Original subtitles

♪Having survived the winter I'm expecting the flower season♪

♪Smiling in a spring breeze I'm immersed in it♪

♪Whose breath warmed my cold heart♪

♪And stirred up ripples♪

♪A figure may be reflected in my eyes♪

♪Bring back numerous memories♪

♪Through my life I've endured hardships for love♪

♪With you My mind is still and peaceful♪

♪Don't blame fate and providence♪

♪And the merciless fortune♪

♪Wandering in the world of mortals like it's a game♪

♪Risking my heart♪

♪Isn't to be regretted♪

♪I'll exchange it for the love of my life delightedly♪

=A Dream of Splendor=

=Episode 9=

Look at the heap of case files.

I suspect

that most Jiangnan officials

took Zheng Qingtian's bribery.

Well, apart from me,

and Minister Xiao.

The Capital Security Office only makes investigations.

After checking all the case files and oral confessions,

the case will be handed over to local offices.

When these are all sorted out,

we'll be able to return to the capital city soon.

Really?

I can finally see my mom

and my two sisters.

Oh, Commander,

I made a contribution, didn't I?

What position do you think I will receive?

Second Lieutenant or Captain?

Should I order a fancy uniform?

I'm told that the dressmakers

in Suzhou are excellent.

Whether the cutting or the embroidering, they…

I just want to look smart

in front of my mom when I'm back in the capital city.

It's fine, though, if you disagree.

Have you figured out how to use the carrier pigeon

given by the officer of the security office in Suzhou?

Yes, I have.

Also, the compendium you mentioned.

It has been written and delivered to the capital city.

Oh, right.

Any message from the Eastern Capital?

Nothing special.

All I know is, Commissioner Lei

praised you in a meeting.

It's Ms. Zhao who concerns you, right?

Sadly, the scouts

didn't give me anything about her.

I never asked about her.

Off you go.

How come I can't hear anything from you?

You're the type of girl

who would turn the Eastern Capital upside down.

I hope you're okay.

Darn it! Darn it!

Master One Less Than 13?

Less than what?

Tell me, less than what?

Less than nothing.

Yes, you're right. I'm less than nothing.

I'm so rich.

You can have the golden toad.

Du Changfeng!

How dare he!

Can't believe I have to put up with him.

I…

I could walk sideways in the Eastern Capital if I like.

Why can't I be an official?

Tell me why?

Sir, only this kind of animal

walks sideways.

Are you calling me a crab?

No, no, no.

You cannot be a crab.

Even if you were,

you'd be a king crab.

There are only two ways for one

to become an official.

Join the army, or study hard.

You have to get up early every day either way,

can you do that?

Get up early?

When you become an official,

you need to get up before 5 AM for the morning assembly.

Sir, please don't.

That sounds difficult.

Yes.

Plus, you can't go to any brothels,

nor can you live in such a nice mansion anymore.

And

m-most importantly,

you can't do… do that thing

with official performers like Haohao.

If you got caught,

your family property would be confiscated, and you'd be banished.

I wouldn't have any fun, would I?

Oh, right. Speaking of Haohao,

where is she?

She's on duty today.

She's got work to do at the Music Division.

It's the Eighth Prince's birthday ceremony.

They are ordered to perform at Yanan House.

All right, all right.

You take 50 men there.

When she's on stage,

you cheer for her,

and clap for her in the audience.

When she's finished,

you throw a basket of bills at her.

Sir, could you please send someone else?

I've got work to do.

Look, we're expecting several wagons of new leather.

I need to receive the goods.

New leather?

He Si is in charge of leathers.

Where is He Si?

He…

Where the heck is He Si?

He…

He what? Tell me.

Sir.

He Si is dead?

When did he die?

No, no.

Do you remember the woman

who once humiliated you?

He Si got bullied by her as well.

What?

Pay what you owe, Heaven is watching!

Pay what you owe, Heaven is watching!

Pay what you owe, Heaven is watching!

Pay what you owe, Heaven is watching!

Pay what you owe, Heaven is watching!

Pay what you owe, Heaven is watching!

Is this your so-called arrangement?

I didn't expect Zhao Pan'er

to gather that big group of people here.

They must have kicked away

the scoundrels I hired.

You...

If it continues,

the Gao family will know,

and we'll be over.

No.

You can't appear in public now.

Get out of my way.

Sorry for my incompetence.

Please punish me.

"Sorry for my incompetence."

This is all you can say?

So you think

by saying this,

you'll have my forgiveness?

Uncle De.

How many times…

How many times did you act on your own initiative?

I told you to inform Pan'er in Qiantang

that our marriage would be arranged by my uncles separately

after I got a place in the Imperial Exam.

You had to show off the betrothal with the Gao family,

so she's here in the Eastern Capital for it.

Then I asked you to gift my teacher.

You took the liberty

to add The Night Revels,

so I couldn't say yes to Pan'er,

and was put in a dilemma.

And now, look.

You joined hands with scoundrels?

You…

You call yourself the loyal servant of the Ouyang family?

You seem more like the master of our family!

Sorry for my mistake.

Pay what you owe, Heaven is watching!

Pay…

Sorry for my mistake...

Sir, listen.

They stopped.

They stopped.

What are you doing?

Can't you see? I'm a watchdog.

She asked you to be a watchdog,

and you just obeyed?

Or what?

Will you eat trash if it's her order?

Yes.

You did?

Not really.

Don't embarrass yourselves here.

Get lost.

I can't, or I won't have babies.

You have a wife now?

Not yet.

She hit my childbirth acupoint.

Is he mocking me?

Idiot! Idiot! Idiot!

You listened to too many fictional stories, huh?

She's no martial artist.

She knows nothing about acupoints.

Anyway, look at you.

Who would be attracted to you?

Who would make a baby with you?

You never know.

Plus,

it's the Presented Scholar living in there.

She's a girl who acts against the Presented Scholar.

Imagine that.

And still,

you never won her in the ball games.

I dare you say that again.

You never won her in the ball games.

How dare you?

Take this!

You're talky, huh?

Make a baby?

Who will you make a baby with? Huh?

I don't even have a baby yet.

Sir, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

- I need to think about myself, don't I? - Take this!

(Breeze Brings Integrity)

Pay what you owe, Heaven is watching!

You deserve infertility.

Pay what you owe, Heaven is watching!

Pay what you owe,

Heaven is watching!

Unbelievable!

I can't do anything about Du Changfeng,

but I can sort that woman out.

Within an incense stick of time,

I need to know where she lives.

Go find it out. Why are you standing still?

Pay what you owe, Heaven is watching!

- We must put an end to the clamor. - Pay what you owe,

Heaven is watching!

You make me do this.

Uncle De, I'll write a letter,

and you'll help me mail it.

They're blocking the main entrance.

You'll have to sneak out of the dog hole at the back of the house.

No problem.

I promise I'll get the job done.

Pay what you owe, Heaven is watching!

Zhao Pan'er!

Zhao Pan'er!

Shush.

Beat him.

Zhao Pan'er.

It sounds terrible, doesn't it?

The sun is bright, and the day is nice.

Any other music

is better than this depressing garbage.

Owner!

Who is the owner of this place?

Is there a girl named

Zhao Pan'er here?

Sorry, but I don't know.

Are you the owner?

Thanks.

Look at this Jiangnan beauty.

Be careful, Miss.

Watch your step, Miss.

I just saved you.

I don't think it's good

that you turn against me.

Thank you for helping me.

You're welcome, Miss.

Don't leave, beautiful.

I'm here

to see Zhao Pan'er.

She's my sister.

What do you see her for?

Your sister?

Well, your sister irritated me twice.

Why do you think I want to see her?

I have no idea,

but we just arrived in the Eastern Capital.

So sorry for our lack of manner.

Maybe we offended you,

but please be lenient,

and forgive us.

Well, you're more polite than her.

No problem.

You know what?

No discord, no concord.

If you kindly

go somewhere quiet with me,

I can let it all slide.

Don't go.

I am a good man.

Get your hand off my pipa!

I didn't touch you.

Keep it down, will you?

So what if I touched it?

I'll even play it. Look.

So what?

I played it. What?

My tongue!

Sir. Sir.

Don't stand around me.

Go after her.

Go.

C-Catch that girl.

Sanniang, bad men are behind me.

Who are you?

Move. Move.

It's me.

She hit my tongue again!

She hit my tongue again!

She spilled hot water on my tongue!

What's happening?

Are you…

Zhao Pan'er, it's you again.

Yes, it's me again.

We'll settle the scores right here.

Fine.

Everybody is watching.

You can be our eyewitnesses.

We've only met three times.

The first time was a one-on-one game.

You bumped into me, and the ball landed. You said it was my problem,

but I was better than you,

so you have held a grudge since.

The second time, your men were paid

to harass us on the street,

we kicked their butt

and made them work as watchdogs.

Now, the third time, if I'm not mistaken,

you came here

to avenge your men,

but since you didn't find me,

you took it out on my sister.

Am I right?

Idiot.

My men?

Bah!

I'm Chi Pan, the Palace Guard,

and the chairman of over ten industries,

including silk, medicine, leather, grain, river transportation,

and so on.

I command

at least two hundred men,

if I'm being conservative.

Many impostors

claim that they work for me.

I have no idea what you said.

I'll only get one thing settled.

Your sister injured my tongue,

she hit me,

and you spilled hot water on me.

There has to be a term of settlement.

You molested me.

You tried to take my pipa, and that's why you got injured.

Nonsense.

I may have gently touched you

when you were about to fall,

other than that, my hands were always off you.

I molested you?

You can ask anybody here.

Although

I'm a play-man...

Playboy, you mean?

That's the word I prefer.

I never had a girl by force.

I always treat

those birds like a gentleman.

That's true.

Mr. Chi wouldn't do that.

If money can solve the problem,

he'll never use violence.

I'm not a bird.

No one knows brothels better than I do.

I know what you are

with only one glance.

A man who used the word wrong

is trying to win a debate here?

Enough of this nonsense.

It's a fact that you injured me.

You can't simply get away with it.

Here's the deal.

I don't want money.

What do you want?

Let's have a peace-making meal at Changqing House,

and your sister will play three pieces of music for me,

then you'll be pardoned.

Otherwise,

the three of you

will never live one day in peace here in this city.

Try me.

Miss, just take the offer.

Because Mr. Chi is a man of his word.

Have you heard me?

A peace-making meal is easy.

But my sister playing music for you?

That's not so easy.

My sister is the No. 1 pipa player in Jiangnan Region.

Those who wish to listen to her music

will have to pass three cultural or martial tests.

So will you.

Keep bragging.

Look at her.

The No. 1 pipa player in Jiangnan Region?

I won't buy it.

You guys

listened to Miss Song's music, didn't you?

Yes, yes.

She deserves the title, doesn't she?

- Yes. - Yes, yes.

Yes, my sister is a mere musician.

But starting from the last dynasty,

her family has been giving performances to the royal family.

The pipa named Moon in her hand

is also bestowed by the former emperor.

Not only is she an honorable guest of Princess Qian,

but she has also been invited to the capital by Prefect Xu.

Her excellence in pipa-playing

is not for the uncultured.

Listen, I'm cultured.

I don't buy your word.

And who knows

what tricky tests you have got for me.

Are you daunted?

Daunted?

Three tests, huh?

I can do ten tests!

But here are my stipulations.

No ball game.

No strength match.

No problem.

Let's make the palm-slapping pledge.

Three wins

or two out of three?

Two out of three, then you win.

All right. Let's go.

She broke my bone, I think.

Tell me, what is the first test?

My sister will give the first question.

It's a couplet question.

You're to give the latter half within an incense stick of time.

Please listen.

The first half is, smoke locks the willows by the pond.

It's an impossible one.

The first half includes the five elements.

Metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.

You can give up if it's too difficult for you.

How do you know it's too difficult for me?

Let me think.

Listen up.

Rotten.

Peach.

Rolls into.

The wrong.

Pile.

Rotten peach rolls into the wrong pile.

It includes the five elements, too.

- Bravo. - Nice one.

Impossible?

Do you think I spent the time in the brothels for nothing?

I've heard couplets like this too many times.

Bravo. Bravo.

I haven't finished.

Smoke locks the willows by the pond,

the sound of pipa repels the evil spirits.

I play the pipa.

It won't stump me.

Rotten peach rolls into the wrong pile,

the size of your breasts charms the good men.

I transport the grains.

The sound of pipa repels the evil spirits.

Only care for the lush grass.

Rotten peach rolls into the wrong pile,

the size of your breasts charms the good men.

Only…

Only…

Only…

Only fond of the spheric glass.

I've got it!

I actually made it!

Brilliant, sir.

Pan'er, what do we do now?

We underestimated him.

It's fine. I'll be up for Round Two.

I win the first round.

What's the second test?

It'll be a martial match.

Knife skills, to be exact.

Knife skills?

I have had twenty years of knife training.

You really have the gut for picking this.

Five fingers. Won't lose one.

Watch.

All five remain.

All five remain.

All five remain!

- I made it. - Bravo.

Thank you.

Thank you.

You think you'll beat me?

Kitchen knife?

Is it not a knife?

It sure is.

Miss Sun,

show us your skills.

Follow me.

What is this?

Are you going to cook?

Who are you fooling with?

Amazing.

Wonderful.

It's a flower.

Guys, who won this round?

Sun Sanniang won.

One win for each.

We'll have the final winner in Round Three.

Zhao Pan'er.

It's between you and me.

You should be up for Round Three.

In addition,

to be fair,

it should be me who sets the third question.

Is this a joke?

How is that fair?

Challengers don't

get to set the question.

You said

it was one couplet, right?

She threw out three.

What about that?

- Yeah. - Right.

What game do you wish to play?

Let's play a game that's both cultural and martial.

Dice.

A dice game with Mr. Chi?

The winner is obvious.

Let me warn you.

Mr. Chi is an adept dicer.

What's the rule?

The good old "highest wins".

Who gets the highest number

is the winner.

OK.

But I'll raise the stakes.

If you win,

other than the peace-making meal and the three pieces of pipa music,

we'll add ten extra strings of coins.

But if we win,

your men will continue to work for me.

Deal.

Who's first?

Here's another rule.

If we get the same number, the first opener wins.

Fine.

Well, now that we're on the same page.

One, two, three,

four, five, six.

Six sixes.

Six times six, 36.

Mr. Chi wins. Mr. Chi wins.

Mr. Chi wins.

He wins!

One, two, three,

four, five, six.

Seven…

And a one?

3-37?

Six sixes, and a one.

That's 37.

Mr. Chi loses.

Even the master dicers

can lose to Pan'er,

let alone an adept dicer.

Oops.

Let me see your ring.

A diamond ring?

I am a man of my word.

He Si and the others are yours to command.

Thank you for letting us win.

I'm sure you're so big-hearted

that you won't mind such a loss.

How modest of you, Miss Zhao.

I acknowledge your talents.

I wish you do well in the Eastern Capital!

It's the weather's fault.

If it wasn't so hot,

Mr. Chi wouldn't lose.

Mr. Chi lost?

He never loses.

He's capable of anything.

Now, now, Mr. Chi.

God of Earth,

this isn't fair.

The Eastern Capital is my turf.

Those three women embarrassed me here.

I'll be a laughingstock.

S-S-Stop fanning.

Pray with me.

Dear God of Earth,

please bless me,

and kick those three out of the city as soon as possible.

Cheers.

It's the first time I ever try the booze here in the Eastern Capital.

The drink in the central plains

is surely different from the ones in Jiangnan Region.

It feels great

that we beat Mr. Chi.

Here.

We won Mr. Chi,

but we don't know

what Ouyang Xu is up to.

We'd better move in a house near his

to watch him closely.

It'll save us the effort.

It's been a tiring day for us.

Let's talk about the move tomorrow.

Nice booze.

It tastes good.

I'd like more.

Fill the cups.

Here.

(When you're in the Eastern Capital,)

(how do I find you?)

(Near the southern end of the Zhou Bridge,)

(there's a smithy called the Wang's.)

(If you see a red flag at the entrance,)

(go inside to find the owner)

(and ask to buy ten silver needles.)

(Then he'll take you to me.)

(If you see no red flag,)

(you won't need to pay back the money.)

It's pretty hard.

Pan'er,

go get some rest. I bet you're exhausted.

Here.

In order for me to be removed from the registered musicians,

Pan'er went to see Ouyang Xu?

I mean…

That's not okay.

She loves Ouyang Xu so much.

I'm sure she feels terrible right now.

You know what? I need to…

I need to talk to her.

No, no.

She needs some time alone.

Sit down.

Here, keep drinking.

Look what he's doing now,

they probably won't get back together anymore.

Ouyang Xu treats Pan'er wrongly,

and paid scoundrels like He Si

to bully us.

I mean, he's a Presented Scholar.

I can't believe he's so nasty.

Yinzhang,

I'm telling you this

just so you know

that Ouyang Xu isn't the man he used to be.

If he sends men to pester you

when you're on your own,

you must stay alert.

Get away from them.

Also,

I suggest you not ask Pan'er too many questions.

If you have questions,

just come to me.

She seems

troubled and sad at the same time.

But it's about you,

so she has no choice.

Or else,

she wouldn't even

speak to Ouyang Xu anymore.

She's my sister.

If it wasn't about me,

she wouldn't see Ouyang Xu again.

Listen, it's not your fault.

Cheer up a little.

(Wang's Smithy)

(Wang's Smithy)

A blue flag.

He's still not back.

(Wang's Smithy)

(You're right.)

(It's tough to live in the big city here.)

(It may look like I'm doing well,)

(but the fact is, I feel so insecure.)

(I'm only keeping up the appearances.)

(Gu Qianfan.)

(If only you were here.)

(Because you'd say something harsh)

(but helpful to me.)

(Zhao's Teahouse)

It was Ms. Zhao's business?

Good for her.

Now that you hate the Capital Security Office,

you must know our jobs.

If you're honest,

I'll let you go for now.

But if you lie

or hide anything,

I assure you,

in less than three days,

everyone in Qiantang County will be familiar

with whatever you have done.

By my calculation,

she's in the Eastern Capital now.

You think of her every now and then, don't you?

I think she's already married to the Presented Scholar by now.

Why would I think of her?

I'm aware

of why you would.

I'm afraid you aren't aware yourself.

Did you make any friends in Qiantang Army

when you were a military officer in Xiuzhou?

Yes.

Find two trustworthy men.

Watch this place and her old house.

And…

(Tea Available Closed)

Find out where Sun Sanniang's ex-husband

and her son are.

Trust me.

I promise

I will get it done

despite all difficulties.

However, isn't it easier

that Minister Xiao's butler gives the order?

I don't trust the Xiao family.

Note this,

Minister Xiao and I

will never be on the same side.

I asked for his help

because I had no other choice.

And that's so much for our relationship.

If you wish to connect to the Xiao family

through me,

I suggest you forget about it.

Why?

You don't want me to leave?

How about this?

I'll recommend you to them.

No, no. Please.

I'm not going anywhere.

I'll serve you as ever.

I'm not a fool.

I'm sure you don't side

with him for a good reason.

And I heard about Minister Xiao's

bad reputation a long ago.

He makes up good news, and tricks His Majesty into

spending money on major construction projects.

Besides,

he fawns on the Empress,

and uses misinformation to rule out those who oppose him.

He also joins hands with the Empress's adherents

against Minister Ke.

Why would I follow a treacherous man like him?

You think you're smart, don't you?

But

what's his relationship with Commissioner Lei?

He conflicted with Commissioner Lei

for backing you up, right?

Commissioner Lei

grew up with His Majesty since little.

A treacherous minister against a cunning eunuch?

Who would win?

Commander Gu.

I'm a bit thirsty.

I'll go get some water.

(Commander Gu,)

(I wish you were in the Eastern Capital.)

(You can solve so many problems.)

(I'm sure you wouldn't)

(watch Pan'er being bullied.)

(Also, you're a major official.)

(Maybe a word of yours)

(can help remove my name from the registered musicians.)

(If that can be done,)

(I'm willing to do anything you ask.)

♪A feeling of depression♪

♪Falls on those will part just like moonlight♪

♪How can we forget each other♪

♪Wind blows and time flies♪

♪When the splendor fades away only the smell lingers♪

♪In the corner of memories there are sad moments♪

♪Emotions go on and on♪

♪Because time is short but love is hot♪

♪Stars wink for you♪

♪Romance is crazy about you♪

♪Who even waits for you♪

♪Until the end of her life♪

♪When I look back one day♪

♪I'll let go of everything♪

♪I'll hold your hand and never let you down♪

♪Ah Ah Ah♪

♪When our eyes get wet with tears for each other♪

♪Ah Ah Ah♪

♪I'll enjoy a simple life with you♪