Original subtitles

[New Life Begins]

[Adapted from the novel "Journey to the Qing Dynasty" by Duomu Muduo]

[Episode 19]

Love takes time to appear.

For all you know, your soulmate is in the next corner.

I appreciate your words of comfort.

Mushrooms from the Ji State!

Come have a look!

Let's check it out.

Fresh mushrooms!

This is a termite mushroom.

You're an expert, miss.

Of course.

I'm from the Ji State.

Every summer, we would go mushroom-picking in the mountains.

If you like them, take more.

I'll pack them for you.

Song Wu.

Song Wu?

That's enough.

Thank you.

Here.

Thanks, miss.

Song Wu!

Where is Li Wei?

Li Wei!

Li Wei!

Song Wu.

Li Wei!

Where are you?

Li Wei!

Song Wu.

Where are you?

Where are you?

Little girl.

Why are you crying here?

Are you calling my name?

Do you know me?

Who are you?

I'm looking for Song Wu.

I'm Song Wu.

Which Song Wu are you?

Sister!

Song Wu!

Sister!

Song Wu!

I can't believe I lost her.

Song Wu!

Miss.

How did you know my name?

Your name is...?

I'm Song Wu. (*here "wu" means "martial arts")

[Song Wu]

Same name?

What a coincidence.

But I am looking for a woman.

Song Wu. (*here "wu" means "dance")

Song Wu.

Wu!

Sister.

- Where were you? - Where were you?

- I was so worried. - I was so worried.

Wu.

This madam is also called Song Wu.

Madam, this is my brother.

His name is Song Wu.

Wu, like martial arts.

I told you to stop calling me madam.

Use miss.

Do not disrespect your savior so!

My sister is mischievous, and we accidentally lost our way.

I was looking for her everywhere.

Thank you for bringing her back.

You're welcome, mister.

I'm glad you found your sister.

The slanted stage still held a strong foundation

and the engraved window was as green as emerald.

You have a great name, miss.

You bear the Wu of martial arts yet you sound scholarly.

I manage bookstores.

I get very verbose when it comes to literature.

I get it.

I love to read too.

Where is your bookstore, Mr. Song?

Tongque Alley in the East Market.

You helped me find my sister.

Should you have the time, do visit the bookstore.

I will give away whatever book you like for free

as a token of gratitude.

I can't possibly accept that.

Why not today... Another day, I suppose.

We have to go home now.

Another day.

Go.

Let's go.

Okay.

That's a deal then.

Wu.

Let's go home.

Your Lordship.

The imperial physician is outside.

Let him see you, please.

No need.

No need.

Madam.

Young Lord said he is tired, so he went to sleep.

Please let the imperial physician return.

His Lordship and Her Ladyship heard that the Third Young Lord is sick,

so they sent the imperial physician here.

Let the physician see him at least.

If he truly is tired, he can sleep after the consultation.

He can sleep for however long he wants.

He doesn't even have to wake up.

Young Lord said he is fine.

This is unnecessary.

His Lordship and Her Ladyship are now aware of this.

That means the entire palace is aware of this.

If you do this,

not only are you making things difficult for the physician,

but if this goes out

and they also say that you have some weird diseases

which is contagious, our residence will be quarantined

and that will be troublesome.

Let me talk to him again.

Imperial Physician.

Please wait for a moment.

Madam.

Young Lord said he would only allow the imperial physician in.

Okay.

As he wishes.

Imperial Physician, please.

Third Young Lord.

Your pulse is messy.

Did you ingest something unusual lately?

No.

No.

I can't give my diagnosis then.

It must be a complicated disease.

Pardon my lack of experience.

I will ask my colleagues to visit you later.

No need.

I'm fine.

Let's not trouble others.

Please have another look.

You are brewing some medicine here.

I asked you what it is, but you wouldn't tell me.

What am I supposed to do?

Xiyan.

Go to the cabinet

and take the prescription out from the innermost drawer.

Noted.

I didn't eat anything else,

save for the herbs prescribed in the Mo State.

Have a look.

Velvet antler, human placenta, barrenwort, dipsacales,

psoralea corylifolia, caterpillar fungus, and cynomorium songaricum.

All potent herbs are mixed into one prescription.

This will get people killed.

Which quack doctor prescribed this?

This won't heal.

This will kill.

Third Young Lord.

How long have you followed this prescription?

More than half a month.

And you're still breathing.

Your body is indeed strong.

Yes.

Judging from this prescription, Third Young Lord, you were scammed.

No way.

But you could be right.

Something wasn't right when that jerk looked at me.

I didn't want to notify the imperial physicians.

I realized I have some... difficulties.

The problem isn't on my spouses,

so I can't afford to let others know.

Third Young Lord, you mean... Not that area.

I just want a child.

You should have told me earlier.

But that doesn't mean you should get a prescription anywhere.

What if your health is affected?

Imperial Physician.

You look...

Just tell me frankly.

I can take it.

This is odd.

This faulty prescription gave you a weak pulse, but fertility-wise,

you shouldn't have any problem.

Based on my years of experience,

you can make someone pregnant.

For real?

Yes.

Then why don't I have a child

after all these years then?

Frost's Descent.

Come on.

Today is your birthday.

Make a wish.

Okay.

I wish...

Done.

I made a wish.

Let's eat.

Haitang.

Come eat.

Great timing.

My sisters!

Guess what I heard before An's chamber.

What?

He told the imperial physician that he followed a random prescription

because he thought he had a disease that made him infertile.

Which magnanimous physician gave him the prescription?

He was doing us a service.

Exactly.

We owe him a gratitude plaque.

And we shall write three words on it, "Protector of Ladies".

Serve him right.

Last year, he was planning to buy me a birthday gift.

But he forgot about it when he went shopping.

He bought himself a piece of jade.

He bought himself a piece of jade on my birthday.

Every time he sees a new person... My sisters, let me demonstrate.

Miss, you are the apple of my eye.

My sisters.

I'm sure his heart is an orchard by now.

Everyone is the apple of his eye.

You are all here.

Eat.

Feed your tummy.

White Dew, what a plain dish you have there.

You should add some condiments.

Well, I like it this way.

You need some condiments.

Fortunately, I have some with me.

Add it in.

Go ahead.

Come on.

Let me add it in for you.

What are you doing?

Silence!

Tell me what this is.

What is this?

Contraception.

Birth control.

Sly, aren't you?

Every day, you come up with new tricks to fool me.

Why?

Why?

If someone else did this, I could understand.

Come on, White Dew.

Tell me.

I have been attentive and gentle to you.

Why don't you want to bear my child?

I celebrate your birthday every year.

Are you not happy?

Is this not good enough for you?

Stop eating.

Explain, White Dew!

I'll tell you why.

Because my name is Frost's Descent!

[Frost's Descent]

[White Dew, Grain Buds, Spring Equinox, Minor Cold]

[Grain Rain, Awakening of Insects, Grain in Ear]

[Haitang]

[Major Heat, Winter Solstice]

[Frost's Descent, White Dew, Minor Cold, Spring Equinox]

[Beginning of Winter, Haitang, Grain Rain, Awakening of Insects]

It seems like I was too nice to all of you and it spoiled you.

That's why we end up like this.

At this point, I have to rely on discipline

to make you realize who the master of this household is.

Come forth.

Yes.

You can still apologize now.

Do you know fear now?

Beat them until they apologize.

Haitang, will you apologize or not?

Just hit me.

You...

Stop!

Haitang.

Li Wei.

What are you doing?

Third Young Lord, she's your rightful spouse chosen

by the Lord of Xin State.

If you hit her, that means you're defying His Lordship.

Fine.

I won't hit her.

But I took others in myself.

They have nothing to do with His Lordship.

Third Young Lord, His Lordship wanted all his heirs

to have a harmonious family.

You just finished a huge project in the Mo State

and things are finally looking good.

But if this got into His Lordship's ears,

your reward will turn into admonishment.

Why would you do that?

Grandaunt... I... Fine.

All of them are like goddesses that cannot be defiled.

But ask yourself, if I hadn't taken you in with my kindness,

where would you be now?

You could have been dead.

I took you in.

I fed you.

Why are you not satisfied?

Third Young Lord!

You saved us. That's a fact.

And we will never forget what you did.

But when you brought us here, did you ask us if we were willing to?

You lured us in one by one with your sweet promises.

Like me.

You said you would only love me.

But look what happened?

You took one concubine after another.

You deceived us first.

That isn't deception.

You just want to satisfy your selfish desire.

If you're happy, you give us attention for two days straight.

If you're not, you discard us away and find another woman.

Exactly.

What kind of good life is this?

That's not what a good life is in another household.

You never treat us as humans at all.

Exactly!

You do not treat us as humans.

What do you mean by I do not treat you as humans?

I did everything for you, but you have to create this mess.

Right, Your Lordship.

You are a kind man.

So why don't you let us go?

I will find a way to repay my debt to you.

I might suffer a lot out there,

but at least, I'm free.

I never want you to return the money.

If there is anything upsetting you, you can tell me.

Telling you won't make a difference.

I told you and you said something is wrong with my mind.

You then asked the physician to prescribe me a bunch of medicine.

Medicine was my staple meal.

Yes, and speaking of meals, if we put on the slightest weight,

you'll punish us.

Earlier on, you forbade Madam to eat.

She fainted as a result.

I might have overdone it, but that's because I care a lot about you.

I want you to be better.

You clearly can't care for these many people.

Exactly.

Fine.

Whatever I do, you won't be happy anyway.

From now on, I will confiscate all your monthly allowance.

You will understand how kind I was.

All the more reasons to leave then.

Exactly.

We have always wanted to leave.

I can't deal with this anymore.

I will leave today.

Leave then.

Leave this house and you'll starve to death tomorrow.

Go ahead. Leave.

Leave.

Stop.

Stop.

Don't leave.

Let's go.

We have been dying to leave.

Stop right there.

What are you doing?

Haitang.

Talk to them.

Grandaunt.

Grandaunt.

Haitang!

Dong Haitang!

I'll check if they left for real.

Are you all right?

Apply more ointment now.

Is your palm okay?

I'm fine too.

It's all right.

I'm fine.

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

Are you done packing?

Yes.

We're fine.

What about you?

I feel better too.

My sisters.

You have all packed up.

So do not hesitate.

We cannot live like this anymore.

Even if we have to live on the street and be penniless,

we cannot stay here for a second longer.

Exactly.

We can't stay here.

Haitang.

Leave with us.

Exactly.

Let's leave together.

Stupid An took all of you in.

You are not bound by any titles, so you can just leave.

But not me.

If I leave, I'll be free,

but my family in Cang State will be affected.

Don't worry about me.

After all, I'm the Third Young Madam.

He won't do anything to me.

But what's next after all of you leave?

Who can look after you?

Don't rely on anyone.

You can look after yourself.

I have talked to Li Wei.

If you're willing, we can pool our money

to purchase and run an eatery.

Eatery?

All of you are worried about your livelihood.

But once you're independent, you can be a free soul.

White Dew, Frost's Descent.

You two are good with words,

so you can promote the eatery on the street.

Grain Buds, Major Heat.

You two have performed and worked before.

In that case, why not open a restaurant?

You can earn money and have a roof above your head.

We kill two birds with one stone.

That's a brilliant idea.

I like it.

It's a good idea, but never have I heard of a business

owned by females in Xin State.

This will be challenging.

Indeed.

I have never heard of this.

Yes.

But in the end, people just say that no woman should run a business.

But there's no written law that prohibits so.

In that case, we can undertake such an endeavor.

When it comes to business, gender doesn't matter.

It's just that if a woman runs a business,

people will talk, but that won't deter us, will it?

That's true.

She's right.

Life is not easy for everyone, so why don't we fight for ourselves?

I agree.

What should we sell then?

We set up a restaurant so that people can drink or play Madiao cards.

My mother taught me the art of paper-cutting, so I can sell my craft.

We can also open a fruit stall.

Hey, don't steal my idea.

I brought it up first.

I think we can all open a restaurant

that gathers all delicacies from the nine states.

We can prepare dishes from our home

and that will definitely be lucrative.

Right.

That's a great idea.

That can work.

Wonderful.

Yes.

This is the red bean soup I asked Chef Liu to prepare.

I added dried osmanthus and prickly waterlily to it.

It's delicious.

Try it.

Tell me now.

What do you want?

Yuan Ying and I barged into Third Young Lord's Mansion

and set the Solar Term Ladies free.

They already left.

All of them?

Except for one.

Haitang.

What do you mean?

The Solar Term Ladies want to start their own business

and be independent.

Yuan Ying and I want to use our dowry to support their endeavor.

You said once the night market was up and running,

women could set up their own businesses.

Can I still hold you to your word?

I still haven't brought up

the possibility of female entrepreneurship to His Lordship.

This might be complicated.

If there's an issue,

we will solve it together.

Really?

Thank you.

We will give it a try.

You're the best.

Drink the red bean soup.

Okay.

All of them left.

Oh, no.

[Jie Mansion]

Your Lordship, you haven't visited me for a long time.

You apologized last time, so I shall look past it.

Just don't make the same mistake again.

I've been busy in the Ministry of Revenue lately

and I hardly have any free time.

Your Lordship, when you do not visit me, I feel bored.

Can I go out and get some air with Lyuming?

You mean you want to meet the woman from Ji State?

Of course not.

Your Lordship, you're overthinking.

Do you know the reason why I am so occupied

in the Ministry of Revenue lately?

It's because Zheng proposed to use

paper money to replace the currency?

That's why I have to work so much.

Father will also ask him

to assist in the Ministry of Nine States Affairs.

The more power he has, the more trouble I have.

Do you understand?

Yes.

Good.

Don't see that woman from Ji State nor the woman

from Dan State.

They are in cahoots.

Don't make me repeat

what I told you today.

Come on.

I haven't seen you for a while

and you have become prettier.

I shall ask the kitchen to prepare some fancy dishes for you.

If I'm not mistaken,

you like Luosifen, don't you?

Thanks, Your Lordship.

In fact, I couldn't care less about it.

What is important

is that you still remember me.

That makes me very happy.

Come on.

After a few days of sun-drying, the fungus can be preserved even more easily.

Back in my home, there is a group of fungus pickers.

They will carry a bamboo basket on their back

and walk many lis in the morning deep into the mountain to collect fungus.

Smell it.

The spring

is upon us.

Li Wei.

Can you

do me a favor?

What is it?

Can you help me marry that Mr. Song?

You just met him.

And that's all it took.

I see his literacy rub off on you too.

He's so different from others.

He's so unique.

So interesting.

But I don't want something that will make me look very eager.

I want to make him feel that he wants to propose to me eagerly.

This can be quite challenging.

I suggest you leave the residence, turn right, and find a shaman.

Li Wei.

Come on, Li Wei.

I know you'll find a way.

Please help me.

I'm begging you.

Let me think.

So? Anything?

Not this soon.

Go ahead.

I might not have a solution now,

but I have an anecdote that can inspire you.

Sure.

Tell me.

When my mother was young, she met my father.

My father was handsome and kind, so she fell in love with him.

(She then decided to impress him.)

[Li Wenbi's Plot]

Let's go.

(My father wanted to thank my mother for her intervention, )

(but my mother became timid.)

And then?

And then, my mother

found a matchmaker and asked them to arrange a marriage.

My father's parents were very happy, so my father was forced...

Was willing to marry my mother.

But before they got married, my father wanted to see who his wife was.

Here she is.

(My father saw how affectionate my mother was)

(and was moved.)

(They have been married until now.)

But guess what the truth was.

The ones ruining the plot and the ones proposing to my mother

were my uncle's friends.

Your mother is so smart.

Of course.

My mother is the only person who could lure...

Who could impress my father like this.

Do you think I can do the same thing to lure...

Impress Song Wu?

You can try.

But your mother had your uncle's help.

Who can I turn to seek help?

Definitely not you because he has seen you.

If Zheng...

No.

Zheng is a stickler for rules.

He won't help me.

Then, I should...

I have a candidate.

Hand over it now!

What is this?

Money.

I don't want your money.

Bugger off.

You haven't paid for the books!

I can't believe this.

You can't leave without paying!

Good thing you did there!

Come on now.

Give me your most precious book.

Otherwise...

Why isn't she here yet?

No idea.

What's taking her so long?

She is late.

She missed the timing.

She's here!

Insolent thieves!

No need to be afraid, Mr. Song.

I will protect you.

In this peaceful era,

you would commit robbery

under broad daylight.

In the name of justice, I will defeat you.

I shall show you the power of darkness!

Charge!

Hurry up.

I didn't know a puny body like yours could house a powerful force.

Farewell!

Stand right there.

Beg for your life now and I might consider sparing you.

Mercy.

I underestimated you.

I will not accept your apology.

Careful.

I will.

You thief!

Jerk!

Thief!

Shameless!

Stop!

Do you two know each other?

- No. - No.

I think you two are not for each other.

Should we find another man?

Stop it already.

Exactly.

Hearing that will only upset her further.

All right.

There, there, Song Wu.

You see, your idea was awful.

Your acting was also awful.

It's normal that he saw it through.

Shut up!

Your Grace.

Mr. Song is here.

How do you know I live here?

You dropped this.

I asked around and found out that you live here.

Thank you.

Sorry

for today, Mr. Song.

I trashed your bookstore.

I should compensate you.

How much do you want, Mr. Song?

No need.

It won't cost a lot.

It's fine.

No.

I have to compensate you.

I feel bad for what happened today.

If I don't do something, I won't be able to sleep tonight.

Then...

One guan will do.

That's all?

It's a lot already.

Okay.

Mr. Song.

Please wait here.

Here.

[Song Wu owes Song Wu one guan] Sorry for the long wait, Mr. Song.

Oh, you see.

My brother

manages my money.

He is quite stingy,

and he only gives me a tiny amount for my monthly allowance.

So, I'd like to ask you

if I go to your bookstore and I slowly pay you back every day,

will it be okay with you?

Sure.

Miss Song.

I came with a question too.

Why did you do

what you did today, Miss Song?

It's all my fault.

I know you must hate me now, but please don't resent me.

Sorry.

Miss Song?

Why are you here?

So that's the woman?

Yes, but... Leave it to us.

No need. Come back.

Miss Song!

I have long admired your beauty.

Please give me a chance, Miss Song.

I was first.

My ancestor was friends with the Song family.

Drop the act already.

Mr. Song.

Stop it.

Stop!

Song Wu.

Song Wu.

Your Grace.

Don't call me Your Grace.

Song Wu will do.

I'm Song Wu.

I just want to know if you get my feelings.

You are a fine lady, Your Grace.

And you have many admirers.

They are all excellent scholars too.

I'm but a commoner.

So you get my feelings, but this is what you want to tell me?

Many admirers, you said?

I hired them to put on an act before you.

I want you...

I want you to be a bit jealous.

And when I said I would pay you back every day...

I know it is a ridiculous solution,

but I just want to meet you more often.

I know we haven't known each other for a long time,

but you are so different from the other noblemen I know.

My heart is...

That's why I did so many stupid things,

but...

you are smart.

So I hope you get it.

Miss Song.

[Princess Kening]

Wu.

Why are you still up?

I'm not tired.

Go to sleep first.

Are you thinking about Madam Song Wu?

Like I said, it's Miss Song Wu.

Will she be my sister-in-law?

You're a kid. Don't speak nonsense.

But kids know what's going on.

You're staring at this jade pendant the entire day.

You're wondering if you like her or not.

If you like her, just tell her.

But she's a princess.

And I'm just a commoner.

She is out of my league.

You are knowledgeable.

Of course she is not out of your league.

Love is love.

If wealth or status is involved, it's not love.

All right.

Go to sleep now.

Adults are unbelievable.

Why would you even be bothered by this?

Mr. Song.

You want to see me?

You forgot this.

Thank you.

Miss.

What?

Mr. Song.

You delivered the jade pendant here yesterday.

You could have left it and someone would stash it.

Why did you take it with you then?

Is it because

by taking the jade pendant... I'll have an excuse to see you.

Look at them.

But I'm not reassured.

Can you test Song Wu?

If you're not reassured, why did you pair them up together?

Song Wu likes him.

But marriage is different.

Bring him to a brothel and see if he'll follow you.

Or offer him five million silver taels and tell him to leave Song Wu.

Let's see if he'll do it.

You're a man.

Men know what men want.

Do something.

Okay.

Song Wu is my sister.

Mine too.

So we have to protect her.

Sorry.

The bookstore is closed now.

I'm not here to buy anything.

I'm here for you.

Your Lordship, please.

Mr. Song, you have quite the collection.

Books are all I have got.

Pardon the poor reception.

[Comics] You read comics too?

They belong to my sister.

She's at school now.

I have to pick her up later.

I know.

Song Wu told me everything.

Your parents have passed away,

so raising a sister alone must be very tough.

Not necessarily.

My parents passed away early, so we two rely on each other.

I'm used to it by now.

Have a seat.

Your Lordship, you came today for Princess Kening, didn't you?

You're something.

Song Wu has never fallen in love before.

Tell me.

In your current situation,

if you marry Song Wu, what will you do next?

My current situation is not deserving of her status.

But I will do my best to ace the Imperial Examination this year.

Once I establish my career, I will start a family and do my best

to give her the best life she deserves.

How confident of you.

I have studied for a decade.

I know my worth.

I have read your articles.

Impressive, I must say.

You know what?

Why don't I give you a suitable post right away?

Without the exam, you'll have time to look after Song Wu.

What do you think?

I appreciate your offer, Your Lordship.

But

I'm afraid I have to say no.

Why?

I like Miss Song Wu very much.

Upon knowing her noble status, I feel inadequate.

I don't want her to suffer with me.

But Miss Song believes I can take care of her.

If I take shortcuts here, it will eat away at my conscience.

I would have studied all these years for nothing.

As for the Imperial Examination,

please do not intervene, Sixth Young Lord.

♪ The wind talks to me gently ♪

♪ I listen to the time singing a song ♪

♪ Fireworks in the sky remind me of our memories ♪

♪ Stars take my heart quietly ♪

♪ Eyes shine bright in the pale moonlight ♪

♪ The way you look is carved in my mind ♪

♪ The past is making me stumble along ♪

♪ The present is slowly trickling through my fingers ♪

♪ The future is there waiting for us ♪

♪ We walk towards the future together ♪

♪ Clouds are watching everything silently ♪

♪ Cool breezes carry a faint aroma to the sky ♪

♪ Kites flying are bidding farewell to the confusion you once had ♪

♪ Gazing the future from afar ♪

♪ The world is so big and we have a lot to expect ♪

♪ On good or bad days, I will be by your side ♪

♪ When there is love, even flowers have the courage to bloom among thorns ♪

♪ The subsiding summer breeze and scorching sun, we took them both for granted ♪

♪ The leaves are falling in autumn, waiting for us to write a new chapter in our life ♪

♪ Past the snowstorm, there is the sun ♪

♪ The past is making me stumble along ♪

♪ The present is flowing slowly through my fingers ♪

♪ The future is there waiting for us ♪

♪ We walk towards the future together ♪