xi and Liang Gong
161
00:13:40,630 --> 00:13:43,040
were started by you, right?
162
00:14:07,250 --> 00:14:09,020
You lost.
163
00:14:18,300 --> 00:14:20,140
Senior Brother,
164
00:14:20,140 --> 00:14:24,510
I heard the Imperial Court sent someone to audit the water transportation and river workers' accounts.
165
00:14:24,510 --> 00:14:27,330
Is everything alright on your end?
166
00:14:35,170 --> 00:14:37,300
I'm the Chancellor of Suzhou Weaving Bureau.
167
00:14:37,300 --> 00:14:41,300
What do the water transport and river workers have to do with me?
168
00:14:41,300 --> 00:14:44,530
When my father was the Suzhou Prefect,
169
00:14:44,530 --> 00:14:46,910
he misappropriated the water transport funds.
170
00:14:47,510 --> 00:14:51,490
I heard Senior Brother's teacher, Lord Gao
171
00:14:51,490 --> 00:14:54,450
is rich and well networked.
172
00:14:54,920 --> 00:14:57,250
He spends money generously.
173
00:14:57,250 --> 00:15:01,100
These past few year, you've occupied the strategic town of Jiangnan.
174
00:15:01,100 --> 00:15:03,660
You have so many resources.
175
00:15:03,660 --> 00:15:07,820
You must have paid a decent about of tribute to him, right?
176
00:15:07,820 --> 00:15:10,870
Junior Sister, what are you implying?
177
00:15:23,160 --> 00:15:25,710
How my Zeng Family was defeated,
178
00:15:26,510 --> 00:15:29,230
how my father died,
179
00:15:29,230 --> 00:15:32,740
what type of life I'm living right now,
180
00:15:32,740 --> 00:15:35,410
Senior Brother knows the best.
181
00:15:38,940 --> 00:15:40,520
Junior Sister.
182
00:15:44,030 --> 00:15:47,100
There is no free will in the ebb and flow of bureaucracy.
183
00:15:47,100 --> 00:15:52,380
If you've benefitted, it's better to stop now. Protect yourself.
184
00:16:08,050 --> 00:16:12,550
Senior Brother. Senior Brother, safe travels.
185
00:16:14,710 --> 00:16:16,090
You can go back in.
186
00:16:42,450 --> 00:16:44,040
Miss...
187
00:16:46,220 --> 00:16:47,670
Miss?
188
00:16:50,810 --> 00:16:52,380
I'm fine.
189
00:16:53,960 --> 00:16:56,900
I was suddenly struck by memories of my youth.
190
00:16:58,860 --> 00:17:03,460
I see now that one's official career and economic standing can truly change one into someone beyond others' recognition.
191
00:17:06,200 --> 00:17:10,070
Let's go, I must visit Shen Cui Xi. I need her to fix her attention on Li Zhao.
192
00:17:10,720 --> 00:17:15,010
If my Senior Brother chooses to obstinately persist in going about things the wrong way,
193
00:17:15,010 --> 00:17:18,490
he'll eventually unmask his true nature, now that he's begun to feel anxious.
194
00:17:25,190 --> 00:17:26,820
Coming!
195
00:17:53,990 --> 00:17:56,410
Liang Gong, your complexion seems to have improved.
196
00:17:58,190 --> 00:18:02,000
You've taken very good care of Liang Gong. You've been very considerate.
197
00:18:03,080 --> 00:18:05,360
You came without any notice. Is something the matter?
198
00:18:06,720 --> 00:18:10,590
Don't just stand there, come and try the fruit tea I've just brewed.
199
00:18:19,040 --> 00:18:21,110
What is this?
200
00:18:25,310 --> 00:18:28,320
- These are Imperial Bulletins.
- Imperial Bulletins?
(T/N: Imperial Bulletin – publications issued by central and local governments in imperial China)
201
00:18:28,320 --> 00:18:30,730
An Imperial Bulletin is a document which disseminates information regarding the Imperial Court.
202
00:18:30,730 --> 00:18:33,890
It also contains information about the bureaucracy.
203
00:18:35,530 --> 00:18:38,800
Li Zhao's plan in using Ding Rong to incriminate you may have failed,
204
00:18:38,800 --> 00:18:43,610
but he definitely won't just leave the matter at that. We must think of a way to counter him
205
00:18:43,610 --> 00:18:47,500
or else Liang Gong won't be able to recuperate in peace.
206
00:18:48,490 --> 00:18:53,990
- These Imperial Bulletins will help us with conceiving the necessary countermeasures.
- How so?
207
00:18:53,990 --> 00:18:59,310
Li Zhao has never been greedy for riches to begin with. However, he has always been meticulous in accumulating wealth.
208
00:18:59,310 --> 00:19:01,920
He must have a good reason for that.
209
00:19:02,380 --> 00:19:05,180
As a result, his conduct and deeds recorded in the Imperial Bulletins
210
00:19:05,180 --> 00:19:08,040
have left behind tiny traces and clues.
211
00:19:08,040 --> 00:19:10,430
Li Zhao has been appointed at the Suzhou Weaving Bureau for 9 years already.
212
00:19:10,430 --> 00:19:13,490
How many Imperial Bulletins did you have to flip through?
213
00:19:13,490 --> 00:19:17,870
It was nothing. I've been going through these Imperial Bulletins ever since I was little.
214
00:19:18,530 --> 00:19:20,600
You've taken a lot of trouble for this.
215
00:19:21,490 --> 00:19:23,560
I did it for Liang Gong.
216
00:19:25,490 --> 00:19:27,850
You don't have to thank me.
217
00:19:37,580 --> 00:19:41,660
The Suzhou Weaving Bureau had already been established since the previous dynasty.
218
00:19:41,660 --> 00:19:45,470
Later, it was invalidated due to the frequent wars which broke out.
219
00:19:45,470 --> 00:19:49,540
9 years ago, Li Zhao was appointed to his post and restored the Weaving Bureau.
220
00:19:49,540 --> 00:19:53,670
The very first year he was appointed, the price of silk rose and doubled.
221
00:19:53,670 --> 00:19:58,710
Many weaving households could not obtain raw silk and thus were unable to pay their taxes. They all went hungry.
222
00:19:58,710 --> 00:20:00,880
They had no choice but to sell their sons and daughters.
223
00:20:00,880 --> 00:20:05,080
Or, they sold themselves into slavery and went to the Suzhou Weaving Bureau to become craftsmen.
224
00:20:05,080 --> 00:20:07,790
He barely lifted his finger,
225
00:20:07,790 --> 00:20:11,270
yet he managed to double Suzhou's domestic profit.
226
00:20:11,270 --> 00:20:15,280
Take a look at the first Imperial Bulletin. It's a Palace Report.
(T/N: Palace Report – specific information about the imperial court)
227
00:20:15,280 --> 00:20:19,630
It states that Li Zhao was incredibly competent,
228
00:20:19,630 --> 00:20:22,560
which earned him a commendation bestowed on him by the Son of Heaven himself.
229
00:20:28,360 --> 00:20:30,460
- Old Master Liu.
- Yes?
230
00:20:30,460 --> 00:20:36,210
You still remember how utterly defeated this place looked when we entered Suzhou all those years ago, don't you?
231
00:20:36,210 --> 00:20:38,250
Of course I do.
232
00:20:38,250 --> 00:20:41,470
My Lord, if you had not taken that course of action,
233
00:20:41,470 --> 00:20:44,310
Suzhou would not be what is it today.
234
00:20:44,310 --> 00:20:47,010
Only... Ramping up the price of Suzhou silk
235
00:20:47,010 --> 00:20:50,450
and selling it to Southeast Asia proved to be too much of a risk.
236
00:20:52,220 --> 00:20:54,690
If the Ren family had not committed a misdeed
237
00:20:54,690 --> 00:20:58,140
and violated the sea ban,
(T/N: Sea ban – restriction on private maritime trading and coastal settlement during the Ming & Qing dynasties)
238
00:20:58,140 --> 00:21:01,240
then how could I have
239
00:21:02,340 --> 00:21:05,000
sold the silk to Southeast Asia over and over again?
240
00:21:05,890 --> 00:21:10,710
He was all alone when he first assumed his position. He had no trusted aides and neither did he have abundant riches.
241
00:21:10,710 --> 00:21:13,940
How did he get mixed up in all these disturbances?
242
00:21:13,940 --> 00:21:18,170
Xue Tang and I had many discussions regarding this subject.
243
00:21:18,170 --> 00:21:20,190
Have a look at this copy.
244
00:21:22,900 --> 00:21:27,720
"The goods being transported by water are being delayed. The capital is unable to pay the army with provisions."
245
00:21:27,720 --> 00:21:32,310
"Lord Gao, Attendant Gentleman of the Ministry of War followed orders, diffused the situation and averted a crisis."
246
00:21:32,310 --> 00:21:34,910
This Lord Gao is erudite and multi-talented.
247
00:21:34,910 --> 00:21:37,620
He had not yet turned twelve when he joined the court as an official.
248
00:21:37,620 --> 00:21:41,890
He has been journeying through the ups and downs of officialdom for 40 years already. The emperor cherishes him dearly.
249
00:21:41,890 --> 00:21:45,260
And on the other hand, what of Li Zhao? Ever since he passed the civil service examinations
250
00:21:45,260 --> 00:21:50,490
he has been following Lord Gao's official career as a hanger-on.
251
00:21:50,490 --> 00:21:53,750
One of them resides in the capital and the other is stationed in Suzhou.
252
00:21:53,750 --> 00:21:55,550
These two men are separated by thousands of miles.
253
00:21:55,550 --> 00:21:59,500
We can't really prove anything even if they are in associated with each other.
254
00:22:01,230 --> 00:22:03,670
Look at this then.
255
00:22:03,670 --> 00:22:07,200
The emperor had someone investigate the delayed transport case.
256
00:22:07,200 --> 00:22:08,950
In the end,
257
00:22:08,950 --> 00:22:11,710
the canal was in bad management and fell into disrepair.
258
00:22:11,710 --> 00:22:14,960
Since it impacted transport, the case was closed.
259
00:22:14,960 --> 00:22:18,320
They've been repairing the canal indeed over the years.
260
00:22:18,320 --> 00:22:20,100
Not bad.
261
00:22:20,850 --> 00:22:23,190
And this is
262
00:22:23,190 --> 00:22:26,530
Pingjiang Anecdotes written by local scholars.
263
00:22:26,530 --> 00:22:30,670
It documents some local reminiscences.
264
00:22:31,250 --> 00:22:32,660
It mentions
265
00:22:32,660 --> 00:22:36,010
that the transport workers' pay got delayed
266
00:22:36,010 --> 00:22:38,720
and many workers couldn't make a living,
267
00:22:38,720 --> 00:22:40,880
so they complained to the transport government office
268
00:22:40,880 --> 00:22:43,220
and clogged up the canal.
269
00:22:43,980 --> 00:22:47,100
This is why the transport was delayed.
270
00:22:47,100 --> 00:22:49,540
Li Zhao teamed up with the transport government office
271
00:22:49,540 --> 00:22:51,480
to misappropriate the transport money.
272
00:22:51,480 --> 00:22:55,280
This thing that Li Zhao did must involve many people,
273
00:22:55,280 --> 00:22:57,350
so the imperial envoys sent by the emperor
274
00:22:57,350 --> 00:23:00,470
helped him cover it up.
275
00:23:00,470 --> 00:23:03,900
Misappropriating the transport money, manipulating the price of raw silk,
276
00:23:03,900 --> 00:23:08,170
forcing weavers to go bankrupt, and being employed by the Weaving Bureau.
277
00:23:08,170 --> 00:23:11,600
All these relate to one another. If anything goes wrong,
278
00:23:11,600 --> 00:23:14,520
he'll die tragically.
279
00:23:14,520 --> 00:23:16,570
He's taking too much of a gamble.
280
00:23:16,570 --> 00:23:18,860
If he didn't like gambling this much,
281
00:23:18,860 --> 00:23:23,390
how could he become the Chancellor of Suzhou Weaving Bureau?
282
00:23:23,390 --> 00:23:26,070
The official title as Chancellor of Suzhou Weaving Bureau
283
00:23:26,070 --> 00:23:28,390
doesn't seem to have power.
284
00:23:28,390 --> 00:23:32,010
He can't be involved in political affairs or control any government officials,
285
00:23:32,010 --> 00:23:36,330
but he's dispatched to Jiangnan by the emperor to get information.
286
00:23:36,330 --> 00:23:39,800
He has access to all memorials to the throne.
287
00:23:45,030 --> 00:23:48,110
Lord, a letter from the capital.
288
00:24:05,180 --> 00:24:07,190
Everything's settled in the capital.
289
00:24:07,190 --> 00:24:09,960
As long as we can make up for the deficit within six months,
290
00:24:09,960 --> 00:24:11,680
it'll be fine.
291
00:24:11,680 --> 00:24:15,050
Six months? Time's really tight.
292
00:24:15,050 --> 00:24:17,230
This is a lot of money.
293
00:24:17,230 --> 00:24:20,170
We must come up with a way to look for money.
294
00:24:21,680 --> 00:24:23,590
How's Ding Rong?
295
00:24:24,150 --> 00:24:26,930
Ding Rong is very down and out.
296
00:24:26,930 --> 00:24:29,410
As long as you are generous to him,
297
00:24:29,410 --> 00:24:33,200
he definitely won't be indecisive like he used to be.
298
00:24:35,280 --> 00:24:36,850
Good.
299
00:24:36,850 --> 00:24:38,630
And look at this.
300
00:24:38,630 --> 00:24:42,430
It documents that the transport money increased every year.
301
00:24:42,430 --> 00:24:46,380
People all over Jiangnan were suffering and boiling with rage.
302
00:24:46,380 --> 00:24:50,210
The year you worked with several major weavers to establish the General Accounts Office,
303
00:24:50,210 --> 00:24:53,210
the transport money started to increase.
304
00:24:53,210 --> 00:24:56,030
You lowered the price of silk with the General Accounts Office
305
00:24:56,030 --> 00:24:59,250
and made Li Zhao's raw silk go to waste,
306
00:24:59,250 --> 00:25:02,370
so he started to deal with you.
307
00:25:02,370 --> 00:25:04,490
Unexpectedly,
308
00:25:04,490 --> 00:25:06,920
not only was the General Accounts Office not shut down,
309
00:25:06,920 --> 00:25:09,650
but you also resumed Double-Sided Weaving Technique
310
00:25:09,650 --> 00:25:11,800
and revitalized the Ren family,
311
00:25:11,800 --> 00:25:15,210
so over the years he's only been able to increase the transport money
312
00:25:15,210 --> 00:25:17,300
to make up for the deficit.
313
00:25:17,930 --> 00:25:20,430
How much have they misappropriated?
314
00:25:20,430 --> 00:25:22,900
Have they still not made up for it after all these years?
315
00:25:22,900 --> 00:25:24,880
Maybe they've never made up for it.
316
00:25:24,880 --> 00:25:28,160
Instead, the deficit is getting increasingly wider.
317
00:25:28,680 --> 00:25:31,700
The Weaving Bureau seems like a government office,
318
00:25:31,700 --> 00:25:35,120
but it's actually the emperor's little vault.
319
00:25:35,120 --> 00:25:39,550
The Weaving Bureau can settle all the expenses that can't be put on account books.
320
00:25:39,550 --> 00:25:42,670
The emperor has been to Jiangnan several times over the years.
321
00:25:42,670 --> 00:25:45,260
Every time he has a temporary imperial palace built.
322
00:25:45,260 --> 00:25:48,650
All personnel's necessities and expenses
323
00:25:48,650 --> 00:25:52,100
are taken care of by Supreme Commanders of two rivers, Grand Coordinator of Jiangsu,
324
00:25:52,100 --> 00:25:56,970
and the three major Weaving Bureaus in Suzhou, Hangzhou and Jiangning.
325
00:25:56,970 --> 00:26:01,060
So the deficit will only get increasingly wider.
326
00:26:01,060 --> 00:26:04,620
Jiangning Weaving Bureau already has several Chancellors
327
00:26:04,620 --> 00:26:06,740
working to death.
328
00:26:07,470 --> 00:26:09,700
As Chancellor of Suzhou Weaving Bureau,
329
00:26:09,700 --> 00:26:13,520
how could Li Zhao not be scared?
330
00:26:13,520 --> 00:26:16,960
He used to treat you politely,
331
00:26:16,960 --> 00:26:18,590
but suddenly
332
00:26:18,590 --> 00:26:20,790
he gave you a hard time
333
00:26:20,790 --> 00:26:22,820
regardless of the image of the Weaving Bureau.
334
00:26:22,820 --> 00:26:26,110
If it wasn't this serious,
335
00:26:26,110 --> 00:26:28,280
he wouldn't have acted this way.
336
00:26:34,010 --> 00:26:38,850
This newspaper documents six months ago
337
00:26:38,850 --> 00:26:42,740
the emperor sent someone to monitor the Ministry of Revenue as they audited accounts.
338
00:26:42,740 --> 00:26:46,460
Once the decree was out, government officials all over the country were so terrified
339
00:26:46,460 --> 00:26:49,460
they were all dealing with deficits.
340
00:26:50,220 --> 00:26:54,350
If they find out dealing with deficits has to do with the transport government office,
341
00:26:54,350 --> 00:26:57,880
what Li Zhao and other people did will no longer be hidden.
342
00:26:58,300 --> 00:27:01,240
That's why he's been panicking lately
343
00:27:01,240 --> 00:27:04,790
and handling things by hook or by crook.
344
00:27:05,410 --> 00:27:08,970
I've estimated that the amount of raw silk that Li Zhao has stocked up
345
00:27:08,970 --> 00:27:11,000
is an enormous number.
346
00:27:11,000 --> 00:27:14,180
The General Accounts Office has lowered the price of silk over the years.
347
00:27:14,180 --> 00:27:17,360
He hasn't sold any raw silk he has.
348
00:27:17,360 --> 00:27:20,720
He wants to make up for the deficit in the transport money,
349
00:27:20,720 --> 00:27:22,760
which is too difficult.
350
00:27:22,760 --> 00:27:25,470
So this is our opportunity.
351
00:27:27,210 --> 00:27:29,700
I wrote an anonymous letter.
352
00:27:30,290 --> 00:27:33,500
As long as we send someone to deliver the letter to the Ministry of Revenue
353
00:27:33,500 --> 00:27:35,860
letting them know about the transport money,
[To the Minister of Revenue]
354
00:27:35,860 --> 00:27:38,720
the Imperial Court will surely send someone over to investigate it.
355
00:27:38,720 --> 00:27:41,930
Then Li Zhao will be too busy with his own affairs.
356
00:27:41,930 --> 00:27:45,140
How could he have time to bother you all?
357
00:27:45,890 --> 00:27:48,160
If we can get rid of this evildoer,
358
00:27:48,160 --> 00:27:51,160
the civilians in Suzhou will be safe.
359
00:27:58,700 --> 00:28:02,200
This letter should be a blade that must kill.
360
00:28:02,200 --> 00:28:05,200
It can't be a blow that alerts the enemy.
361
00:28:05,200 --> 00:28:08,510
What you just said is pure speculation without solid evidence.
362
00:28:08,510 --> 00:28:10,400
If you do report it to the Ministry of Revenue,
363
00:28:10,400 --> 00:28:13,270
I don't think Li Zhao will be convicted.
364
00:28:13,270 --> 00:28:16,980
You know the officialdom better than I do. You should understand what I mean.
365
00:28:16,980 --> 00:28:20,410
It won't work unless you report it with evidence.
366
00:28:20,410 --> 00:28:25,610
Of course I know, so over the years I've been searching for the evidence of his crimes.
367
00:28:25,610 --> 00:28:29,500
But unfortunately, Li Zhao is a sly old devil.
368
00:28:29,500 --> 00:28:32,120
I haven't found any evidence.
369
00:28:32,990 --> 00:28:34,630
No rush.
370
00:28:34,630 --> 00:28:38,210
Li Zhao will eventually sell his saw silk.
371
00:28:38,210 --> 00:28:42,070
Once he sells it, he will give the game away for sure.
372
00:28:43,120 --> 00:28:46,230
Cui Xi, what do you want to do?
373
00:28:50,080 --> 00:28:55,100
Didn't you just say that the Ministry of Revenue will investigate the deficit in a few months?
374
00:28:55,100 --> 00:29:00,380
If the government office increases patrols when it's time...
375
00:29:06,210 --> 00:29:10,160
Tell the government office to increase patrols at the gates and the canal?
[Suzhou Prefecture Office]
376
00:29:10,160 --> 00:29:13,510
Eldest Mistress of the Ren family, did you hear some news?
377
00:29:13,510 --> 00:29:16,320
I heard Zhang Biao is back.
378
00:29:17,340 --> 00:29:18,750
Zhang Biao?
379
00:29:18,750 --> 00:29:21,320
Back then he ran away and I've always wanted to have him arrested.
380
00:29:21,320 --> 00:29:23,720
Now it's said that he's been seen all over Jiangnan.
381
00:29:23,720 --> 00:29:27,620
Please do me a favor and avoid future disasters.
382
00:29:37,100 --> 00:29:40,700
I understand. Thank you for notifying me.
383
00:29:40,700 --> 00:29:43,370
I'll make arrangements to increase patrols.
384
00:29:43,370 --> 00:29:45,190
Thank you, Lord.
385
00:29:48,890 --> 00:29:52,780
I told you to look for Zhang Biao. Why did you know later than Eldest Mistress of the Ren family after searching for years?
386
00:29:52,780 --> 00:29:55,740
Have you been working seriously?
387
00:29:56,160 --> 00:30:00,680
Lord, don't get me wrong. We've been really looking for Zhang Biao for years.
388
00:30:00,680 --> 00:30:03,240
Why did Eldest Mistress of the Ren family know sooner than we did?
389
00:30:03,240 --> 00:30:05,800
How could it be impossible? Just now Eldest Mistress of the Ren family
390
00:30:05,800 --> 00:30:08,970
was right here telling me about Zhang Biao.
391
00:30:08,970 --> 00:30:11,260
I'll have someone look for him immediately.
392
00:30:11,260 --> 00:30:13,070
No need.
393
00:30:14,640 --> 00:30:18,520
We want to arrest Zhang Biao so that we can keep the Ren family under control.
394
00:30:18,520 --> 00:30:21,170
Now Eldest Mistress of the Ren family wants to have him arrested more than we do.
395
00:30:21,170 --> 00:30:26,100
Then what's the point of us catching Zhang Biao? Why don't you answer this question?
396
00:30:26,100 --> 00:30:29,450
- Lord, I think–
- Okay, okay.
397
00:30:29,450 --> 00:30:31,650
You can leave now.
398
00:30:31,650 --> 00:30:32,740
Yes.
399
00:30:32,740 --> 00:30:34,290
Hold on.
400
00:30:34,290 --> 00:30:36,690
Lord, what else can I do for you?
401
00:30:37,270 --> 00:30:40,800
Make arrangements to increase patrols.
402
00:30:40,800 --> 00:30:43,260
We have to do something for the Ren family.
403
00:30:43,960 --> 00:30:45,800
Yes.
[Emphasize Honesty and Understand Morality]
404
00:30:59,500 --> 00:31:01,160
Lord.
405
00:31:15,480 --> 00:31:17,350
- Lord.
-Lord.
406
00:31:52,760 --> 00:31:55,770
Be gentle with it. Don't ruin it with scratches.
407
00:32:01,230 --> 00:32:02,990
Lord.
408
00:32:09,890 --> 00:32:12,540
I bought all this raw silk
409
00:32:12,540 --> 00:32:15,740
a long time ago.
410
00:32:16,390 --> 00:32:18,800
I wanted to sell high
411
00:32:18,800 --> 00:32:21,360
to make up as much as possible.
412
00:32:21,360 --> 00:32:25,350
But now that Shen Cui Xi established the General Accounts Office
413
00:32:26,120 --> 00:32:28,540
and lowered the price of silk,
414
00:32:28,540 --> 00:32:32,760
I can't sell it and therefore stock it all up here.
415
00:32:33,670 --> 00:32:35,900
Now I've found a suitable buyer
416
00:32:35,900 --> 00:32:39,420
who can sell this raw silk to Nanyang,
417
00:32:39,420 --> 00:32:44,450
but I need a middleman.
418
00:32:48,790 --> 00:32:52,290
Do you want to sail out?
419
00:32:54,560 --> 00:32:58,650
But if I flout the sailing ban, I'll die.
420
00:33:03,680 --> 00:33:07,270
If you scream and shout in Suzhou city,
421
00:33:07,820 --> 00:33:10,280
do you think you will have a way out?
422
00:33:32,540 --> 00:33:36,930
Lord, you are right.
423
00:33:37,930 --> 00:33:40,060
I will follow your order.
424
00:33:40,590 --> 00:33:44,930
I'm willing to do my very best to serve you.
425
00:33:44,930 --> 00:33:49,910
No... I'm willing to die for you.
426
00:33:52,860 --> 00:33:55,790
Ding Rong,
427
00:33:55,790 --> 00:33:58,730
you are my most important chess piece in the game.
428
00:33:58,730 --> 00:34:02,310
Life is like a new chess game,
429
00:34:02,310 --> 00:34:04,440
don't be afraid to be a chess piece.
430
00:34:04,440 --> 00:34:06,780
Only if you fulfill the function as a chess piece,
431
00:34:06,780 --> 00:34:09,880
then there will be a future to become a chess player.
432
00:34:12,780 --> 00:34:16,000
If you help me execute this mission,
433
00:34:16,710 --> 00:34:19,890
wealth and prosperity are all yours.
434
00:34:19,890 --> 00:34:22,920
Not to mention take revenge on Shen Cui Xi,
435
00:34:23,640 --> 00:34:26,540
even the entire Ren Family,
436
00:34:27,090 --> 00:34:29,720
it is all in your hands.
437
00:34:31,180 --> 00:34:33,620
But remember.
438
00:34:33,620 --> 00:34:36,350
You have to be careful.
439
00:34:36,350 --> 00:34:39,830
You cannot make have any misstep on this sale.
440
00:34:39,830 --> 00:34:42,220
This warehouse,
441
00:34:43,850 --> 00:34:46,440
you cannot let anybody know.
442
00:34:51,920 --> 00:34:53,730
Lord, you can trust me.
443
00:34:53,730 --> 00:34:57,480
I will definitely try my very best.
444
00:35:54,710 --> 00:35:58,150
- Shopkeeper Ding.
- That's me.
445
00:35:58,150 --> 00:36:01,040
Are you the people with Uncle Biao?
446
00:36:07,510 --> 00:36:09,390
Money is on the boat. Where is the goods?
447
00:36:09,390 --> 00:36:11,620
Goods?
448
00:36:13,220 --> 00:36:15,270
On the carriage.
449
00:36:21,540 --> 00:36:23,310
Come! Brothers, load the goods.
450
00:36:23,310 --> 00:36:24,880
Let's go! Hurry up!
451
00:36:24,880 --> 00:36:27,390
Come over. Follow me.
452
00:36:27,390 --> 00:36:29,260
Hurry up!
453
00:36:30,850 --> 00:36:32,300
Be careful!
454
00:36:33,040 --> 00:36:34,550
Come!
455
00:36:35,170 --> 00:36:37,580
Come! This way!
456
00:36:40,520 --> 00:36:42,400
Be Careful! Come!
457
00:36:42,400 --> 00:36:44,170
Come!
458
00:36:44,170 --> 00:36:45,900
- Give it to me.
- Two, four, six, eight, ten, twelve.
459
00:36:48,980 --> 00:36:51,710
Good! Cover itup.
460
00:36:53,630 --> 00:36:56,080
Brother Yong, we got everything.
461
00:36:57,150 --> 00:36:59,390
We got everything. The money,
462
00:36:59,390 --> 00:37:01,340
Shopkeeper Ding will take it.
463
00:37:16,960 --> 00:37:19,670
- Good Bye!
- Good Bye
464
00:37:30,980 --> 00:37:32,740
Shopkeeper Ding.
465
00:37:39,330 --> 00:37:41,690
Suzhou Weaving Bureau.
466
00:37:47,190 --> 00:37:50,420
Lord. I've done counting.
467
00:37:50,420 --> 00:37:52,640
The amount is accurate.
468
00:38:01,620 --> 00:38:03,090
Ding Rong.
469
00:38:03,090 --> 00:38:07,140
You've done very well to this transaction.
470
00:38:07,140 --> 00:38:12,650
Thank you, Lord! I'm just following your instructions.
471
00:38:12,650 --> 00:38:18,360
Then, in the future, you will be leading the way.
Don't let me down.
472
00:38:18,360 --> 00:38:21,550
Yes. Lord.
473
00:38:25,470 --> 00:38:29,600
[ Raw Silk Sale Account Ledger]
474
00:39:04,430 --> 00:39:06,230
Mr. Wei.
475
00:39:07,270 --> 00:39:09,380
Have they started patrolling?
476
00:39:09,380 --> 00:39:10,860
They started patrolling today.
477
00:39:10,860 --> 00:39:14,560
If everything went well, we should have the result today.
478
00:39:14,560 --> 00:39:17,270
You should take the medicine first.
479
00:39:42,500 --> 00:39:44,390
Mr. Wei.
480
00:39:46,960 --> 00:39:51,230
I'm okay. I will be fine soon.
481
00:39:52,930 --> 00:39:55,170
Don't tell Eldest Mistress.
482
00:40:17,920 --> 00:40:19,610
Brother Yong!
483
00:40:22,180 --> 00:40:24,190
Today, you are little late.
484
00:40:24,190 --> 00:40:26,230
There are few patrolling boats on the channel.
485
00:40:26,230 --> 00:40:28,900
It took me sometime to avoid them.
Where is the goods?
486
00:40:28,900 --> 00:40:32,840
Don't worry. They are ready.
487
00:40:34,790 --> 00:40:37,390
What are you waiting for? Load the goods.
488
00:40:40,210 --> 00:40:42,710
Brother Yong. Thanks for the hard work.
489
00:40:42,710 --> 00:40:46,090
You are welcome. We are a team now.
490
00:40:46,090 --> 00:40:47,750
Where is the money?
491
00:40:54,020 --> 00:40:55,610
Brother Yong, the government officials are here!
492
00:40:55,610 --> 00:40:57,120
Stand still!
493
00:40:57,120 --> 00:40:59,480
- Government officials!
- Stand still!
494
00:40:59,480 --> 00:41:00,920
Run! Hurry!
495
00:41:00,920 --> 00:41:02,220
- Stand still!
- This way!
496
00:41:02,220 --> 00:41:04,230
Stand still!
497
00:41:04,230 --> 00:41:05,830
Stand still!
498
00:41:05,830 --> 00:41:09,170
- Brother, cannot untie the knot!
- Jump! Hurry up!
499
00:41:09,170 --> 00:41:11,290
Don't run!
500
00:41:12,480 --> 00:41:14,390
Run! Hurry up!
501
00:41:17,310 --> 00:41:18,730
Chase them!
502
00:41:18,730 --> 00:41:21,330
This way! This way!
503
00:41:21,330 --> 00:41:23,640
Chase after them, catch them!
504
00:41:23,640 --> 00:41:25,100
Don't run!
505
00:41:25,100 --> 00:41:26,750
Stand still!
506
00:41:26,750 --> 00:41:29,380
- Look that way!
- Search this way.
507
00:41:29,380 --> 00:41:31,130
Stand still!
508
00:41:32,230 --> 00:41:33,870
Don't run!
509
00:41:36,980 --> 00:41:38,960
Don't run!
510
00:41:45,020 --> 00:41:55,010
Timing and subtitles brought to you by "Bound by Threads" @Viki.com
511
00:42:01,960 --> 00:42:08,290
❝ Passionate yet Ruthless ❞ by Lu Hu - Singers: Lu Hu
512
00:42:08,290 --> 00:42:13,790
♫ One who appears affectionate may be the one with a stony heart ♫
513
00:42:13,790 --> 00:42:19,120
♫ One who appears heartless may be the one with real affection ♫
514
00:42:19,120 --> 00:42:24,650
♫ The one invested in love ends up with a broken heart ♫
515
00:42:24,650 --> 00:42:30,120
♫ The one by the cold pond, leaves a lonely silhouette ♫
516
00:42:30,120 --> 00:42:35,590
♫ Uniting with a seemingly affectionate one ♫
517
00:42:35,590 --> 00:42:41,040
♫ Leaves one tearfully gazing at the predestined love ♫
518
00:42:41,040 --> 00:42:46,470
♫ There is nothing to fear about the preordained death ♫
519
00:42:46,470 --> 00:42:51,240
♫ It’s rather the foredoomed life that one can only accept ♫
520
00:42:51,240 --> 00:42:56,680
♫ The beautiful scene of this moment ♫
521
00:42:56,680 --> 00:43:03,210
♫ Is like a dream, like a fantasy, like an illusion ♫
522
00:43:03,210 --> 00:43:08,600
♫ If love is put with an end, my heart will stop with it ♫
523
00:43:08,600 --> 00:43:13,080
♫ Where can I go to await the duckweed? ♫
524
00:43:13,080 --> 00:43:18,540
♫ The falling blossoms deliberately follow the wind ♫
525
00:43:18,540 --> 00:43:24,980
♫ The coldhearted rain drizzles until dawn ♫
526
00:43:24,980 --> 00:43:30,380
♫ The dream that came after a heady good wine is hard to wake up from ♫
527
00:43:30,380 --> 00:43:36,130
♫ I’m lost in a hopeless search for you in this hazy world ♫
44473
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get subtitles in any language from opensubtitles.com, and translate them here.