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 2=

Miss.

You have married into Pei's family.

You should behave yourself well.

How come no one told me

Pei Yanzhen is such a gorgeous chap?

Miss.

Did you get shocked

until your heart and eyes turned blind?

I'm serious about this.

Previously, it was said

that Pei Yanzhen is an ailing man.

After meeting him today,

I found him a mild-mannered

and suave gentleman.

If the imperial examination were to grade one's appearance.

he's no doubt the top.

Didn't you say

that he's merely a scholar with an appealing facade but nothing inside?

Even scholars can be classified into different ranks.

If Pei Yanzhen

merely possessed the face of a third-tier rank,

I would just ignore him.

If his face were at the second tier,

I would consider granting him a chance.

If it were the third place,

I can have a meal with him.

If it were second place,

we can have a shot or two, maybe.

What about Master whose face ranked at the top?

Needless to say, I will do whatever I want.

Miss.

Where is your line?

Of course, I do have.

It's just

that the line is kind of low compared to others.

Besides,

he threatened my dad to take me as his wife.

This is unforgivable.

But, it's fine to feast my eyes with his beauty tonight, isn't it?

Tell me

what tonight is.

Tonight?

Tonight is

the 8th day of the 6th month.

No, it's my wedding night.

Are you going to...

You're overthinking.

I have my principles.

I will only appreciate his beauty

sitting tight.

Why...why do you come back here?

Isn't this my study?

Today your wedding night.

Why are you here

instead of spending the night with the bride?

I'm curious about

why Shen Miao left home.

Well, it's easy.

She doesn't like you

and refuses to marry you.

Why didn't you stop her then?

Official Pei,

I'm only in charge of running some errands,

do you expect me to deal with your privacy too?

Where are you going?

To spend the night with the bride.

This is the best way to make Shen Miao stay.

What a beast.

(Nv'erhong liquor)

(Nv'erhong liquor) Miss.

Is this the method you came out with?

After Pei Yanzhen comes,

I will pour him the liquor.

If he gets drunk tonight,

nothing will happen then.

But, according to the plot of the story,

the one who tries to tank up others will always get tanked up instead.

This is not going to happen.

Do you know who my father is?

He's the great drinker

surviving the Lingzhou's business feasts until now.

Even though I don't take much after him on this,

it's just a piece of cake

to defeat a frail scholar in drinking.

This Nv'erhong liquor from my dowry

is indeed pure and aromatic.

I'm sure he will get addicted to this after the first sip.

He's here, Miss.

Sit down.

Sit properly.

Put the veil on.

It's done.

Master.

Why are you still up?

Tonight is our wedding night.

I'm sorry to startle you.

I would like to apologise to you.

Please unveil, Master.

May you have the best wishes.

Master.

Please take the liquor.

Husband.

I haven't eaten anything yet.

I wonder if you can join me for dinner?

Sure.

Hold on.

Wife.

Since it's our wedding night,

isn't it inappropriate to have a maidservant here?

You're right.

You're discreet.

Lvying.

You may leave the room.

Miss.

What if you need my help?

What if you're in danger?

Staying in the same room with my husband,

why would I be in danger?

You're right.

The first shot,

to the blessed fate of us

bonding with each other maritally.

Thank you.

The second shot,

may we be honest with each other,

and live harmoniously

from henceforth and forever.

Certainly.

The third shot...

The third shot

is a punishment for you.

Today is a big day

in my life.

However, my husband was abducted halfway.

You made me worry.

Worry?

Yes.

I was so worried about you.

That's why I brought Lvying

to seek you on the streets.

Why did you bring along your dowry as well?

To ransom you from the bad guys.

Why?

Don't you believe in me?

Are you not curious about

the Ninth Princess?

Back then, I met Ninth Princess

in the presence of His Majesty.

And Her Highness developed some feelings for me.

However, due to my vulnerable health,

I went to Lingzhou to attend to my duty.

Therefore, nothing has happened to us.

It's late at night.

Keep your voice low.

Don't make any noise.

Gosh, keep your voice low.

How dare you!

Why are you sneaking around here

this late at night?

Wait.

I'm not sneaking around.

You little brat,

why are you standing by the window?

I...

You are eavesdropping on them too.

Shut your mouth.

Lewd fellow.

Unruly brat.

I...

Let's leave.

But,

speaking of which,

since Ninth Princess managed to find you here,

how did you get rid of her?

I will answer

every question you pose.

On this wedding night,

wouldn't it be better

if you join me for the liquor?

Are you satisfied now?

Can you tell me now?

How's it?

Have you thought it through?

Do you want to marry me

or to get buried together with the rest?

Your Highness, you're of nobility.

I can't stop you from doing anything

and I don't want to.

However, you forced me to marry you.

I don't think I will obey you.

Pei Yanzhen.

For you,

I refused to listen to my brother and mother.

Many people point their fingers at me

and I just couldn't care less about them.

I have done so much for you.

Can Shen Miao do this?

Can other women do this for you?

Maybe no one can sacrifice so much for me

and I don't need this either.

Who tells you

that your overzealous sacrifice will be responded with an answer?

Pei Yanzhen.

I'm young and beautiful

and from the royal family.

Yet you turn me down cruelly even if I come to you.

Pei Yanzhen.

Are you a man?

Of course, I'm not.

What?

One year ago, I turned down our marriage

and left the capital.

Have you ever considered the reason behind it?

Wasn't that your body weak?

Why couldn't a man have a wife

if he had a common sickness?

I have no idea.

Well.

I will confess to you

that my flaw

is that I was weak since I was young

and I suffer from an unmentionable disease.

Even if I marry a woman,

I will

let her down.

Huh?

Did Her Highness buy it?

Why do you care so much about this?

Of course, I do.

It's because...

Because I'm worried about your health problem.

I see.

Something's wrong.

There are so many guards around Her Highness,

how come you came out in one piece?

Wife.

One shot

for one question in return.

(Something's wrong.)

(I feel like he's feeding me the liquor.)

(Let me show you who's the best drinker.)

Look carefully.

I will get you some more liquor.

Stop right there.

Where are you going?

Oh, Pei.

Have you

reached your limit?

Surely, you jest.

Are you not convinced?

Drink it if you're not.

How come I feel so giddy?

Look.

You still need my help in the end.

Why did you hurt her?

What else should I do then?

You have drunk a lot tonight

and you haven't got her yet.

Fine.

I'm off.

I want some more.

I want some more.

Miss.

Miss.

Oh gosh.

What are you yelling in the morning?

I fail to keep you in check.

And you...

What?

This...

Pei Yanzhen.

Pei Yanzhen.

How was it?

Pei Yanzhen.

I see.

I knew you were pretending.

Does it concern you?

No, it's not.

But your wife is kind of funny.

She failed to tank you up,

and she got backfired by you thinking that you slept together yesterday night.

How pitiful of her to marry a black-hearted fox like you

who will sell her off later.

No.

No?

I won't sell her off.

Pei Yanzhen.

Do you have a crush on her?

Our marriage

is because I need someone to help with my pressing need.

However, I have promised Shen Qian

and I should take care of her well.

Our priority now

is to make her give up on the desire to leave here.

Yes, it should be.

Argh, look what I've done.

Miss.

I'm to blame.

I could've foreseen this tragedy.

Still, you've lost your virginity.

What do you mean my virginity?

It's Pei Yanzhen's.

Gosh, Lvying.

Why didn't you halt me?

We've promised

to simply marry a man

to avoid the marriage decided by His Majesty

and get a divorce after that.

Look at the mess.

Why do you blame me for that?

It was you who insisted...

Enough said.

Well, I will pay him

several stores as the compensation

after we divorce.

Aunt, do you think it's a good idea?

Good idea, my foot.

Look at yourself.

Sitting indecently,

talking unruly.

You are now in Pei's Residence.

You should act appropriately.

Did you reveal your nature yesterday night?

Fret not.

I behave well even if I'm drunk.

He wouldn't find my dark side.

You were drunk?

Well, I need to figure out a way

to irritate him

and make him want to divorce me.

(Imperial Palace)

(Wende Hall) This is ridiculous.

Do you love Pei Yanzhen so much

that you even deployed the imperial army

to abduct him in Lingzhou

without cherishing your dignity.

Mother.

Jiu is still young

and she has no idea what's at stake here.

Simply giving her an earful will do.

Don't scare her.

She doesn't scare me at all.

You are bold.

Why didn't you

stay in Lingzhou?

I intended to stay.

Little did I know

that Pei is crippled just like Jinghe.

And you hide this truth

from me.

Mother, you only care about Brother.

You never consider me.

Stand right there.

Careful, Your Highness.

Get out of here.

Yes.

Mother,

please calm down.

I reckon...

It has nothing to do with you.

Jiu is too naive

to handle Pei Yanzhen.

By the way,

what do you say about this?

Do you mean the Huaihe Reservoir

or Pei Yanzhen?

Your uncle will take care of Huaihe Reservoir.

In my opinion,

it is merely

a groundless rumour.

Pei Yanzhen is a talented official.

If we put him in an important position and handle him carefully,

he will definitely be the pillar of the nation.

We shall observe him for now,

if he launches any acts,

we will deal with it accordingly.

You're insightful.

Finally, you're learning.

However, this rumour can't come from nowhere.

Plus, it's true that a royal descendant went missing.

We ought to get to the bottom of this

to secure your position.

Don't hesitate.

Understood, Mother.

Yanzhen.

Regarding the Huaihe Reservoir,

(Magistrate Jia) what do you say?

Empress Dowager appointed her blood brother,

Lord Qin Zuze

to supervise the restoration of the reservoir.

We, the officials from the prefecture along the river

should assist him in our power.

Well, it's easy to say this,

however, it's a challenging task to work on.

Let me ask you this.

The collapsed reservoir

was only repaired two years before.

How come it collapsed so soon?

What do you trying to say?

Yanzhen.

I know you determine to make some achievements.

However, when associating with the imperial court,

sometimes, one must

turn a blind eye.

Many things that happened in Jianghuai

are actually known full well by everyone.

If that's the case,

I would like to share the burden with you, Magistrate Jia.

You're young and talented, Yanzhen.

I'm sure you will be promoted in no time.

Master.

Master.

Something bad has happened.

Madam...

Magistrate Jia is here.

How dare you interrupt us!

Get out.

Yes.

It's late already.

Since you have something to deal with,

I shall take my leave.

Let me see you off.

Sure.

This way, please.

Lvying.

Who's next?

Fang Dazhu.

Next.

Fang Dazhu.

Madam, I'm Fang Dazhu.

Your face is fairly tolerable.

But your name is doggy.

It sounds kind of unpleasant.

You're expelled.

Madam.

I have been serving Master for years.

How could you expel me

because of such a trivial matter?

Lvying.

Yes.

Miss said,

a pure beau

sees no ugly things,

speaks no harsh words

and hears no unpleasant sound.

Since you're working here,

your name is called by Miss

and she has to hear your name too.

And over time,

Miss's beauty will be sullied.

Can't I just change my name?

Shut up.

Madam has complete control of this residence.

Since Madam wants to expel you,

there is no room for negotiation.

Get out of here now.

Yes.

- Husband. - Wife.

Say no more.

I know it was a sudden decision.

Because the servants in my house are all beautiful

and I have been used to it since I was little.

I guess you can't accept this.

In that case,

please...

Please accept my apology.

I'm at fault.

I didn't pay much attention while recruiting the servants.

You suffered because of my fault.

Please tell me what kind of servants you need.

I will task Constable Zhao to purchase the servant.

I won't meddle with your decision.

Wife.

Is there any problem?

Miss.

What should we do now?

Almost half of the servants in the residence are expelled.

Are we going to borrow some from Shen's Residence?

He asked me to buy some.

I will do as he said then.

Lvying.

Recruit new servants.

With a handsome face.

Let's see how long Pei Yanzhen

will put up with this.

Miss asked you...

Later...

It's itchy.

Well.

Talk to this ear, please.

I said...

You!

Miss asked you

to pick some handsome men

from Moon Embrace Brothel.

This is ridiculous.

Moon Embrace Brothel

isn't a decent place.

The men inside there

aren't decent too.

Did someone bewitch Madam?

Just do what you're told.

No, I can't.

I'm loyal to Master

and nothing can shake me.

Isn't it that I'm helping Madam to cheat

if I do so?

Miss Lvying.

Heed my advice,

perish this thought.

- I... - I can't believe

such an indecent thought

will come from a young lady.

What in the world? What's with the people?

Gosh.

You!

Hush.

I...

Miss.

Miss.

(Too lazy to turn back when passing through a full-bloom flower bed.)

(My heart only fills with serenity and you.)

Why do you ask for me?

I'm afraid there's bad is impending in Lingzhou.

Do keep an eye on everything here.

What do you say so?

Magistrate Jia has been embezzling funds for reservoir repair for years.

The Imperial Court would

scrutinise the collapsed reservoir.

I guess Magistrate Jia will cover his tracks

and we will stand toe to toe soon.

I want to make sure that everything is in my control

by gathering more evidence against him.

I will go work on it.

Hold on.

Deliver this drawing to Madam when you have time.

Pei Yanzhen.

You are fixing the opera stage and drawing recently.

What exactly are you up to?

I just want to make her stay

and be Madam Pei obediently.

Hurry up. Keep up.

- Hurry up. - Those at the back.

Faster.

Walk faster.

- Please don't beat the child. - Come on.

- Come on. - Please don't beat the child.

Watch them well.

Hurry up. Keep up the line.

Don't shilly-shally.

Hurry up. Don't dawdle.

Keep up.

Can you walk quickly?

Keep up the line.

Stand up straight.

No one is left behind, right?

- No. - No.

Mark my words,

Sir said

you are going to stay here

the coming month.

If anyone dares to break into Lingzhou City,

your heads will roll.

Sir.

Sir.

We are all refugees coming to the city to seek shelter

and we have no food with us.

I beg of you, sir.

Please spare some food for the boy.

- We're starving already. - Starved?

What about you?

Why should I care?

The collapsed reservoir

has taken a toll on Jianghuai.

I can't even feed myself,

who cares about you?

You better behave

and stay still here.

- Sir, please. - Let's go.

Sir.

Sir, please.

Sir.

Seriously?

I have tailed those yamen runners some time.

They mentioned about

the number of refugees from Jianghuai is staggering.

The current moment is chaotic.

Majestrate Jia fears a riot breaks up

and he halted those refugees outside the city.

How foolish of him.

Hasn't the thought crossed his mind

that a real riot would break up

when the refugees outside the city are starving to death?

Do you really plan to encounter Majestrate Jia head on

to rescue the refugee?

Yes.

Pei Yanzhen.

I know you care about the people

and are determined to rescue those in need.

But what if your action invokes suspicions of those in the capital?

Even if you're ready to encounter this,

you should consider it for the sake of Shen Miao.

What stink?

Did your latrine fall apart, huh?

No.

Get some more rotten eggs and stinky tofu

from the kitchen.

This stink isn't enough.

Are you sure?

Master really likes his study.

You're going to exasperate him.

He refuses to divorce me.

We shall see how long he can stand this.

Lvying.

Does it stink?

Yes.

I think so.

But

my husband spoils me so much.

I have no choice though.

He said

I should regard this place as my home.

I can do anything I want.

How could I let down

his deep affection for me?

(Am I right, Lvying?)

(Yes.)

Look.

Do you really want me to consider

for a woman like her?

Madam is indeed exceptional.

Yet you still can tolerate her.

Enough.

Enough gossip.

Go back and get a rest.

I can't tolerate this, anyway.

Too lazy to turn back when passing through a full-bloom flower bed.

My heart only fills with serenity and you.

Miss.

This is a love poem.

Does he fall for me

just in a few days?

Lvying.

Get me the record list of my dowry.

Here you go.

Since his virginity is lost for me,

I should share half of my dowry

with him.

But he proposed to me at first

which is an intolerable act,

I will deduct twenty per cent from his share.

Miss.

What are you doing?

I'm using realistic money to bring me back to reality.

Wife.

Hurry up.

Husband.

What do you ask for me at this hour?

Do you like my drawing?

Not bad.

I don't know much about drawing and poems.

I know.

So, I have prepared another present.

Another present?

(Not again.)

Where's the present?

Why do I sense that the present

will scare me out?

Not at all.

Did you move the entire stage

from Shen's Residence?

Look at those things.

They are exactly the same as the ones in my house.

You have moved my house here.

How many tea leaves did my father take from you?

No, he didn't.

I just rebuild the exact copy of the original furniture.

I took no single cent from Father-in-law.

Wife.

Please.

Isn't that my favourite...

It's your favourite martial art performer.

How do you know?

Wife.

I know you very well

more than you could imagine.

Regardless of the handsome martial arts performer

or recruiting new servants,

I don't mind them all.

Wife.

Do you know what I yearn for?

What?

Needless to say,

I yearn for

spending my whole life with you.

But...

But you...

What are you doing?

Don't you do anything crazy.

Don't you...

I never thought of that before.

I just want you to know

that this place is your home.

And you can render me your full trust.

Don't you do anything crazy.

I can't control myself.

Do you still

insist on getting a divorce?

I...

I...

Very good.

I need to attend to my work now.

I shall leave.

Please enjoy.

The ebb and flow of life

are just passing through too fast.

What the heck was happening?

Why did he know I want a divorce?

It smells so good.

The food served in Pei's Residence

isn't inferior to what I had at home.

Wife.

You're up?

Husband.

Regarding yesterday night,

I would like to explain it to you.

No worries.

I'm a man of my word.

You can act freely here.

I didn't mean that.

Honestly, I want...

In that case,

say no more.

Have a seat.

The dish is going to cool off.

Miss, don't get distracted.

Have a taste.

How is the fish cooked?

It's savoury.

How is the dish cooked?

Who does the cook learn from?

It's the recipe of my family.

Did you cook this?

I thought scholar thinks

gentlemen should stay away kitchen.

I can not be a gentleman before you,

but your husband.

By the way,

speaking of which,

it's weird

that I didn't see your parents

after we got married.

I heard that Pei's family devoted as the officials in the Imperial Court.

Are your parents not satisfied with me?

Mian, you're elegant, composed,

and flawless.

Even so,

if rumours that I don't serve up your parents get out,

I will be a laughing stock.

I've told you

this is your home.

No need to mind those formalities when you're at home.

Miao.

I know

that we just got married a few days ago

and we were complete strangers before that.

You left Shen's Residence

and came to an unfamiliar place.

Naturally, you can't adapt to this place.

Even if I said so,

I suppose you wouldn't believe me too.

However, I want you to know

that you're at liberty to do anything you want.

We need no explanation between us.

I'm sorry.

What for?

I...

Let me be honest with you.

It wasn't my intention

to marry you.

It's in the past now.

The day in the past is gone by the wind.

Besides,

we're a real married couple

and we acted like one too.

I'm sure we will love each other till death do us part.

My sincerity for you

is genuine.

The promise made before our marriage

will not be broken.

Miss.

Time to return to Shen's Residence.

What's with that look?

You will make Mrs. Shen and Old Master worry.

Lvying.

Am I wrong?

Look at

these fishes.

I come by and feed them every day.

And they might think I will stay here for good.

If I don't come by

to feed them one day,

they will starve

and freeze.

Later,

the fins become dull

and finally

become a gloomy fish

ending up eaten by someone.

Miss.

No one is going to pass by here.

Why bother to put up a show?

I'm speaking my heart.

No.

Normally, all you think is about fish dishes.

Why are you so emotional today?

Do you feel unwell?

Don't make a fuss.

It's because of Pei Yanzhen.

If the opera stage a few days ago

was simply a surprise,

today's meal

holds a profound meaning.

Originally,

I stayed firm on getting a divorce.

But, out of no reason,

I'm hesitating now.

♪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♪