Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

[Special Lady]

[Episode 23]

Greetings, My Lord.

Is everything done this month?

Yes.

Li Shancai has already distributed the donations

to various merchants.

But he is

too arrogant and domineering.

I'm afraid

we have to abandon him later.

Ignore him.

If something happens to him,

someone will take care of it.

No wonder you

never let me touch the ledger.

You are different from them.

Thank you for your kindness.

Don't let me down.

Yes, My Lord.

I will do my best for you.

By the way,

Zhao Wenlang sent a message.

As you guessed,

the previous information was not about Xiao Yu.

But I've already asked Zhao Wenlang

to get the latest portrait of Xiao Yu

to see if he is the son of Xiao Chuanzhong.

It’s not accurate.

-Check it again. -It's true.

Take another look.

Mr. Xiao.

Why are you here?

I know you like crickets.

I happened to catch one at the back mountain.

-Here you are. -Thank you, Mr. Xiao.

Thank you, Mr. Xiao.

What are you doing?

Fortune-telling.

Mr. Xiao.

Let me tell you your fortune.

Come on.

You really can?

Tell me your birth information.

Okay.

Wait for me.

Go away.

Mr. Xiao.

Is the birth information you told me accurate?

Yes.

What's wrong?

Your marital relationship

will be very tumultuous.

Is it accurate?

If your birth information is right,

based on my skills passed down from my ancestors, I wouldn't have made mistakes.

Tell me how tumultuous it will be.

Your parents and your spouse will conflict.

Mr. Xiao,

the one you marry in the future

will be opposed by your family.

This...

This...

What are you talking about?

Since she's the destined one,

my parents should like her.

It's strange.

Right?

Mr. Xiao,

Your destiny is ruled by the Purple Star,

your physical being is governed by the Celestial Ruler Star,

and even the Palace of Fortune and Virtue is filled with auspicious stars.

You must either be the emperor or a prince.

Mr. Xiao,

is your birth information really accurate?

Look.

I told you it wouldn't be accurate.

What?

Let me see.

My father is Marquis Haiwang.

A relative by marriage of the royal family.

Not a member of the royal family.

The relationship is distant.

Mr. Xue.

I heard that your family runs the business.

Businessmen are good people.

I also heard that many merchants

are donating and doing good deeds.

Yes.

My father often donated money.

I heard that he also sponsored poor students.

Uncle Xue is a good man.

But...

how can we donate?

Seems to be through a charity foundation organized by Duke Yue.

Once received,

the donations will be distributed to the students.

Just like

how Mr. Zhou's sister received the fund.

Is Duke Yue in charge of the charity foundation?

I'm not sure.

My dad told me that once.

I think I know.

The donation from the charity foundation

will be sent to four academies.

I don't know which four.

Anyhow, Yiyang Academy is involved.

You can ask Instructor Shen.

Every year, he's in charge of

distributing the donations to the poor students.

Junior Zhou.

Miss Zhu.

You're early.

I just got here.

The books here smell so good.

Miss Zhu.

Let's study together.

-I’ll go find a book. -Okay.

By the way, Junior Zhou,

do you know?

After I heard that you're going to sell paintings again,

the girls at our Women's Academy were so excited.

I still remember

I could almost

buy your painting.

But I didn't get it.

What a pity.

My painting is not a rare treasure.

You don't need to consider it a regret.

No.

You have no idea.

The process was really complicated.

I caused some trouble.

If you like it,

I can paint one exclusively for you.

Really?

Let's go now.

Let’s go.

Mr. Zhou is holding my hand.

At this moment,

my heart should pound like crazy.

Strange.

Isn't it written in those novels

as having a heart beating like a startled deer?

Isn’t it too stable?

I am indeed sufficiently steady and composed.

It’s such a great joy.

But I still can stay calm.

Junior Zhou.

Aren't you drawing me?

Yes, I am.

Why didn't you look at me?

Miss Zhu, you are

really cute.

Shouldn't portrait paintings all be drawn like this?

You don't have to stand there.

Go read some books.

Just a moment.

Okay.

Look.

Look for it.

Let's go.

Put it away.

Not this book.

It's this one.

I've never seen a cricket I caught this time.

Check it out.

Check it.

Really? Let me see.

Here.

Looks like this cricket.

Is it this one?

Not right.

Look, the legs are different.

In that case...

Search again.

In that case...

It's done.

This...

This is the scene where we first met.

I didn't expect you to remember it.

Of course, I remember.

My cricket.

Mr. Zhou.

Don’t move.

Watch your step.

Watch your step.

Watch your step.

Over there.

Don't move.

Don't move.

Over there.

Sorry.

Lift your leg.

Which one?

The right one.

Senior Song.

My cricket.

My condolences.

-It took me a lot of effort to catch it. -Sorry for your loss.

Junior Zhou,

didn’t you say you wanted to have lunch?

I'll go with you.

The cricket is gone.

-Let's go. -Senior Song.

Senior Song!

Senior Song, I want to draw a cricket to curse you.

My cricket.

Master is here.

Rise the sedan.

Lord Zuo visits here more often

than he attends the court.

Young Master.

Uncle Hu.

Where have you been?

I followed Li Shancai.

I found that Lord Zuo went to Li Mansion again.

It seems they have a special relationship.

Young Master.

Did you find anything in the academy?

I heard that all donations

were raised by Duke Yue.

Raised by Duke Yue?

It's normal for merchants

to make donations.

Duke Yue is a noble person in Luoyang.

He wouldn't worry about such a trivial matter himself.

Why does he care so much about the donation?

Keep investigating.

Yes.

Let's have tea in the dorm later.

Today's needlework class is so hard.

Yes.

I haven't learned it yet.

This flower is so hard to embroider.

Yes.

You guys go first.

I'll be right back.

Let’s go there first.

Feiniang.

What happened?

Feiniang, what happened?

Did someone bully you?

You're crying.

Why don't you tell me?

If you don't tell me,

I'll go to your brother.

No, Miss Yan.

My brother doesn't want anyone to know about this.

Is it about your family?

Enough.

My mother is seriously ill.

We have no money for treatment.

I'm afraid...

Don't worry.

Everything that can be solved with money is not difficult to handle.

I'll help you.

Really, Miss Yan?

Of course.

Thank you, Miss Yan.

Okay, don't worry.

Right.

I should let my brother know about this.

Otherwise, he will scold me again.

It's easy.

I'll tell your brother about it.

Okay?

Mr. Zhou.

Morning.

Morning.

Mr. Zhou.

You usually read and write.

You haven't drawn for a long time.

Why are you in the mood to draw today?

Did something happen in your family?

I've been tired from learning recently.

I want to relax.

Greetings, Teaching Assistant Xiao.

Why are you here?

Brother.

Come with me to meet someone.

Who?

Stop asking.

You'll know when you get there.

Mr. Zhou.

What’s up?

Nothing.

I'll go out for a while.

Let's go.

Feiniang.

Where are you taking me?

Stop asking.

You’ll know when you arrive.

Feiniang.

Tell me the truth.

Otherwise, I won't go.

Miss Yan is waiting for us at the back mountain.

She brought us the money to treat our mother.

How did you...

Why did you tell her?

I didn't mean to tell her.

She saw me...

She saw me crying.

I really didn't know how to hide it from her.

You...

You cried?

Brother, I didn't tell her.

I don't think Miss Yan would tell anyone else

that we need money.

Junior Zhou, you're here.

Senior Yan.

How is your mother now?

Is everything alright?

Thank you, Senior Yan.

The situation

is not good.

Junior Zhou.

We are friends now.

You don't have to hide anything.

If you want to say it,

I'm willing to listen to you today.

I hope you can keep it a secret for me.

Of course.

Zhou Ji and Yan Qinruo?

Why are they together?

Feiniang didn't know the boundary.

If she said anything wrong,

please forgive her.

Take the money.

This is...

Don't blame Feiniang.

I forced her to tell me.

I know I shouldn't meddle in your family matters.

But your mother is in an emergency.

Don't blame me for being nosy.

Senior, I can't take the money.

I'll take care of my family.

Just accept it.

What happened

between them?

Your mother's health is more important.

Take it.

Senior Yan.

I will try to pay you back as soon as possible.

But...

I understand.

But don't worry.

What happened today

is between us.

I won't tell anyone else.

Don't worry.

Cure your mother first.

Mr. Zhou.

Mr. Xiao.

Mr. Zhou, why did you stay out so late

on such a cold day?

I studied at Wenjing Hall.

I forgot the time.

At Wenjing Hall?

Isn't Wenjing Hall closed at night?

As you know,

my test results are not good these days.

So I asked the teachers for a long time

so they allowed me to study at Wenjing Hall at night.

Mr. Xiao.

How about you?

Why did you leave early and come home late these days?

You asked the teachers to do you a favor.

I was asked to organize the teaching materials by the teachers.

We have different lives.

Yes, we have different lives.

Here you are. Will you go to Luoyang with me

the day after tomorrow?

It'll be my birthday.

Come to visit my family.

It will be Lady Yan's birthday?

Why didn't you tell me?

-Are you blaming Lady Yan for noticing you late? -Feiniang.

Is something bothering you?

Lady Yan invited us...

-Is already a gift. -I don’t know whether I should go.

I was too anxious just now...

I didn't receive the invitation either.

Forgive me for being careless.

Don't take it to heart.

Lady Yan. Please don't blame me.

It's okay.

We are sisters.

Stop talking nonsense.

And you, Lady Qi.

Don't call it a gift.

That's too much.

Yes.

You should slap me.

Not loud enough.

You...

I've arranged a carriage to fetch you

the day after tomorrow.

Remember to get ready earlier.

Okay.

So sweet.

Yeah.

What about you?

Of course, I'm going to attend your birthday party.

Lady Zhao.

We must dress up nicely.

Yes, I think so.

Feiniang, come with me.

Yes, that's right.

Lady Zhao, come here.

Miss Yan.

It's not my say

whether I can go to your house.

I know.

But don't worry.

I've told your brother in advance.

Let's have fun together.

Thank you, Miss Yan.

You're so nice.

Take it.

Silly girl.

Go.

See? I'm going too.

Yueniang.

Second Sister

Yueniang.

The day after tomorrow is my birthday.

I've already told the other girls.

They will all come to have a bowl of longevity noodles.

Come with your Second Sister.

I will go.

Anyone can be absent, but I won't.

Do I have to go too?

Second Sister, just go.

We need to discuss this with our parents.

We should ask for their permission.

Well, Yueniang.

Take this invitation letter

to tell your mother.

Tell her that

my repeated requests

have led you to want to go to Luoyang.

If it doesn't work,

I'll pay a visit.

Not bad, Qinruo.

You're well prepared.

Second Sister.

Let's go back and ask our parents.

Yueniang.

I'll wait for your good news.

Second Sister,

help me and talk nicely

in front of Mother.

Why hasn't Mr. Xiao come yet?

Yueniang,

do you really want to go?

I'll listen to Second Sister.

If Second Sister wants to go, I'll go.

If Second Sister doesn't want to go,

I won't go.

It's a long journey.

Just to attend a birthday party is too much of a hassle

I don't want to go.

Second Sister is right.

It's a long journey.

There's no point

in going.

At most, Qinruo will be mad at me.

I'll coax her.

I'm always shameless.

At worst, I'll offend her.

Besides, it's not convenient for a girl

to go out for a long trip.

Although according to Qinruo, Luoyang is a bustling city,

and I'm really interested.

And I really want to

express my congratulations on Qinruo's birthday party.

But if both Mother and Second Sister think it's inappropriate,

I won't go.

I won't feel wronged.

It makes sense.

Enough.

You know

your mother and your sister will be persuaded by you in this way.

We don't want to trap you at home.

Go if you want.

But

don't be rude.

Really?

It's good to go out and learn more.

Go.

Great!

Look at her.

She's both happy and sad.

Mother.

I will study hard.

I won't suffer the loss of being uneducated.

Why are you suddenly talking about this?

Anyway,

this is a great thing.

Mother,

this is really a great thing.

Sir.

Why do we

take so many girls' stuff to class?

If you want to be a decent person, you should pay attention to etiquette.

Dressing is also a form of expression.

This time,

Lady Yan invites all the girls to celebrate her birthday.

I want to

teach them some dressing manners.

Luoyang is not like Yiyang.

There's more etiquette there.

I don't want the girls to lose face.

Come on.

Mr. Chen, you're so thoughtful.

Yueniang, you're scaring me again.

Yueniang.

You can go to Luoyang with me.

Of course.

I tried so hard to persuade my family.

To celebrate your birthday,

I spent a lot of effort.

Yueniang.

Why are you so nice?

But don't worry.

When you go to my house,

I'll treat you well.

By the way,

my second sister doesn't like lively places.

So she won't go.

Don't blame her.

I won't.

It's great that you can come.

Show me before you continue to draw.

Let me see.

Lady Yan.

I haven't finished yet.

Thank you for letting us go to your birthday party.

Yes, I can go too. I'm so happy.

Lady Yan! Lady Yan!

-Stop right there! -It's okay.

I drew so well.

Stop right there!

Lady Jin.

Sis, I can really...

Lady Jin.

Lady Jin!

What's wrong?

Lady Jin.

I found a portrait

at the gate of the academy.

It seems to be Teaching Assistant Xiao on it.

You are the best at drawing portraits in this school.

Did you lose this?

Teaching Assistant Xiao?

Let me see.

What color will you wear?

Let me think.

I think yellow suits me better.

This...

This is Xiao Yu?

Zhen.

Please send Xiao Yu's portrait to me.

Lady Jin.

You've lost too much of your drawing skills.

Look at this ugly guy.

Is this ugly guy Mr. Xiao?

Jin Xiaoyue, let me tell you.

I'm going to get mad at you.

I didn't draw it.

Miss Yan.

It couldn't be me.

Didn't you draw it?

-Alright. -Not me.

You drew Mr. Xiao so ugly.

I didn't.

All right.

It's so ugly.

Show me if you dare.

Fine.

Gosh, this is so ugly.

If this gets out,

it'll disgrace my reputation.

You drew it.

All right.

Look.

The portraits that Lady Jin usually paints

are really exquisite.

This painting

doesn't look like Lady Jin's style.

Exactly.

Yueniang.

-Stop it, Qinruo. -Come on.

I'll show you

what vividness is.

In case someone

insults my eyes with this kind of ugly painting.

Okay.

Look over there.

Look over there.

Miss Jin, here you are.

Look carefully.

This is my level.

-Let me see. -Are they the same?

Are they?

Did you really not draw this ugly thing?

Stop it.

I told you I didn't draw this.

-Don't you have to... -Let me see.

Get ready for class before the teacher shows up?

Let's go.

What does Mr. Chen want to do...

The feathers of mayflies

are like sharp and gorgeous clothes.

According to Guan Zi - Situation,

"If words are faithful,

actions are solemn.

If the clothes are correct,

the ministers will be solemn.

Morality and righteousness...

Yes.

This class is about what to wear when going to Duke Yue's Mansion.

I must listen carefully.

Cannot be achieved without the practice of ritual.

Disputes and legal cases

rely on the proper application of etiquette for resolution.

The relationships between rulers and subjects,

parents and children, and siblings

depend on the observance of proper conduct to establish their roles.

In the pursuit of knowledge and discipleship,

a respectful and courteous attitude is necessary for a close bond between teacher and student.

In matters of governance, military discipline,

and law enforcement,

the absence of proper etiquette results in the loss of authority.

In matters of worship

and ritual,

a lack of proper decorum diminishes devotion and solemnity.

Huangdi, Yao, and Shun, who governed the world by wearing proper clothes,

took their inspiration from the heavens and earth,

and all emphasized etiquette.

Sir.

Lady Zhu, go ahead.

Sir.

Can you teach us how to dress first,

and then teach us why to wear like this?

The theory of dressing is so obscure and difficult to understand.

But as for how to wear it,

just let Teaching Assistant Xiao put the clothes on his body,

and we will be able to see it at a glance.

Now there's something interesting.

Yueniang.

In a few days,

we're going to Duke Yue's Mansion to celebrate Qinruo's birthday.

If we could learn it earlier,

it would be useful.

What do you think, Sir?

Well...

Well...

This

is inappropriate.

He's coming.

Do you remember what the teacher said today?

Yes.

I've read it several times.

Have you read this book?

Why do I read it? I'll go back to catch crickets.

You only know crickets.

I'm sorry.

Hurry up.

Wait for me.

Mr. Zhou.

Mr. Zhou.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Why isn’t Junior Zhou here?

Miss Zhu. What do you want from me?

Junior Zhou.

When were you behind me?

I have been here

since you came running joyfully

just now.

Why didn't you tell me earlier?

It's my fault.

I apologize to you.

No, no.

Junior Zhou.

I...

I want to ask you...

Junior Zhou.

Did you receive Qinruo's birthday invitation?

Yes.

So,

will you go?

Do you want me to go?

Of course!

Of course, I want to know if you want to go.

If you want me to go,

I'll go.

Really?

That's great.

Actually...

By the way, Junior Zhou,

I want to buy a dress for the birthday banquet

after the class.

Do you have time to go with me?

Sure.

See you at the gate after school.

I'll go to class first.

See you at the gate after school.

I've spent all my money.

How can I buy clothes?

Teaching Assistant Xiao. Why are you running?

Stop!

Come back!

Xiao Yu.

Stop!

I'll kill you when I catch you.

Stop!

Xiao Yu!

Why were you running?

I don't know.

But my instinct told me

I had to run.

My intuition tells me

you still owe me something.

What do I owe you?

Pay my money back.

What money?

Stop pretending.

My money!

It's mine!

Pay me back!

My money!

Pay me back!

You are an adult now.

How could you come to my house to cheat?

I pity you.

Don't do this again.

Well.

Be a good man.

Don't cheat again.

Do I have to pay back because I have money?

Of course.

Do you think you're a bully?

I...

Sit down.

Move.

Give me the money.

Five taels.

Five taels are interest.

Well.

Well, five taels...

Why is there interest?

It's an emergency.

Well.

Are you a bully?

Where are you going with the money?

I’m going to buy clothes

with Junior Zhou.

Stubborn.

What color goes with what color?

Red goes with green?

Are you sure?

Isn't it a bit strange?

Right.

What if red alone?

Would it be more cheerful?

I'm afraid you'll steal the limelight of the host.

You're right.

What about all white?

Is it more elegant?

All white?

It's inauspicious.

Right.

How about pink?

Pink with blue.

I think it's okay.

I can tell you didn't listen carefully in class.

Mr. Xiao.

Mr. Zhou.

You again?

You should be glad that I'm here.

Ridiculous.

Ignorant.

Mr. Zhou.

I want to buy some fabrics to make clothes.

Can you pick one for me?

Okay.

Mr. Zhou. This looks good on you.

The fabric is good.

It suits you.

Green and white.

This one is also okay.

Lady Zhao.

What are you doing?

You scared me.

I saw a flash from afar just now.

I wondered what it was.

When I came closer,

it turned out to be your beautiful face

in the mirror.

But Lady Zhao,

why are you speaking so quietly today?

Are you afraid...

I knew it.

The truth is always annoying.

And my beauty is just like the truth.

It's right there.

But no one dares to touch it.

Lady Jin.

Actually, I'm here today

to ask you for a favor.

The teacher came in a hurry last time.

I didn't have time

to appreciate your talented painting skills

before you took back your painting.

Can I have a look now?

Lady Zhao.

I see that you're always dignified.

I didn't expect you to like this too.

Wait for me.

I have all kinds of portraits here.

Whose one do you want to see?

Do you have the one of Teaching Assistant Xiao?

Lady Zhao.

I didn't expect you to be so tricky.

How dare you steal Lady Yan's man

in front of her?

Hush.

It's not like I want it.

No need to explain.

We're both women. I understand.

Don't worry.

I'll keep the secret for you.

However,

there is only one portrait

of Teaching Assistant Xiao.

Lady Jin.

I want it.

My lord,

this is the portrait of Xiao Yu

from Zhao Wenlang's daughter.

It's him.

Has the Crown Prince taken action?

What should we do now?

He's not easy to deal with.

Why don't we

borrow a knife?

Borrow a knife?

I heard that Prince Fu

sent all the masters in his mansion to look for him.

Why don't I do him a favor?

My Lord, you are wise.

Young Master.

I just found an important piece of information.

On the 15th of this month,

Duke Yue will raise donations in his mansion.

The donations will arrive in Yiyang on the 16th.

15th?

If we can investigate the source of the donation

and follow the whereabouts of the donation,

I believe the truth will be revealed soon.

But Duke Yue

always raises donations in his mansion.

We have no reason

to investigate in his mansion.

How can we enter Duke Yue's Mansion?

How about

I go to the birthday party?

Young Master, what time is it?

How can you still think about nonsense?

Let's get down to business.

We need to investigate the corruption case

and the whereabouts of the donation.

It's the youngest daughter of Duke Yue, Yan Qinruo.

15th is her birthday.

You shouldn't attend anyone's birthday party.

Who?

The youngest daughter of Duke Yue?

This is a great opportunity

to enter Duke Yue's Mansion.

No, Young Master.

It's too dangerous for you to go alone.

Duke Yue knows you.

If you meet him,

you'll be in trouble.

You can't go.

This is a great opportunity to enter Duke Yue's Mansion.