Original subtitles

1

Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at viki.com

2

The Story of Ming Lan

3

Episode 68

4

Your Highness, you didn't know.

5

When I gave birth to her, it was a difficult delivery.

6

I was in labor pain for three days before I gave life to her.

7

The Marquis killed her with his sword.

8

I will never be able to see her again.

9

Your Highness, I'm a person who's lived more than half of my life already.

10

I hate myself for not being able to die on her behalf.

11

I'm someone who's not fated to have any children. You are better than me.

12

Three of my children didn't survive. You are fortunate to have two

13

They all said that our children is our debts from the past life.

14

As Buddha said, because we asks, hence, we suffer.

15

The child is dead. We are still alive.

16

You...when you were just a maiden, you are already a very narrow-minded person.

17

Enough, get up now.

18

Let the two lonely old women like us sit and chat.

19

Please get up. Take your time.

20

Old Madam, you are tired.

21

Try the peach flower wine that I personally made.

22

Eunuch, have to trouble you then.

23

Lord Wang, why are you still kneeling?

24

Get up now.

25

Thank you, Empress Dowager.

26

Look at how lucky you are.

27

You still have a son. I don't have any single child anymore.

28

You are better than me. You have your own biological son. You have good luck.

29

My son is of lowly rank and with poor qualities. How can he be compared with His Majesty?

30

His Majesty is the son of heaven and is mandated by heavenly fate.

31

Look at you. Why are you kneeling again?

32

The two of us have lived through several emperors.

33

We're just idly chatting here.

34

We're old. Isn't it just matters about our children?

35

From the palace to the common folks, no matter how you talk about it, it's just the same things.

36

Get up now.

37

Yes.

38

You just mentioned that Marquis who killed your daughter. I watched him grow up too.

39

For humans, it's better to be talented and smart. It's just that they are too young.

40

They lack maturity and prudence.

41

I even heard that when His Majesty asked for him an audience,

42

and he even defied it and stayed home to look after his child.

43

He...how could he be so bold?

44

I've cut it too much.

45

Empress Dowager is also out of ideas. When the wick of a candle is too long, it should be cut.

46

If you cut it, it can then burn longer.

47

Escort the guests out.

48

Lord Wang, please.

49

Mother, about this...

50

Get two bowls of noodles.

51

Give me two bowls of noodles.

52

Alright.

53

Old wife, cook the noodles.

54

When you encounter major events, you must be calm.

55

Eating few when there are a lot of problems isn't a sign of long life.

56

Eat. Let's talk once we are done.

57

Mother, Her Highness...

58

Look at this oil lamp.

59

You father has died more than 10 years. When the person has left, the tea grows cold.

60

Our House of Wang is like this lamp, we're about to get extinguished.

61

Mother, what are you talking about?

62

Although I'm not successful, that I've diminished a lot of father's prestige,

63

the political arena is a complex and unpredictable place. I still have some dignity.

64

Look at this oil lamp again. We currently can still be considered to be at the bright side.

65

But what's beyond this small lighted area?

66

If your father is still alive, no matter how grave your little sister's crime was,

67

would those Gu and Sheng people dare to give us a stern face?

68

I am not just defending your little sister.

69

I still need to protect the dignity of the Wang family.

70

Mother, this is...

71

My father risked his life fighting for a career from a remote province.

72

The House of Wang didn't have it easy.

73

Now, we have a few assets and a respectable official status.

74

Why must you still pull the chestnut out of the fire? (risking danger to achieve something, but ending up doing it for others)

75

If a parent loves his child, he should plan for his future.

76

Your father and I started from a deserted region and struggled to give you all a bright place.

77

Hence, even if you're not a talented child,

78

you're able to stay in the political arena until today.

79

But what have you strove for your own child?

80

This...

81

The vast achievements of a lord will be exhausted after several generations.

82

Now, you're the master of the House of Wang.

83

It's such an important matter. Think carefully about this.

84

Be resolute.

85

Now matter what you think, as your mother, I will rely on her.

86

[ Sun Great Buns ]

87

The throne of the current emperor was given by the past emperor.

88

One must first be the son of the emperor before he can inherit the throne.

89

But His Majesty listened to the words of fawning subjects like Gu Tingye

90

training soldiers and horses, preparing for war.

91

Disobeying the initial intention of the past emperor. He also broke faith and abandoned the right.

92

He wanted to call both Prince Shu and the past emperor as fathers.

93

How can there be a son having two fathers in this world?

94

The emperor is magnanimous, but fawning and evil subjects are holding him up.

95

It's hard for him to fully practice it.

96

[ Duke Qi of the State Manor ]

97

The Marquis barged into your study. He said that he will wait for you there.

98

Did he say why he's here?

99

No, but he looks unhappy.

100

He probably is here for trouble.

101

- Yanruo.

- Before you say anything, I have only this to say.

102

I brought men to put out the fire. I didn't had any other intentions.

103

I took the initiative to do this. We are relatives. I can't just watch and do nothing.

104

What are you laughing at?

105

I'm not here for a punitive expedition.

106

Yuanruo, why must you be on guard like this?

107

Then, you are...

108

What is this for?

109

Last night, you didn't mind the danger and extended your help.

110

On behalf of my family, I thank you.

111

This...

112

I didn't help much too. Come.

113

Before I returned, I was very perturbed.

114

What if I didn't rush there on time, I fear the mother and child wouldn't have survived.

115

Afterwards, I heard from my servants

116

that the Young Lord Qi of the ducal house brought men to help in putting out the fire.

117

Yanruo, I was relieved.

118

I took the initiative. It's good that you don't blame me.

119

Why would I blame you?

120

You are a genuine gentleman. I'm eternally grateful.

121

It's just measly help. Not worthy to be mentioned.

122

About this...

123

whatever happened in the past,

124

it's already in the past.

125

It was a misunderstanding. I was at fault too.

126

Now that we've said things out in the open, everything is now transparent.

127

Yanruo, you are a smart person.

128

You surely will have a bright future ahead.

129

Second Uncle.

130

You are right.

131

There are still a lot of things at home that must be fixed and managed.

132

I'm taking my leave first.

133

Next time, I'll bring my wife and child together to visit you with some gifts.

134

Don't mention it.

135

The imperial decree of Empress Dowager was personally stamped by her.

136

Yanruo, you are basically a kind person.

137

Don't be too stubborn when it comes to official matters, for you might hurt yourself.

138

What are you doing here?

139

I heard that Gu Tingye barged in here.

140

I...I was afraid that he would harm you.

141

Marquis Gu is skilled in fighting.

142

You are holding this short sword to kill him?

143

Aren't you afraid that you would hurt yourself?

144

Even if he's the reincarnation of a deity, I won't let him hurt you.

145

I know.

146

Thank you.

147

Now that it has come to this, there is something I need to confess to you.

148

The Big Madam of the Marquis family was the first person I wanted to marry.

149

There's no need to mention the past

150

but...

151

I would like to hear.

152

Forget it.

153

I don't want to listen. It's better not to talk about it.

154

Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at viki.com

155

Master, someone from Bianjing asked to see you. The surname is Gu.

156

Gu? Say that I'm not here. Tell her to leave now.

157

Master Bai, no need to be afraid. We've seen each other before in the capital's Yuqing Temple.

158

Aren't you the main madam of the marquis manor?

159

I'm not.

160

You're not? But that day, in Yuqing Monastery—

161

That time, our family didn't know your intentions.

162

Naturally, I needed to be careful.

163

It's enough to just send a servant like me to disguise as the Grand Madam.

164

But...but...

165

You will naturally understand everything

166

once you go to the capital with me to see the Grand Madam.

167

Go to the capital? The last time I went there, I almost die.

168

How do you still plan to torment me? I'm not going.

169

Men, tell her to leave.

170

- Madam, please.

- In the hands of Gu Second is a vast amount of assets owned by the House of Bai,

171

the top salt merchant of the region south of the river.

172

Eldest Bai, you've plotted for it all your life and the chance is being given right in front of you.

173

Never thought that you didn't have any manliness at all.

174

I had to be alive first.

175

Now, Gu Second killed a woman with conferred title. He won't be able to deny it.

176

You have such a good fate.

177

Using the life of someone else to take back your family's vast assets,

178

isn't that a wealth bestowed to you by the heaven?

179

Killed someone?

180

Not just killed someone, he killed a woman with conferred title, an official's wife.

181

He killed the legitimate daughter of an Imperial Tutor.

182

Pack my suitcase and prepare the carriage.

183

No need.

184

The carriage of the Marquis is waiting out there for you.

185

It has a strong horse and soft carriage. Eldest Bai, please.

186

Let Grandmother have a bite.

187

I'm old.

188

I was thinking.

189

Why don't you let Yong'er

190

be raised in my palace?

191

One, you'll get to be more relaxed.

192

and take good care of the Emperor.

193

Second, I get to taste the joy of raising a child.

194

Treat it as respecting me.

195

Look at how scared this child is.

196

I haven't said anything yet.

197

Quick, go and bring the wine here.

198

Suppress the shock of Noble Consort.

199

This is a wine personally made by Empress Dowager.

200

May Your Highness moist your throat with it.

201

Your Highness, have you asked it clearly?

202

It's not suitable to talk here. Let's go to our room to talk.

203

Third Younger Sister.

204

My Lady, what's wrong with you?

205

Let me think.

206

Let me think carefully.

207

For the entire day,

208

what was wrong with you?

209

Since you came back, you didn't say a single word.

210

What's going on?

211

Yong'er. He's still playing so happily.

212

Yes, the child doesn't know anything.

213

No matter where he is, he will be equally happy.

214

What did the Empress Dowager say to you?

215

My Lady.

216

My Lady!

217

Don't follow me!

218

My Lady.

219

Noble Consort, please.

220

Where's Yong'er?

221

For Yong'er to be raised by the Empress Dowager is also his good fortune.

222

What? You brought Yong'er here?

223

Didn't brother-in-law want the commander post of the Dianqiansi?

224

Yes. Your brother-in-law has long wanted to be promoted to that position.

225

He will soon receive the notice from the Ministry of Personnel.

226

Hence, you left Yong'er...

227

If a parent loves his child, he should plan ahead.

228

This is also for Yong'er's great future.

229

Big Madam, look.

230

Tuan'er has just finished having his milk. He's now sleeping very soundly.

231

Is he able to drink milk?

232

Of course. He's quite energetic in doing so.

233

Good thing you've hired two milk nannies beforehand.

234

- Or else, he wouldn't have enough milk to drink.

- It was my marquis husband who found them.

235

He's awake. This is the Marquis first-born child.

236

He's so meticulous in his care.

237

He indeed is very meticulous. He's even fixing the courtyard over there.

238

Where?

239

Shuixian Pavilion of Miss Fengxian.

240

Marquis.

241

It's been 7 to 8 days.

242

Big Madam just gave birth and didn't have the time to settle me.

243

I know this too.

244

It's just that despite Cheng Garden being such a huge manor, I actually don't have any lodging place.

245

My current house is badly damaged. May marquis give considerations even for the sake of my status.

246

Okay. Shitou.

247

Go to the stockroom and get me that white jade box.

248

And then go to the Fire Rescue Team and choose some clever and able people

249

to search through this house and look for the start of the fire.

250

Yes.

251

Did Tu Second and Liu Jingli report anything about their inspection of the manor?

252

Temporarily none. It's been quite peaceful lately.

253

It won't be peaceful soon.

254

Cold weather and frozen ground. Good for killing.

255

Marquis! Where will my mistress live?

256

Marquis is here.

257

It's too cold out there.

258

Come, let me take a look at my child now.

259

How's the repair going on?

260

It won't get fixed that easily.

261

I think she should be transferred to another place.

262

In our Jiaxi House then.

263

Sure, Jiaxi House is fine too.

264

Anyway, everything is being handled in a hurry right now. There's no way we can find a mason that fast.

265

Why not just settle her down in our courtyard then?

266

You're full of cold air. Don't pass it to your child.

267

Xiaotao, take the food away. I'm sleeping for a while.

268

Sleep? Big Madam, did you just wake up? You are sleeping again?

269

Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at viki.com

270

What are you laughing at?

271

Originally, she kept telling me that she didn't had a place to live in.

272

Asking me to provide her another living quarter.

273

I also found her to be too long winded. It was such a hassle.

274

I so want to just drive her away.

275

Later, after thinking about it, it was Big Madam

276

who accepted her in my behalf. She has a status after all.

277

Seeing how she has been sincere towards me for all these years,

278

The marquis manor can afford to provide her food. Moreover,

279

If she comes to Jiaxi,

280

she can be of help to you. She can serve you tea and water. Is that okay?

281

You can really plan.

282

Don't know who it was who reprimanded me harshily

283

for making Fengxian stay in our manor?

284

Now, after a fire broke out,

285

you sincerely cares about her and don't want to drive her away anymore?

286

People say that woman giving birth to a child is like going through a great torture.

287

It's usual to be bad tempered

288

but you have really changed too much.

289

Be careful that you don't scare our kid.

290

My son is a talent worthy to be a future general or a prime minister. How can he be easily scared by you?

291

Get lost. You're so stinky. Don't suffocate my son with your smell.

292

You just gave birth to a child. Don't be angry.

293

I...am angry? Who says I'm angry?

294

At first, I wonder who it was.

295

When you want to marry me, you said words of a deluge of heavenly flowers (extravagantly embellished).

296

Now, there are problems here and there.

297

Why are there so many problems in the Marquis manor?

298

This is not the first time that the Marquis manor is having problems.

299

Why are you angry after giving birth?

300

- Right?

- Marquis Husband, your power is really far-reaching.

301

How is it your business now if I'm angry or not?

302

You are angry. I'm not angry.

303

After obtaining a chubby son, of course, you're very happy.

304

Of course, I'm happy!

305

You don't know what my feelings are when I see Yuanruo these past years.

306

Why did you mention him?

307

Does he want your Fengxian?

308

Why can't I mention him?

309

I was jealous of him every day.

310

You are finally jealous now.

311

Be more jealous. Come, quick.

312

You are not allowed to help him to change his clothes. He has hands and legs!

313

I'm jealous? What would I be jealous of?

314

You have so many maidservants here in the manor, why are you ordering mine?

315

Men, help your Marquis to change his clothes!

316

[ Sanqing Palace Hall ]

317

How come you're of no use at all?

318

Don't forget.

319

If not because my Big Madam rescued you from Qianqiu Brothel,

320

who knows where your dead family would be.

321

Mother, there's no need to be angry with me. I couldn't find out anything.

322

Before, when marquis wasn't around, all the items in his study were stored away.

323

When I sneaked a look, I couldn't find anything.

324

Now that the Marquis is back,

325

the soldiers are standing in front of his study.

326

I couldn't even get close to it.

327

You couldn't go into the study? Even you couldn't go in?

328

When you stuffed me to Madam Aunt, you said it so well.

329

What marquis being so young is such a womanizer.

330

What Big Madam being an illegitimate daughter of a lowly official isn't even worth to be mentioned.

331

Yet, after entering the marquis manor, I wasn't even able to touch the border of marquis' shadow.

332

I'm not Deity Daluo. (a deity that can travel through time and space)

333

I don't have the ability to enter other people's mind to know about what they're thinking.

334

No need for you to talk back at me and confide your sufferings.

335

It's just that if you still are not useful from now on,

336

I fear that you would be very soon.

337

These past days, because of the fire, Marquis was indeed more diligent in coming to me.

338

But it's just to look at the works of the masons.

339

When I left, I heard Shitou said that Big Madam lost her temper.

340

It's quite rare to see that.

341

but I don't know why when Marquis heard that, he laughed.

342

He even rushed there to see what's happening.

343

Home?

344

Where is your home?

345

You better get it straight.

346

Grand Madam, Noble Consort Liu sent someone from the palace to bestow us gifts.

347

I hold ten thousand gratitude towards Her Highness.

348

I have already set up a banquet outside.

349

Please stay for a meal before you leave.

350

The palace is full of busy work and lately, Old Madam Wang comes to visit Empress Dowager often .

351

I fear Her Highness the Noble Consort will need me.

352

I'm leaving first.

353

Tingwei!

354

Are you not going to have dinner at home again?

355

Third Young Master.

356

Third Young Master.

357

Old Madam Wang...

358

I will need to find a time to make a trip to the palace.

359

To express gratitude to Noble Consort Liu.

360

During this salt patrol, I've already reclaimed the missed tax payments during the last two decades.

361

The Bureau of Revenue is currently recording the new deposits into our warehouse.

362

I think soon it can be brought for Your Majesty's view

363

Your Majesty, now with our dynasty full of prosperity, our state warehouse brimming and support fortified,

364

I deem this a most opportune time to tidy up the borders.

365

Are these words from you

366

or the Marquis of Gu?

367

Royal Father. Gu Marquis...

368

Gu Marquis is definitely thinking on your behalf.

369

This...these words are from my heart.

370

Our dynasty has not had the rendering of weapons for years .

371

How long can we last on this peace negotiating practice?

372

Why not use this opportunity to reclaim our lost lands?

373

Reclaiming the lost lands would be great indeed,

374

but Ying'er, there's no need for you to be so obedient to Gu Marquis.

375

Don't you think so?

376

When we go in later, see less

377

and talk less. Answer what you are questioned.

378

Sister Grand Madam, maybe you're being too careful?

379

Previously at Yuqing Monastery, you were disguised as a servant.

380

And now you don't tell me a word of where we're going

381

It's really hard for others to believe.

382

Who are they?

383

Where am I?

384

There will come the time for you to believe me

385

Big Madam Qin, please come in.

386

You shoot well indeed, Grand Madam .

387

Your Highness, what words are you speaking of?

388

I am just standing a bit closer .

389

So I have the advantage, naturally.

390

Just how close are you standing?

391

This is inside your palace.

392

So naturally, I stand closer to Your Highness.

393

It seems I better stand closer too.

394

Since this is your own kettle in your own palace, however you stand,

395

it's still up to you.

396

Alright. Don't stand there.

397

Sit, have some fruits

398

- and rest.

- I will abide.

399

On the method of this tea, it's about meditation.

400

But you can't be absent-minded.

401

If you whisk it too hurriedly,

402

the water drops splash and the appearance is ill to sight.

403

But too slow,

404

and it can't grasp the cup.

405

You end up with water traces.

406

And that's making a fool of yourself.

407

You are right.

408

Certain good things

409

takes time and experience

410

in order to see the outcome.

411

Isn't that so?

412

In this royal palace, the most seasoned hand with teas

413

is certainly the Grand Highness (Empress Dowager).

414

Now, my Yong'er is being raised under Grand Highness.

415

He will learn some principles from Grand Highness for sure.

416

Look at this set of Great Jade Tea Set.

417

It's a gift from Grand Highness.

418

- Lord.

- Don't, sit.

419

Lord, why are you standing? Sit.

420

Your family name is Bai?

421

Yes.

422

Living in Jiangnan?

423

Yes, that's right.

424

Sit.

425

"Spring breeze makes green again the shores of Jiangnan."

[ T/N Poetry by Wang Anshi (Song Dynasty) ]

426

Jiangnan is a good place.

427

Lord. Whenever you want to go there for leisure,

428

I will definitely take good care of you.

429

Sit.

430

By the way,

431

I heard you are in the salt business.

432

Yes, just a humble enterprise .

433

I wonder how your family's salt tastes.

434

Salt is the chief of all flavors.

435

Salt from my family's business is as pure white as snow.

436

It's not something others can compare to.

437

Then, is there an introduction about your family salt?

438

Is it among the tributes?

439

How can we presume attention for tribute?

440

You may not know.

441

I have a nephew, who is quite a tyrant.

442

It's not urgent

443

as long as the item is good.

444

We don't worry about not having others. Right?

445

I also hope that when you are here again,

446

bring some salt for the Imperial Concubine too.

447

Imperial Concubine?

448

And the man said,

449

as long as the item is good.

450

All others we will have

451

All have?

452

This Yong'er is being raised under the Empress Dowager.

453

What is that place?

454

A place in heaven and a place on earth.

455

Big Madam from Fourth House is here.

456

I got it. Leave now.

457

Fourth House is here.

458

It's time she came.

459

Set up a place for this man and settle him.

460

Watch him carefully. Don't let him wander anywhere.

461

I know.

462

Marquis

463

My newly brewed Meishou Wine used the recipe from Jinhua and Fengyue House.

464

Marquis can try it.

465

Madam Eleventh.

466

Let me use your room for a while.

467

Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at viki.com

468

T/N In the following song, "Don't You Know, Don't You Know?", Lines 5 to the end are the poem by Li Qingzhao, a famous female poet of the Song Dynasty, the poem is titled "Spring Ends".

469

♫One morning, a flower opened and approached a willow tree,

beautifully fragrant and mistaking him for her lord♫

470

♫Even if drinking in water in the morning, red clouds have half a day of sunshine,

the wind and rain do not affect them completely♫

471

♫In the palace, you are constantly brave and growing thin,

from on high, your cold tears of distress flow♫

472

♫Brocade letters delivered to me dismiss me, only suddenly to recall me,

not for many years can I see you other than stealthily♫

473

♫Last night, gusty winds and rain

during my deep slumber did not spoil the wine's lingering effect♫

474

♫When I asked someone, they rolled the blind up

and told me that all the crab-apple trees are as before.♫

475

♫Don't you know, don't you know,

there must be flourishing leaves and fallen flowers?♫

476

♫Last night, gusty winds and rain

during my deep slumber did not spoil the wine's lingering effect♫

477

♫When I asked someone, they rolled the blind up

and told me that all the crab-apple trees are as before.♫

478

♫Don't you know, don't you know,

there must be flourishing leaves and fallen flowers?♫

479

♫Don't you know, don't you know,

there must be flourishing leaves and fallen flowers?♫