Original subtitles

♪The spring breeze outside the window moves the stream♪

♪Who is disturbed by the williow catkins?♪

♪You're there when I look back, toying with my heart♪

♪Everything has become an ornament♪

♪A pair of lovebirds are flying under the roof in the drizzling rain♪

♪Whose secrets have drifted to the chamber?♪

♪The night when the moon shines, I'll have a drink with you♪

♪Let's keep each other company for the rest of our lifes♪

♪The mountain and water carry me through my lifetime relationship♪

♪Oh, wind and rain, you're as romantic as spring♪

♪Like the star and the moon, I wish you all well♪

♪Don't think about him, I'm right by your side♪

♪Oh, my dream keeps changing because of you♪

♪I'm still waiting for you to look at me♪

♪It's hard to let go once one falls in love♪

♪My life is not wasted while being with you♪

=Choice Husband=

=Episode 1=

♪It's spread across the street♪

♪That everybody longs for the young lady of the Shen family♪

♪I'll give you a pearl♪

♪Please tie it to your skirt♪

(Lingzhou City) ♪Please tie it to your skirt♪

(Fuchun Parlor)

(Ma Tianbao)

Master Ma,

(Shen Miao) Miss Shen is

(Shen Miao) not a heavenly beauty

but she's kind of gorgeous, don't you think?

(Matchmaker Liu)

I asked you to find me

a man who's better than Pei and Song.

Yet, you found me this.

Oh dear,

the two lovers of yours are of top quality.

Where could I find a man like them?

Besides,

the entire Lingzhou City knows about your scandal.

Who else do you expect?

I have many fine qualities, okay?

Well, he's too ugly.

I really can't...

I think he's fine.

The clock is ticking.

Stop being so picky.

Just improvise.

Master Ma.

(Pei Yanzhen Magistrate of Lingzhou City)

Master Ma,

there are many young ladies in Lingzhou City.

But very few of them have the surname "Shen".

Especially, Miss Shen,

she's from the Shen family who owns many stores.

So it's the richest family in the present dynasty.

I'm Ma Tianbao.

(Er Bao San Bao) They're Er Bao, San Bao.

(Er Bao San Bao)

Nice to meet you.

Master Ma,

I heard that you're a third-generation only son.

Am I right?

Yes, you're right.

What a coincidence.

Miss Shen had a dream four months ago.

There was a golden light

in a storm, the Child-giving Goddess appeared.

She was found to be pregnant on the next day.

Marriage is destiny.

Miss Shen's baby

is extraordinary.

Master Ma,

it's a two-for-one deal.

You can't find it elsewhere.

Master Ma, they're two for one.

Don't you think?

Yes, you're right.

I'm not trying to reject her.

I think it's inappropriate.

He already said yes.

What's the fuss?

I've checked the calendar.

Tomorrow is a good day.

The propitious star is governing, it's the best day to get married.

Master Ma, if you have no problem,

why don't we exchange

the marriage proposal today?

What do you think?

Sure.

No.

Why are you stopping me?

You're already showing.

It won't do.

What else do you want?

It really won't do.

Miao.

Official Pei?

Why are you here?

Official Pei?

So you're Official Pei Yanzhen, the Magistrate of Lingzhou City.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

Make yourselves comfortable.

I have a banquet here.

I didn't expect

to see Miao here.

But,

I already bought out Yasong Pavilion for today.

Why did you buy out

the entire place?

Today...

We're here to talk about our marriage.

Matchmaking?

Yes, right.

But I didn't know

that you're an acquaintance of Miss Shen.

We're not only acquaintances.

Miao and I are...

Relatives.

Relatives?

That's right.

Official Pei is a distant relative of mine.

A very distant uncle.

Master Ma, aren't you satisfied with me?

Of course,

I am.

Why don't we sit down and talk?

Sure.

Since we're a family,

can I hear Miao's marriage plan out?

- No. - Of course.

Come.

Master Pei, please take a seat.

As such,

I'll accept your invitation.

Come.

Have a seat.

Miss Shen,

we'll sit closer to each other.

Come, please.

I've heard that you're an outstanding man

and a virtuous official.

But I didn't know

you're Miss Shen's Uncle.

I didn't expect that either.

You must be joking.

From now on, we're a family.

Please take care of us.

Thank you.

This is mine.

Longjing tea is cool in nature.

You're unwell now.

It's best not to drink it.

Thanks for your concern, Uncle.

It was remiss of me.

From now on,

I'll take good care of Miss Shen.

Just like you do.

(Fuchun Parlor)

(Fuchun Parlor) Come, make way. Make way.

(Fuchun Parlor)

(Song Xiyuan)

(Tie Niu) Tie Niu,

(Tie Niu)

(Tie Niu) pass my order.

If it isn't me

who brings my wife out,

we'll surround Fuchun Parlor.

Rest assured, Young Master.

(Consciousness)

Master Ma, this is your first time here in Lingzhou City.

Matchmaker Liu tried so hard to find you.

You must've not known about my historical ties with Miao.

I'm all ears.

Pei Yanzhen.

What a strong wind.

It has opened the door.

Aren't these Miaomiao and Official Pei?

As the saying goes, it's a small world.

The strong wind

has actually brought the three of us here.

Master Song must've got work to do.

Why don't we leave first?

Even Official Pei has time for this.

I'm just an idle man,

I should join in the fun.

Madam Liu!

Come with me, Miaomiao.

I...

Will you stop?

Miss Shen?

Who is this?

I'm Song Xiyuan.

Third Master Song?

Seven out of ten stores belong to Shen family,

while Song family owns the rest.

It's so lucky of me.

That I can meet the three of you today.

You're too polite.

Let me ask you.

You're the organizer,

why did you only invite Official Pei?

We're Miaomiao's ex-husbands.

Why is Official Pei on the invitation list?

But I'm excluded?

Ex-husbands?

Isn't Official Pei her uncle?

Uncle?

I didn't expect that with a meal,

they've become so close.

As such,

Official Pei

once was my uncle too.

Once an uncle,

always an uncle.

I even forgot to greet you.

Never mind.

I don't need a nephew-in-law like you.

Uncle.

Ex-husband.

Ex-husband.

Niece.

Master Ma,

let me explain.

It's not like this.

Well,

it's like what they said,

but now,

what matters

is our marriage, isn't it?

Please consider me.

Actually, I'm still a...

Er Bao, San Bao,

this is ridiculous, it's ridiculous.

Brilliant.

You got here before me.

But you still need my help

to handle it.

Don't you think, Miaomiao?

Miao.

Miaomiao.

- Miao. - Miaomiao.

Go forward!

Wait.

Miao.

Miao.

Don't move.

Miaomiao.

My feelings for you are real.

But he's insincere.

Miao,

hear me out.

That's enough.

The two of you always make a scene at my house.

You even came here today.

Aren't you tired?

- No. - No.

But

I'm tired.

It was written clearly

on the divorce papers.

We're square.

Do not intervene with another party's future marriage.

Miao,

- don't speak in anger. - We're not young anymore.

I'm a fine lady,

but I'm not irreplaceable.

If you let go of me,

Shen family will pay you handsomely.

If you keep pestering me...

I've never seen a problem that can't be solved

with money.

Miao.

Don't go.

Shen's Rice Shop is

- Miaomiao. - giving cash handouts.

- It's a one-time offer. - Miao.

Make way.

- Miaomiao! - Miao!

Miao!

(Lvying) Shen's Rice Shop is

- giving cash handouts. - Hurry up.

It's a one-time offer.

(The world is all)

(about benefits.)

(I'm Shen Miao.)

(This is)

(a story about me and my two ex-husbands.)

(Of course.)

(Pei and Song are my ex-husbands)

(not just because)

(I'm their ex-wife.)

(It's not that simple.)

- Miaomiao! - Miao!

(One year ago Shen's Pawnshop)

(Shen's Accessories Store)

(Shen's Inn)

(Shen's Rice Shop)

(Shen's Clothing Store)

(Shen's Residence) Due to the operational requirements

(Shen's Residence) of Shen's Residence,

we'll hire a head of the armed escort.

You must be between 20 to 30 years old,

unmarried, childless,

a martial arts expert

with proper appearance

and good conduct.

The experience is not important.

The monthly wage is negotiable.

Good!

You should enjoy the show.

What distracted you?

Miss,

Old Master is secretly selecting a husband for you in the front yard.

It's more bustling than the selection of concubine.

But you

don't seem to care about it.

You're such a silly girl.

I've got to watch

more shows before I get married.

What if my future husband

doesn't allow me to watch it?

Will you obey him

if he doesn't allow you to do it?

As long as he's strong and I'm satisfied with him,

I'll pretend to be a virtuous wife.

This is a piece of cake.

Old Master,

(Aunt)

(Aunt) look what kind of people you've found.

All of them are a mess.

None of them deserves our Miao.

What do you know?

(Shen Qian) A woman is a bad judge of man.

You're no better.

I'm a bad judge of character?

Let me tell you this.

Miao is already 15 years old.

She's not my daughter.

But we're like sisters.

As you make a rash decision,

it'll be fine if it's a good husband.

What if it's not that case?

What will she think of you?

Do you think I don't know that?

It's just that this is different.

If Miao isn't married

within the month,

Shen family might be annihilated.

Quick.

Give me a massage.

Old Master.

Old Master.

Old Master,

I've brought the selected men over.

I see.

Someone is even holding sledgehammers.

Housekeeper,

according to the rules,

those who don't conform to the age requirement,

those who are underweight

and those with ordinary looks,

please send them out.

Yes.

Break it up.

Dismiss.

Come back.

What do you mean by dismissing?

Save some for me.

Yes, Old Master.

What is he doing?

He asks them to leave?

Is Old Master Shen here?

Old Master Shen.

It's you, Constable Zhao.

What a pleasant surprise.

Your full fury

has frightened me.

Peace breeds wealth.

Peace breeds wealth.

Yes.

Constable Zhao.

You're too polite, Old Master Shen.

(Constable Zhao) We're here today

(Constable Zhao) for an official business.

Come forward!

Come, over here.

Congratulations, Old Master Shen and Madam Shen.

Constable Zhao,

what is this about?

Official.

Based on the betrothal years ago, I, Magistrate Pei Yanzhen, am here

to ask to marry your daughter.

Please give me your permission.

Lvying,

prepare a reward for the martial artist later.

He does have an imposing figure.

He's fascinating.

Miao, Miao.

Zai?

Why are you here?

Weren't you watching the selection process in the front yard?

Here,

a candied fruit for you.

(Shen Zai) There's a poor scholar in the front yard

(Shen Zai) who brings betrothal gifts over.

He looks arrogant.

I don't like him.

Didn't they only enlist those who practised martial arts?

There's even a scholar.

He even brings the betrothal gifts over?

It was remiss of me

to come without informing you.

I'm flattered, Official Pei.

But I don't remember

there's a marriage contract

between Shen family and Pei family.

Besides, Official Pei is the magistrate of Lingzhou City.

My daughter sees you as a brother and a father.

I think we should just forget

about the marriage proposal.

We, Shen family, are a merchant family.

Miaomiao is the only daughter we have.

First off, we want her to stay with us a little longer.

Secondly, you're an outstanding man.

We're not good enough for you.

Keep her with you?

Then, why are you looking for a son-in-law in the back

but claiming that you're hiring an armed escort?

Everyone in Lingzhou City has

witnessed us bringing the betrothal gifts over.

You can't deny it.

That's presumptuous!

Don't try to make an irresponsible comment.

Since you're here for a personal matter,

we're equal, then.

Someone!

Yes.

Whoever can get Master Pei out of Shen's Residence

will be the head of the armed escort of Shen family.

Yes.

Guys.

I understand

your worries.

Did you forget

the promise you made

to His Majesty?

Our northern region suffered a long drought.

(Imperial palace)

(Imperial palace) The harvest was poor.

(Imperial palace)

(Imperial palace) Luckily, Old Master Shen donated food and money

Luckily, Old Master Shen donated food and money

to them.

It has avoided a disaster.

Old Master Shen, you're rich but kind

(The Emperor) and you care about the nation.

(The Emperor)

(The Emperor) You save them from trouble.

You're the role model of all merchants.

The people live in peace,

thanks to Your Majesty's grace.

I was just trying

to share the burden of Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager.

I dare not take credit

for other achievements.

That's so humble of you, Old Master Shen.

(Empress Dowager)

(Empress Dowager) I heard that you've taught

(Empress Dowager) your daughter well.

Your eldest daughter, Shen Miao, is as kind as you, Old Master Shen.

Now that

Miss Shen is old enough to get married.

And His Majesty is young and strong.

Why not...

You can't do this!

(Jing De) How dare you!

Old Master Shen, do you

dislike my son?

How would I dare to do that?

It's just that my daughter is a common-looking lady

without virtue.

I was worried she'd end up alone

so I've found her a husband.

They'll get married in a month.

Is that true?

It's true.

I understand

your fatherly concern.

Since your daughter has been betrothed,

how could I steal someone's fiancee?

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Since the wedding is around the corner

and Shen family has rendered meritorious service,

a month later,

I'll send the censor to Lingzhou City

to attend Shen family's wedding, is that alright?

Everybody, stand down.

Yes.

Stand down, stand down.

Quick.

Hurry up.

Quick.

Put it down, quick.

Hurry up.

Who is he?

He's just a small official.

How dare he come and throw his weight around?

Madam Shen,

Official Pei hasn't left yet.

Mind your words.

I'm just saying.

He can't hear me.

Official Pei,

it's impressive.

You're out here in Lingzhou City.

But you know everything

in the capital and the palace.

I'm impressed.

I apologize

for my suddenness.

I just

don't want Shen family to reach a dead end.

Old Master Shen made a smart excuse.

But no secret can be kept forever.

Even I know about this,

let alone the imperial palace.

If His Majesty knows this,

Shen family will be convicted of defrauding the emperor.

It's absurd.

If my daughter marries you,

isn't that also defrauding the emperor?

What a coincidence.

I once rejected the marriage proposal

from Ninth Princess at Qionglin Banquet

with the excuse of being engaged to someone else.

It coincides with your statement.

Secondly,

as I brought a lot of betrothal gifts over,

if I returned with nothing,

what do you think

the others would think?

Miss,

this is a public place.

There are many people watching.

You can't ruin the image that you spent

16 years to build.

Miss.

Come here.

It's you, Aunt.

You have a death wish, Miaomiao.

We've talked about this many times.

You must keep a good image before getting married.

Do not play with swords

until your marriage is finalized.

I got it.

Where is my dad?

Your dad is dealing with that arrogant scholar.

Great.

Lvying,

let's go.

But you've

brought the blade.

My dad is here, there's nothing to be afraid of.

My dad values my will the most.

He won't sell me out.

Right, Aunt?

Congratulations,

Official.

Since Old Master Shen has agreed to this marriage,

we should get ready for this.

What?

He did sell me out?

Well...

(Pei's Residence)

(Zhan Yue)

You're back?

If I was an assassin,

you would've died already.

Very few people can draw a sword at my residence.

You can do that

because I give you the right.

Just come on down.

This tasteless thing again?

It's fine even if it's not liquor.

But at least give me something strong.

Strong tea harms our tastebuds.

Noise harms our mentality.

Taking everything lightly is the gentlemanly thing to do.

Tell me.

What have you found out

about Miss Shen?

About Miss Shen,

you know what?

This Old Dragon-Bead

is me.

Shen family has a great fortune.

And the Emperor

wants to have it.

The merchant is not allowed to be an official.

The simplest way is

to have me as his concubine.

Am I right?

That's how it is.

Shen family is rich

but we're not a fool.

If I was married to him,

death would be the only way out.

Father doesn't have the heart to see me suffer.

Therefore,

he picks the best of a bad bunch

and chooses Pei Yanzhen.

First off,

it can save the family from danger.

Secondly, Official Pei is a poor low-rank official.

It's easy to divorce him by then.

Right?

About what you said,

it's true and not true.

What do you mean it's true?

Miaomiao,

you're

the young lady of Shen family, aren't you?

It's inappropriate to think of a divorce

before getting married.

The point is...

The point is that gossip is a fearful thing.

Gossip is fearful to the outsiders.

But I'm not afraid of it.

Miao.

Aunt,

I know you love me.

Let me ask you this.

Why do women follow the virtue

and obey their husbands

after marriage?

It's certainly to have a happy married life

and make the husband happy.

Is that true?

Shut up.

Look.

No matter what you look like,

my father will also feel happy.

Because he treats you sincerely.

I'd like to find someone like this.

But due to a quirk of fate

and the situation,

I don't have the time to find one.

Luckily, Shen family is well-known.

I'm carefree and I like freedom.

I don't want to be restrained.

I'll divorce him right away when I have the chance.

This young scholar has made a move

before us,

but as long as the emperor trusts us,

we can do anything we want by then.

So,

she wants to marry an outlaw?

I think

it's not late for you to resign and learn martial arts now.

What do you think?

Do you need me to make a referral?

No, thanks.

You take a few days off.

After the wedding,

make a run to the capital for me.

Hey,

why are you so sure

that Shen Miao will marry you?

Nothing is certain

in the world.

Moreover, marriage is unpredictable.

How can I be sure of it?

What do you mean?

Marriage is unpredictable

but I can predict one's thoughts.

If Shen Miao doesn't want to enter the palace,

she'll marry me for sure.

It goes without saying.

Many martial arts experts

are keen to marry to the richest Shen family.

Why would Old Master Shen have

his eye on you?

Read his mind

and observe his movements.

I can solve his crime of defrauding the emperor

and I promised him

that I won't fail Shen Miao.

Old Master Shen has no other choices.

What a schemer.

I'm not into love affairs.

I just want to protect myself.

I'll keep my promise once we get married.

You're heartless and ruthless.

Who knows if you'll be swayed after getting married?

Everything about you is good.

Just that your marriage...

Geez.

Miao,

you're a smart girl.

You figure things out without me telling you.

What you said is

not the only reason why I pick Official Pei.

Why is that?

Now that Shen family has reached its apogee.

I don't seek for a successful

and peerless man.

All I want is

a person who can take care of you

on that day when the family falls from its pinnacle.

We don't know

what kind of a person

Pei Yanzhen is.

How are you so sure that he's the one?

He said...

You're a weak scholar.

What makes you think you can ask to marry me?

I'll eat with you every day.

You...

I won't take a concubine.

You...

Do not take another step.

I'll never fail you.

As such,

maybe we can kill two birds with one stone.

We can deceive the Emperor

and find you a good man at the same time.

Father,

you've taught me

that we can't be greedy.

A good man is

something we can't ask for.

Besides, Pei Yanzhen brought the betrothal gifts over

and forced me to marry him.

A divorce is a minimum requirement.

The rest is just an accident.

You...

The first combing, may you grow old together.

The second combing, may you love and respect one another.

The third combing,

may your bloodlines be fruitful.

Miss,

normally, the married couple love each other and can't bear

to leave one another.

But things don't go your way.

That you have to marry to a weak scholar.

Bride! Bride!

It's time.

The sedan chair is here.

Why aren't you covered with a bridal veil?

It's inauspicious if it's past

the propitious hour.

Miss.

That's enough, stop acting like this.

I'm pretty and rich.

It's easy to get a husband I like.

Besides,

after getting married,

I'll find a chance to get divorced.

The emperor won't want to marry me by then.

Alright, then.

Miss,

it's the propitious hour.

Will you marry him or not?

Let's go.

I'll marry him.

What are you waiting for?

I'm getting married, walk me to the door.

Yes, right.

Cover her with the bridal veil.

Hold it tight.

Good.

Cover her with the bridal veil.

Here comes the bride!

(Peace and Prosperity) Mind your step.

(Peace and Prosperity) Be careful.

(Peace and Prosperity) Come, over here.

Miss Shen and Master Pei are

a match made in heaven.

It's just a scholar.

I'm not as rich as Shen family.

If I was Shen family's daughter,

the scholar would've fought for me.

Shut up.

Pei family has been officials for generations.

Master Pei doesn't need that money.

I think it's Miss Shen who tries everything

to marry him

as Master Pei is handsome and charming.

Miss, Miss.

Are you asleep?

No.

What's wrong?

Based on my count,

there are about 128 boxes of dowry.

It needs eight persons to carry each box of dowry.

Why do I feel like you're richer

than you were after getting married?

Keep an eye on them.

When I get divorced,

I have to take them with me.

Miss,

this is your big day.

Don't say such an inauspicious word.

I even marry to Pei Yanzhen.

What could be more inauspicious?

Miss, are you alright?

Lvying.

Miss.

What happened?

I don't know either.

Without my order,

do not come over.

Protect the people.

Yes.

Protect the people!

Miss,

there's a group of people in our way.

Are they trying to steal me?

Don't be afraid, Miss.

I'll protect you.

I won't let the bad guys have you.

(I'd like to see what you're going to do.)

Miss.

Official!

Miss!

So they're trying to steal

- Pei Yanzhen? - Master-in-law?

Didn't you usually like to play cards?

Why are you wandering around?

Just go to the yard.

Miaomiao is gone.

No one plays with me.

It's no fun.

Old Master, Old Master.

Old Master,

something bad happens.

Slow down.

Shen,

you're too old

to be so clumsy.

Just take it slow.

Is there a fire in the rice shop

or is there a flood at the dock?

Right.

Old Master, Madam,

it's neither.

Someone robbed Miss.

- What did you say? - What?

Whoever lays a hand on my sister,

I'll teach him a lesson.

My young master,

it wasn't Miss,

but Master.

Someone abducted him.

Someone kidnapped Master.

Gosh.

What?

Official Pei,

guess

who I am.

Ninth Princess, you could've just issued

an edict if you wanted to see me.

Why did you do this?

(Ninth Princess)

Because you didn't write me back

and secretly married another woman.

Otherwise, why would I come all the way to Lingzhou City?

Look at my outfit.

I look much better than Shen Miao.

Yanzhen.

Please behave, Princess.

We're men and women.

Besides, I'm your subordinate.

It's an offense to stay in the same room.

Please send me back to my house.

So I can explain it to my wife.

How dare you, Pei Yanzhen!

What are you thinking?

I'm from the royal family.

Am I no better

to a merchant's daughter like Shen Miao?

Pei,

I came all the way to Lingzhou City

without letting my brother and mother know

just to marry you.

We can get married today.

If you're still thinking of Shen Miao,

I'll kill the entire Shen family.

Miss,

Miss.

Just say it, there's no one here.

I've asked about it.

It was Ninth Princess who stole him away.

All of them were the imperial guards.

What did I tell you?

A scholar is a useless man.

If Pei Yanzhen knew some fighting skills,

he wouldn't

have been easily kidnapped.

Otherwise,

we could've enjoyed a fighting show.

So I can broaden my vision.

Miss,

that was Ninth Prince.

How could low-rank Magistrate Pei fight her?

Besides,

don't you worry about Master?

What Master?

Call him the emperor's brother-in-law.

A great joy!

It's a great joy.

They always say Shen family is lucky.

I didn't expect to be blessed with good luck.

My luck is unstoppable.

I can't help it.

I thought that my plan would fail.

Now,

after twists and turns,

there's a way out.

Well, now,

I don't have to ask for a divorce.

Lvying,

quick, go pack our things.

Let's go home.

What are you talking about, Miss?

Even if you want a divorce,

you can't run away on your wedding night.

What do you mean

by my wedding night?

It doesn't count as we haven't performed the ceremony.

I thought Pei Yanzhen wouldn't let me go.

Now that the princess likes him.

No man can resist her.

Quick.

Take the dowry with us.

Let's go, come on.

Chop, chop.

Miss.

Miss,

this is a huge matter.

You should tell Old Master.

If not,

you can discuss it with Madam.

No need.

Anyway, I've already got married.

I'm sure the emperor won't marry me.

Let's leave now.

Miss.

It's my bad.

Sorry to startle you.

I'm screwed.

It's too late.

Do you mean we should hurry up?

No.

I just regret

why I didn't take a good look at his face before.

Are you heading home?

Well,

Pei,

there are many people here.

We should go inside and talk.

It's our wedding night.

You're running away

before performing the ceremony.

Are you looking down upon me?

It's not like this.

I've got something to say.

Don't worry, Dear.

I've

returned safely.

♪There are many devoted lovers in the mortal world♪

♪It's hard to understand love♪

♪If I have another chance, I won't be late again♪

♪All I wish is for you to be well♪

♪Don't ask me if this is worth it♪

♪However, love is♪

♪Turning into lovesickness when it deepens into your heart♪

♪Even life and death can't frighten me♪

♪I've been through the good times and bad times♪

♪But the person I've been waiting for is not aware of it♪

♪There's an unfinished story between you and me♪

♪How am I supposed to continue my life?♪

♪The moon rises and sets, a day has passed♪

♪I just want to protect you until old ages♪

♪And make a vow about you♪

♪I'm willing to be obsessed with you♪

♪I wish we could be together in our next lifes♪