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 4=

(Tianxiang Parlor)

(It's not a good thing to know martial arts either.)

(Did I use)

(martial arts to ruin his reputation this time?)

Official Pei? Official Pei?

Official!

Pei... Pei Yanzhen.

That's enough, stop crying.

I'll seek

justice for you.

Bring me the suspect!

Wei Wu!

It's her.

Look, right?

I can't believe she'd do something

like this to Official Pei in plain sight.

You're a disgrace to Lingzhou City!

I...

I'm not, I didn't do it.

It was Pei Yanzhen, he lied to me that he was hurt.

He lured me to Tianxiang Parlor.

It was him who laid a finger on me first.

Who would believe it?

Silent!

You're such a joke.

Official Pei has been well-educated since he was young.

How could he possibly do something like this?

But you,

a spoiled kid of the Shen family who's an ignoramus.

As Official Pei is an outstanding man

- who's charming, - Geez.

he's so perfect,

that's why

you hanker after his beauty

so you set him up.

No.

Official Jia, just hear me out.

I can testify.

Miss has had a crush on Official Pei for so long.

The first attempt was on their wedding night.

Lvying, what are you talking about?

Do you hear her?

Miss Shen, Miss Shen,

you're actually a habitual offender.

You...

Decapitate...

Decapitate her!

Wei Wu!

What?

I haven't said anything yet.

Dear,

Dear,

aren't we already married?

Even if

I want to sleep with you,

it's legitimate,

isn't it?

Did you forget

that you asked me for a divorce before?

Don't...

There, there.

Stop crying.

It's my bad...

It's my...

You abandoned

and betrayed him.

What a notorious woman.

You're such a disgrace to Lingzhou City.

We can't let her off just like this.

Hit her!

Go!

Hit her!

I won't divorce him.

I won't.

I won't divorce him, okay?

Geez.

We can't let her off.

Do it!

Hit her!

Do it!

Do it!

Do it!

Do it!

Hey,

don't take this the wrong way.

It was an accident last night.

I'm not what you think I am.

An accident?

A misunderstanding?

Yes.

This is too straightforward.

Let's try it another way.

Dear,

I...

We've arrived.

Dear,

we're here.

So,

you finally came back.

What's the matter?

It's for you.

What is this?

Contraceptive herbs.

As we've been friends for years,

that's why I understand you so well.

What now?

Is this one

of your plans to win Shen Miao's heart?

Who asked you to prepare this?

I woke up early

to prepare this for you.

To tie up a loose end.

But you

don't appreciate it.

What kind of attitude is this?

I...

Do you really fall for Shen Miao?

Shen Miao and I...

What happened last night

was a misunderstanding.

Why didn't you accept this, then?

I...

Pei Yanzhen,

you need to think about it.

Is Shen Miao one of your pawns

or someone that you care about?

If she found out that this marriage

has always been a scheme,

what would she think?

Fine.

Just forget what I said.

(If she found out that this marriage)

(has always been a scheme,)

(what would she think?)

(Pei Yanzhen,)

(don't worry.)

(I...)

(I'll be responsible for you.)

(Ciming Hall)

Empress Dowager.

You're stunningly beautiful,

even the flower is no match for you.

I'm getting old.

I'm no longer pretty.

Back in the day,

the late emperor picked a flower and thought of that person.

She was pregnant at that time.

The late emperor was very excited.

He thought this must be the future crown prince.

He even said

that she looked elegant

and she was suitable to be the empress.

Jing De,

don't you think it's hilarious?

To me,

we've already won this war.

But now,

if anyone tries to turn things around

and change the situation,

I'll rather kill the wrong person

than giving him this chance.

What is this?

Is this a ginseng or a snow lotus?

It smells nice and sweet.

You can't finish it.

Let me try it for you.

No.

We already slept together

yesterday.

You still won't share

this bowl of soup with me?

I must drink it today.

Wait.

What's wrong?

Miao,

let me ask you.

If someone has been lying and using you,

what will you do?

If it's the case,

it must be a bad person.

I won't see him anymore.

What if you see each other every day

that you're inseparable?

It's not hard.

Just ignore him

and don't take it to heart.

What's wrong?

Did you encounter some sort of problem?

Nothing.

One of my colleagues

argued with his wife.

There are just little things between husband and wife.

Dear,

there's nothing in life

that you can't let go

as long as you look at the bright side.

You should learn this from me.

Why do you do this?

We were getting along.

What's wrong with him?

Do men

have a menstrual period too?

(Let me ask you.)

(If someone has been lying and using you,)

(what will you do?)

(If it's the case,)

(it must be a bad person.)

(I won't see him anymore.)

(What if you see each other every day)

(that you're inseparable?)

(It's not hard.)

(Just ignore him)

(and don't take it to heart.)

(There are just little things between husband and wife.)

(Dear,)

(just look at the bright side...)

Madam.

Miss.

Did you see Master?

No.

Why do I feel like he's been avoiding me

after returning from the brothel?

Master treated you sincerely.

Yet, you laid a finger on him twice.

Of course he'll avoid you.

Lvying,

what do you think I should do

to mend his broken heart?

I got an idea.

Change it.

Yes.

(Shen's Rice Shop)

(Shen's Accessories Store)

(Shen's Pawnshop)

(Pei's Rice Shop)

(Pei's Accessories Store)

(Pei's Jade Store)

(County Yamen of Lingzhou City)

Pei Yanzhen, Pei Yanzhen,

you're not in the court when you're on duty.

If the people came to file a lawsuit now,

who would take care of it?

I'd like to see how you're going

to defend yourself

at the imperial court by then.

Can you afford

to take this responsibility?

You usually weren't this hardworking.

As Official Pei is not around,

you're here to make a show of authority.

Constable Zhao.

Constable Zhao!

What are you murmuring?

Me? Nothing.

Nothing?

Do you think I can't hear you?

Is this

the rule Pei Yanzhen sets?

I'm flattered, Official Jia.

The officials in the court

of Lingzhou City are loved by the citizens.

I'm not good enough

to set rules for them.

Official Pei,

perfect timing.

Let me ask you.

Official Pei, let me ask you.

You stayed overnight at the brothel a few days ago.

You're supposed to be on duty today

but you're late.

Why is that?

This is outrageous.

How did you know where I stayed overnight?

Well, I...

Well,

it's because

everyone in the city knows about this.

I forgot

that it was you who invited me over that night.

I wonder

why you didn't show up.

Were you trying to set me up?

But the plan went wrong

so you changed it.

Pei Yanzhen,

how dare you!

Remember this.

You're just a low-rank magistrate.

You only achieve

a small achievement in disaster relief.

Yet, you're insolent about it.

Did you forget who's your superior?

By the rules of etiquette,

the Magistrate is the superior of the county official.

But don't you forget,

by laws,

the corrupted

can't hold the position of magistrate.

Nonsense.

How dare you!

Stop!

Miao.

Dear.

Official Jia,

Pei is your subordinate,

but there are laws.

If he does slack off,

just punish him in accordance with the rules.

How could you hit him like this?

Shen,

this is the county yamen.

You can't be wilding out in there.

So you know my surname is Shen.

Then, don't you forget

that Official Pei is the son-in-law of the Shen family.

The yearly tribute from Shen family hasn't been sent to the capital.

Well, if my father writes

a memorial and sends it to the palace with the tribute,

what do you think

the emperor will do?

Pei,

just you wait.

You wait and see!

Official Jia,

you just leave like this?

Get lost!

I was going to make you a pot of tea.

Official Jia,

see you.

Dear,

are you alright?

Did you get hurt?

Why didn't you avoid his attack?

I...

He's fine.

Why are you here?

Why?

You were nowhere to be seen.

Can't I come and find you?

If I came here late,

that Jia

would've bullied you.

Forget it, let's not talk about him.

Dear,

come home with me.

I've got something for you.

I should comply with your request.

It's just

I've got a lot of work

to do in the county yamen.

Official,

feel free to go home with Mrs. Pei.

We'll take care of the affairs.

Yes, we're here.

Let's go.

Stand in position.

Goodbye, Mrs. Pei.

You don't have to come back.

Look.

Official Pei is good

at being a dignified kept man.

Indeed, indeed.

There are many public affairs to handle today.

But Official Pei is not around.

Let's take the day off.

Sure, let's go.

I see why you ask me to get changed.

So this is what you mentioned?

I've thought about it.

You work in the official circles.

You'll inevitably encounter some bad guys.

And I

can't stay by your side and protect you

all the time.

Therefore,

you have to learn martial arts.

Learn martial arts?

- Well, it's... - It's a good idea, isn't it?

Your foundation is poor

and you get a late start,

but it's alright.

A great teacher produces skilled students.

If you work hard,

everything is possible.

Let's begin.

Come here.

As the saying goes, the longer, the stronger.

You'll be invincible with this spear.

But this spear is too long,

how am I supposed to bring it with me?

Right.

This will do.

A sword is suitable for a humble gentleman.

It fits you.

Pei Yanzhen!

You can't do it like this.

Watch me.

Move aside.

Look.

That's impressive, Miao.

Just you wait.

There's another big trick.

I...

Am I that good?

Sword qi.

So this is the legendary sword qi.

This is a spear.

You're right.

Let's continue.

Never mind.

I've got work to do,

I'm going back to yamen.

Pei...

Pei...

Guard the door.

Don't let anyone come in.

Yes.

You try to threaten me?

You need to see if you have the ability to do it.

The national treasury is empty now.

There's no money for us to repair the dam.

A low-rank magistrate

actually embezzled ten thousand taels.

Yet, none of the officials

knew about it.

Where is the Ministry of Personnel?

Calm down, Your Majesty.

I...

It was a weak oversight of mine.

I deserve to die.

A weak oversight?

If it was the case,

you wouldn't deserve to die.

It's clearly written in the book.

That how, when and where Magistrate Jia bribed

the leading officials, everything is right there.

You still deny it!

Well, this...

Someone!

Send this fraudster

to prison.

Mercy, Your Majesty!

Mercy, Your Majesty!

Mercy, Your Majesty!

We deserve to die.

Please calm down, Your Majesty.

His Majesty is not feeling well today.

Anything to report?

If not, dismiss.

Your Majesty,

the citizens in Lingzhou City said

that Official Pei Yanzhen and his wife, Shen,

have done a lot of good deeds in Lingzhou City.

They restored the granary

through food-for-work programs

for the benefit of the people.

They kindly ask the imperial court to promote Pei Yanzhen.

Pei is the scholar of our dynasty

and the main meritorious person in this bribery case.

Dear Officials,

what do you think

about this promotion?

Your Majesty,

the Shen family

has made a lot of achievements.

Since this is the request of the citizens,

let's do as they wish.

And like you said,

Pei Yanzhen is a talented scholar.

Whether to promote him,

it's your decision, Your Majesty.

It's your decision, Your Majesty.

Since there's no objection,

let's promote

Pei Yanzhen as Magistrate of Lingzhou City as the people wish.

Boatman, when did the goods arrive?

Is it fresh?

Official Pei,

congratulations on your promotion.

You're now the Magistrate.

The corrupted official is evicted.

With Official Pei around,

we people are blessed.

Yes.

You've flattered me.

Be it the county official or the magistrate,

I won't change my initial objective.

Official Pei is a nice person.

With him around,

we're reassured.

Indeed, he's a good official.

Yes.

Boatman,

set sail.

Master Wu,

the business in Lingzhou City has been keeping up lately.

Indeed.

But it's far behind the Shen family.

You're resourceful.

Besides rising through the ranks,

you even drag the Ministry of Personnel down,

I hereby congratulate you.

But this is just the beginning.

It's premature to celebrate it now.

You agitate the official circles in Lingzhou City alone.

You're in Lingzhou City but control everything that's miles away.

You don't have to be so humble.

But,

why are you so enthusiastic

about taking a boat all of a sudden?

I...

I just don't want to stay at home.

Are you afraid of seeing Shen Miao?

Shen Miao helps you get promoted this time.

But Empress Dowager

will surely get suspicious of you.

You should be worried.

Hope that she only takes it out on me.

Zhan Yue,

I dragged Miao into this mess

for my own interests.

Is it wrong

for me to do this?

I don't get to decide that.

But a few days ago,

you nearly gave yourself away before Shen Miao.

I have to remind you.

The trouble is approaching,

you can't be confused.

Mother,

there are many documents that I need to read today.

I think...

What now?

Are you not willing to accompany an old woman like me?

I dare not.

Come out and take a walk more often.

It's bad for your health if you always stay in the study room.

Noted.

Mother,

the peony flowers have bloomed.

Jingde,

uproot the tallest flower

over there for me.

Yes.

Mother,

that's the most gorgeous one.

Why would you uproot it?

It indeed outshines the others.

But to the flowers around it,

it's out of line.

It's not only the flower,

the same goes for the people.

It's the pillars that support

the house.

But those that pop out are

trying to show off.

And he's got the support of the Shen family.

He'll rise sooner or later.

Do you understand, son?

Next,

no matter what happens in Lingzhou City,

you're not allowed to meddle in it.

Noted.

Yanzhen?

Pei Yanzhen.

Look.

(Pei's Rice Shop)

I don't know if you're moved.

But along the way,

with such a heavy investment,

I'm moved for real.

Shadow puppets.

The latest shadow puppets.

A scholar and a beauty.

Come and take a look.

Official Pei,

what a pleasant surprise.

See if there's anything you like.

You can have it for free.

Mister,

this is the material used to make shadow puppets.

Official Pei,

what an excellent choice.

This is made with the finest donkey skin.

This is the only one in the entire Lingzhou City.

Can you sell it to me?

Just take it if you like.

How would I dare to take your money?

This is a gift for my wife.

I certainly have to pay for it.

Sure.

I'll pack it for you.

Official Pei,

here you go.

Thank you, Official Pei.

Goodbye.

Shadow puppet.

What are you doing?

Miao is the benefactor

of this promotion.

I should thank her as a courtesy.

I always run errands for you.

You should make a pair for me first.

Didn't you have monthly wages?

Just buy it yourself if you want.

Official Pei.

Aunt,

why do you invite me over to watch the show?

Of course it's to congratulate you.

Weren't you always worried

that you'd feel sorry for him

if you divorced him?

Now that the transfer order of Magistrate is issued.

He has risen through three ranks.

That's so lucky of him.

You can divorce him at ease now.

Miaomiao, are you not happy?

I'm happy.

I'm super excited.

I can finally divorce him.

I can finally realize my dream of becoming

a heroine who wanders around the world.

I want this more than anything else.

Great, then.

Wife.

Husband.

We were separated

on our wedding day.

Husband,

are you alright?

Miss, Miss!

Luckily, someone came to rescue me.

But who was it

that kidnapped you on the wedding day?

My poor husband.

Official,

Miss was very upset

to part with you.

It has spread across Lingzhou City.

The rich young lady married the county official.

And her husband was abducted on their wedding day.

Miss.

The rich young lady married the county official.

And her husband was abducted on their wedding day.

Isn't this the story about you and Master?

Stop!

How dare you

do a show about the Shen family and Official Pei?

Please calm down, Madam.

This show is created by the imperial troupe.

I didn't know this is about Miss Shen.

Aunt,

don't be mad.

This is not surprising.

Our family is big and well-off.

And I'm young and pretty.

It's not surprising to be put on a show.

Let me ask you.

What's the latter part of the story?

Is it that we're a match in heaven,

a well-matched couple,

and we're meant for each other?

You may leave.

Miss, Madam,

Pei's clan leader is here.

Old Master asks you two to come over.

Miao.

Lvying.

Yanzhen,

what's going on?

What is all this fuss about?

Calm down, Father-in-law.

Maybe it's because I've got promoted,

so the clan leader brings men over to celebrate it.

But it doesn't look like they're here to celebrate.

It's more like they're here to raise hell.

Right.

Don't panic.

We'll see.

You this shameless brat!

You deserve a beating!

What are you doing?

Clan leader,

what is this about?

It's a misfortune.

Yanzhen,

(Pei's Clan Leader) you must divorce your wife today.

Well...

What do you mean by that?

Miao and I are a match

made in heaven.

Why would I divorce her?

Come.

See for yourself.

This is a disgrace to the clan.

You've shamed

the Pei family.

Dear,

you Pei family is indeed a literary family.

(Pei Yanzhen Pei Qisheng) The bloodlines are fruitful.

You've flattered me.

You and I will have many kids as well.

My foot.

Shen,

take a good look at this.

What is the relationship between you and Yanzhen?

(Shen Zai Shen Miao) Shen from Pei family.

Aren't we husband and wife?

He's your mother's grandfather's

distant cousin's brother-in-law's

concubine's niece-in-law's

sister-in-law's distant nephew.

Shen Miao's grandfather's

distant cousin's brother-in-law's concubine's

niece-in-law's sister-in-law's distant nephew.

So Aunt Shen Miao is Uncle Pei Yanzhen's...

Very distant niece.

How is it?

Am I amazing?

You're so smart.

It's my pleasure to marry you.

You're trying to drive me to my grave.

A niece

married her uncle.

You dishonor the ancestors.

It's a disgrace to the family.

It's ridiculous!

You must get a divorce today.

It's not negotiable!

What if I refuse?

The people out there made it

sound so awful.

The pillar of the Pei family has

been discredited.

We, Pei family, have been a noble

and renowned family

in Lingzhou City for generations.

Our ancestors

and Pei family are

embarrassed by you brat.

Pei family?

Clan leader, you always talk about Pei family.

But what is the clan for?

What is the clan leader for?

The clan was founded

to protect the safety of the clan members.

But now, it's become a cage that believes in rumors.

It's meaningless and pedantic.

If you insist on your decision,

I'll remove my name from the genealogy on my own free will

to protect my marriage.

You...

It's nonsense!

Yanzhen,

you need to figure it out.

If you give up on being one of Pei family,

you'll be powerless

in the official circles.

So what?

Geez.

Did Pei Yanzhen really say that?

There are many

of your people in the Pei family's clan.

I think they dare not tell lies.

This is surprising.

I thought Pei Yanzhen married Shen Miao

for the fortune of the Shen family

so they can help him in his career.

But think about it,

what kind of a scholar

who has studied hard

would give up

on his promising career just for a woman

whom he married several months ago?

I have no idea.

What if Official Pei is

just seeking for his true love?

No.

I'm sure he has another intention.

He might be seeking for something bigger

than the position of magistrate and Shen family's fortune.

Jingde,

Pei Yanzhen's birthday is in a few days.

Bestow some birthday gifts on him in my name.

Go to Pei's Old Residence and ask

if someone was born in Pei family

at the Dragon Boat Festival 20 years ago.

Noted.

But, Empress Dowager,

what if Official Pei isn't...

The problem must be uprooted.

Otherwise, it'll rise again.

Didn't you say you don't want to get a divorce?

What are you thinking?

Pei family's elders are difficult men to deal with.

They will make a scene again in these several days.

I don't want to frighten you.

So I ask someone to pack your stuff.

You may take shelter in Shen's Residence for a few days.

No.

You even said you'd resign.

I won't be so heartless

and leave you here alone.

I tell you what.

Don't try to convince me.

I can't abandon

my peer.

Do you hear me?

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

♪Whose secrets have drifted to the chamber?♪

Where did you find this?

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

The craftsmanship is very poor.

This is the latest model.

I made it myself.

It's poorly made.

I'm sorry about that.

I...

Miao,

have you heard of this?

If love between both sides can last for aye,

why do they need to stay together night and day?

Give me a few more days.

Okay?

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

Sure.

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

♪My life is not wasted while being with you♪

Sister.

You're finally back.

I miss you so much.

Dad,

Mom,

is Sister divorced?

She won't leave again, right?

You brat.

If you talk nonsense again,

your brother-in-law would come and arrest you.

Lvying,

quick.

Let's go.

Miao,

what happened in Pei family was unexpected.

But if you really want to get a divorce,

this is a great time to do it.

What do you think?

You've heard what Pei Yanzhen

said today.

He treats me sincerely.

How could I abandon him

at this critical moment?

But, Dad,

if I refuse to divorce him,

will this implicate him?

Pei family has been officials for generations.

Without the support of his family,

it'll be hard for Pei Yanzhen to continue his career.

♪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♪