Original subtitles

[Brocade Odyssey]

[Episode 5]

Ritual of offering begins!

Ascend the Mountain

and honor Leizu!

In gratitude to Leizu,

Xuanyuan's consort,

the first silkworm mother

who taught us to raise silkworms

and make clothing.

Her grace reaches all, and her name immortalized.

The Brocade Officer and Master present silk and offer wine.

As the year draws to a close,

in gratitude to Leizu,

I lead the esteemed householders

to perform the purification ceremony,

solemnly completing the ritual at the altar,

offering fragrant incense,

praying for shared blessings,

humbly inviting the deity to partake!

The Brocade Officer and Master bow again!

Everyone kneels in unison!

Reverently honoring Leizu, praying for shared blessings!

Pay your respects!

Mr. Yang,

where are you going?

Why should I report my whereabouts

to you?

Once everyone finishes offering incense,

we still need

to escort the deity back

and pay respects to Leizu.

To avoid further delays on your part,

please wait here with me.

After all these years,

why are you still so tiresome?

By the time they finish offering incense,

it'll be almost nightfall.

I'm tired

and just want to rest a bit. What's wrong with that?

What,

did Leizu herself tell you

that I must stand and wait?

You...

Gentleman,

why not come and take a look over here?

Try your luck for just 20 wen.

These are blessed by Leizu herself!

Come and check out our fortune boxes!

You might get something amazing.

Want to give it a try?

These people attend the Leizu Festival

just to pay their respects.

Who'd want to buy this junky silk?

And these boxes are downright ugly.

We're offering a silk draw game here.

Just 20 wen per draw.

They're blessed by Leizu herself!

What's the matter?

Where's the hype man we hired?

He went to the restroom.

He'll be back in a bit.

How much did you agree to pay him?

A whole string of coins.

Did you already pay him?

Yeah.

Paid in full?

Shouldn't we pay him in full?

Why would he bother working now?

He's clearly not coming back.

I was fooled again, eh?

I'll just hire another one.

You...

Miss, may I ask,

what do you mean by "Leizu's blessing" here?

And is it appropriate to sell silk

at the Leizu Festival?

Sir, you misunderstand.

Leizu taught our ancestors

to raise silkworms and weave silk.

Her contributions are immense.

The fact that I can sell silk today

is all thanks to her blessing,

and there is no disrespect intended.

What we call "Leizu's blessing"

is fortune hidden within these boxes.

Inside, you'll find silk of varying quality.

Each box is priced at 20 wen.

Feel free to choose one.

Its quality depends entirely on your luck today.

I see now.

Well, I'll...

give it a try now.

Sure.

Here.

Which one would you like, sir?

That one.

This one?

All right.

Sir, your fortune is truly abundant today!

This is our lucky bonus,

a blessing pouch for double the good fortune!

This pouch is exquisitely crafted.

Even for 30 or 40 wen,

you wouldn't buy it elsewhere.

Is everything inside good?

It can't be. It's only 20 wen each.

They'd lose a fortune.

Let me try another one.

Sure thing.

This one?

All right.

See? I knew it!

It's a loss!

This is old silk, isn't it?

It's not worth 20 wen.

It's not worth it at all.

This isn't worth it!

True, this one isn't worth 20 wen.

But that pouch alone is worth more than 20 wen.

Together, you're still coming out ahead.

That's true.

That makes sense.

Exactly.

If you put it that way, I have to try another!

Of course, go ahead.

That one.

All right, that one.

This one?

Yeah.

What's this?

Midnight Purple Silk!

Who knew these boxes held such fine silk?

These fortune boxes are all about luck.

There's gain and there's loss.

Exactly.

As long as you buy enough,

the differences will even out eventually.

Plus, even this old silk isn't useless.

If you sell it to someone else,

you wouldn't lose much.

If you win, you're happy.

If you lose, think of it as spending a few coins

for some fun!

Miss, you have a point!

Here, I'll try one too!

Sure.

I'll try one too!

Step right up!

Don't push!

Please don't push!

- Line up for the mystery boxes! - There's plenty for everyone!

Line up!

Don't push!

Over here!

I'll try one too.

I'll take this one.

I'll try one as well.

Yingying!

There's enough for everyone!

Yingying!

Hurry, restock!

Coming!

This one.

Miss, someone asked me to send this to you.

Thank you.

Miss Ji,

rushing over won't help your brother.

Save your energy.

You were the one who sent me the message?

I took you in out of kindness, gave you work at our house.

Instead of gratitude,

you stole our loom.

Now you've been caught red-handed.

What else do you have to say for yourself?

There must be misunderstanding here!

Mr. Wang,

didn't you agree

to sell me this loom?

When did I ever agree to sell it to you?

How could you even afford it?

This loom was clearly stolen from my house!

So many witnesses saw it happen.

That's right!

Are you still trying to deny it?

It was you!

What did you do to my brother?

Your brother depends on others for scraps,

enduring humiliation to work.

I bet you don't know about any of this.

My brother working for you was all part of your plan?

Just a little icing on the cake.

A gentleman doesn't steal.

A virtuous man doesn't rob.

I, Ji Yaoting,

have never resorted to petty theft!

Where's the contract?

Yes, the contract.

Everyone here witnessed it that day.

We signed a contract!

What contract?

Did anyone see it?

- Did you see it? - No, I didn't.

All we saw was Ji Yaoting stealing the loom

and getting caught red-handed.

- That's right. - You...

The contract is with you, isn't it?

Without that contract,

your brother will be taken to the bureau,

have his hands and feet broken,

and never weave brocade again.

You're forcing my brother into a dead end today.

Aren't you afraid that one day,

I'll repay you in kind?

A powerless criminal's daughter,

and you dare challenge me?

You're overestimating yourself.

Fine, Mrs. Hua, just you wait.

Let's see if I can do.

So, do you still want this contract?

Move the loom out!

Don't move it!

Move it!

Don't move it!

Move it!

You agreed to sell it to me!

It's my loom!

Move it!

Don't move it!

You stole it from me!

Don't move it!

This isn't your loom!

Don't move it!

Say it then.

What do you want me to do?

Let go...

Why are you here?

I came to find you.

If you don't go back soon,

the situation above will be exposed.

It's just a closing ceremony.

Must I really be there?

What's your mouth for?

Can't you just make up an excuse for me?

Excuses are easy to find,

but traces are hard to hide.

If you miss the ceremony above

and happen to stir up trouble

here in the mountains...

This Brocade Officer position of yours

is already under close watch.

It's too easy to arouse suspicion.

Where do all these coincidences come from?

Caution and preparation

prevent accidents.

Bookworm!

Brute!

Come!

Hand the money over to me!

Let me weigh how much it is.

I knew Yingying's idea would work!

Nice!

My hand is the scale!

Why don't you count it when you get back?

Can you ever finish counting money?

Yingying, you're back!

Yingying!

How about that?

Are all the boxes sold out?

Of course!

With your brains and our hands,

what can't we accomplish?

My eyes were strained nearly to blindness.

Finally, we can join the Splendor Showcase.

Mr. Zhao Senior is here.

Hurry, go greet him.

Look!

Go!

How about this?

I'd like

to introduce someone to all of you,

a rising star in business.

Please, everyone, stay a moment.

This is Miss Ji of the Huanhua Dyehouse

from Sandaoyan.

She's young,

but she's got plenty of ideas.

If you ever get the chance,

please support her endeavors.

If you personally speak for her,

she must be an extraordinary talent.

Rest assured!

Since you've asked,

we'll certainly help her out!

Thank you.

Sir, the old silk is sold out.

I'd like to remind you of your promise

to grant me one request.

Speak freely, Miss Ji.

Pay attention!

Stop stalling!

Just say it already!

Yingying!

- Yingying! - Say it!

Go ahead.

Please, sir,

allow me to marry Zhao Xiuyuan soon.

What?

What?

Is this what we agreed on?

Did I misremember?

Ji Yingying,

what's wrong with you?

The betrothal between Zhao Xiuyuan and me

was set when we were young.

I know the Zhao family needs a capable wife.

Previously,

I caused Sang Shisi to stir up trouble at Huanhua Creek,

forcing the Brocade Officer to change the creekside rules.

Now, relying on my own abilities,

I stand before you discussing business.

Surely, this proves my worth.

Please grant your approval, sir.

So, I've been played, have I?

You little lady...

You're quite the little lady indeed.

Mr. Zhao Senior gave you

the right to discuss business,

and you're wasting it

with nonsense!

Grandpa,

this matter

is my idea.

I've always admired Miss Ji,

and I wanted to take this opportunity

to ask for her hand in marriage.

I hope you'll approve.

Fool.

This Zhao Xiuyuan is as clueless as they come,

discussing personal matters in public.

Sir,

since this is your family's private affair,

we'll excuse ourselves now.

I must apologize for the embarrassment

we've caused you all.

Not at all. We'll take our leave first.

Miss Ji, as for what you mentioned,

when the time is right,

everything will naturally fall into place.

Let's go!

Ji Yingying, stop right there!

What do you take us for?

Tools for your personal gain?

Stepping stones for your high-society marriage?

Do you really intend to run a business with us?

Ji Yingying,

were you lying to me from the start?

You're just like them.

You never saw me as a friend, did you?

Could there

be more to this story?

Yeah, let's calm down

and hear Yingying's explanation.

What's there left to explain?

Our hearts are divided.

And our trust is long gone.

We might as well call it quits.

It's my fault. I've let you all down.

Fine.

Ji Yingying,

I must have been blind to trust you.

"Honorary President"? I quit!

What are you standing here for? Let's go!

Since I chose to support you,

that won't change.

I believe

you can accomplish something with us.

As long as everyone needs me,

I'll give it my all!

You tell me drinking is harmful,

but look how much you've had yourself!

I'm fine. Give me that.

I can handle my liquor...

Yingying,

I've heard a bit about what happened today.

You're not someone who goes back on her word.

What's really going on?

I heard

you set up a stall to sell silk

at the Lei Zu Festival today

to ask a favor of Mr. Zhao Senior.

Did you hope to gain his approval

for your marriage to Zhao Xiuyuan?

Are you asking me to reveal this publicly?

If you're offering yourself,

at least show some real capability.

Oh, by the way,

the new rules at Huanhua Creek

was your idea, wasn't it?

Miss Ji, you could tell Mr. Zhao Senior

about this accomplishment.

Take the initiative and confess my schemes,

then I'll face rejection from both the Zhao family

and the other dyehouse owners.

One contract,

two demands,

your business practices

are truly unfair, aren't they?

It all depends

on how much you care about your brother.

Mrs. Hua

made you say those things,

ruining your reputation as a woman

while shifting the blame for Huanhua Creek's

new rules onto you.

Turning the dyehouse owners against you.

That's truly malicious.

Yu, I feel awful.

Can't we just tell them the truth?

My brother endured so much humiliation

behind the scenes while working,

yet he acted as if nothing happened.

If not for helping me,

he wouldn't have been set up by Mrs. Hua.

If he knew I did all this for him,

who knows how guilty he'd feel?

With his attitude,

he might even

give up weaving brocade entirely.

He's your elder brother.

It's not your place to shield him.

Failure is a lesson learned.

In the end, Mrs. Hua's target is me,

and he was dragged into this.

It's my fault I let down everyone.

That contract...

do you think Mrs. Hua will give it to you?

Just wait and see!

Once I get past this hurdle,

I'll make sure to get that contract back.

You really don't give up, do you?

Give up?

Why should I give up?

Those dyehouse tycoons can act as they please

and we deserve to be bullied?

So what if they have power and influence?

Does that give them the right to harm others?

We work ourselves to the bone to make a living!

Do we deserve to be wronged?

This is the Ji Yingying I know!

Yu, let me tell you...

Shh.

I will soon create a new dye color.

When the time comes...

When the time comes, I'll...

Let's talk about it then.

I'll go make you some hangover soup.

I...

When the time comes, I'll show them...

How much did she drink?

You're here.

Are you looking for her? Or for me?

Yu, I saw a wild horse!

A wild horse... quick, give me a hand!

I came to find some wine,

and also to find her.

But seeing her like this, completely drunk,

she probably doesn't even recognize anything now.

Do you recognize this silk?

In all of Shu, when it comes to silk,

if I claim second place...

How modest of you.

No one dares claim first place!

I may have spoken too soon.

If you claim first place,

then take a good look.

What is this?

Do you recognize it?

I do.

It's your hand!

Idiot.

In my opinion,

your skill in identifying silk is far from refined.

But your ability to boast

is top-notch.

You just don't recognize it, do you?

Nonsense!

In all of Shu, when it comes to silk,

if I...

claim...

Take care.

Is this all because the Zhao family hasn't replied?

Are you so desperate to marry Zhao Xiuyuan?

What do you know?

You're the Brocade Officer...

No matter what title I hold,

I would never marry her.

What I mean is,

you could help by recommending her for the Splendor Showcase.

She wants to marry into a powerful family

and succeed in business at the same time.

She surely knows how to enjoy life.

But those who have passed on...

does she not care about them at all?

Help if you can.

If you can't, then leave.

Boiled bean sprouts in broth

can help with a hangover.

It's gentler than most remedies.

This restaurant is mine.

I don't need your advice!

I'll take this wine!

You're back.

Mr. Yang, if you have any grievances against me,

can you just say them directly?

That day, I came to Yizhou with my people

and enjoyed various entertainments

in the courtyard.

Everyone came to join me,

Except you, who stayed in your room.

Why was that?

I don't enjoy banquets,

nor am I good at pleasing people.

That's it.

I'm here to get things done,

not to fool around.

I don't need someone who shares my ambition

or tries to win my favor.

What I need

is a pair of eyes different from mine

to see Yizhou City.

That's

why I chose you.

Fine.

Then

I'll speak bluntly.

Go ahead.

I understand that you've recently been feuding with the Yang family on purpose

to make others think you're isolated and unsupported,

making you appear approachable for bribes and alliances.

It's a clever way to bait them.

But the Yang family, as the Brocade Master,

have been operating in Yizhou for decades.

If you could cooperate with them,

it would be greatly beneficial.

Despite clashing during the day,

with your extraordinary martial skills,

why not meet them secretly at night?

I do need someone who speaks plainly,

but I never said

I wouldn't hit

the one who does.

So, did you discover anything

in the mountains today?

The road ahead is blocked.

We might need to take another way.

What happened?

A few large stones are blocking the path.

They must have rolled down from the mountain

after the recent rain.

You all,

follow me to find another route.

You,

stay here and keep watch.

Let's go.

What's this?

Someone took advantage of the crowd at the Lei Zu Festival

to bypass inspections

and transport silk into the mountain's interior,

two whole chests of it.

Transporting silk to the mountains?

Could it be...

There must

be a hidden brocade workshop

somewhere up there we don't know about.

Weaving brocade in the mountains...

This batch of brocade must be hiding an even bigger secret.

With such a large operation,

could it be connected to the military commissioner?

Mu Hui?

He's the highest-ranking official here.

All of Shu is his personal treasure chest,

and the governor is just his lackey for collecting money.

These brocade merchants pay tributes annually.

He can exploit them however he pleases.

Why go to such lengths?

True.

Only those who can't embezzle openly

would resort to such elaborate schemes,

acting so secretively in the mountains.

In that case,

should we inform

the military commissioner in the future?

Much appreciated.

Please inspect the silk.

Miss,

it's getting late.

It's cold in the mountains. Let's head back early.

Have you gathered any information?

The letter says

that Yang Jinglan has been at odds with the Yang family since childhood.

He later ran away from home

and became a wandering swordsman,

traveling from place to place.

A year ago, he went to the capital

and purchased an official title.

Bought his position?

The Brocade Officers of Yizhou kept dying mysteriously,

and no one dared take the post.

Since he's a Yizhou native

and wanted this position

to spite the Yang family,

he paid someone to secure the role.

Sounds like he's a complete playboy.

Yet at Huanhua Creek,

he was the only one bold enough to post a notice

banning territorial disputes.

A playboy who wants to do a good job?

Rumor has it Ji Yingying is behind it.

Since we can't confirm his intentions,

let's see

what he's capable of.

Go ask Mrs. Hua to do something.

I'll use the Splendor Showcase

to test the waters.

Yes, ma'am.

She's asleep?

How about

letting her rest here tonight?

That won't do.

If Mother finds out, she'll be angry.

Yingying gained Mr. Zhao Senior's approval

and sold silk at the Lei Zu Festival today.

But from her sorrowful expression,

it doesn't look like she drank out of joy.

Did something happen?

Even if you knew,

what could you do?

Right.

I can't even handle my own problems.

I couldn't even protect Father's loom,

let alone help her.

Our family's had nothing but misfortune lately.

She must be overwhelmed with grief

and so was drinking herself into this state.

It's my fault.

I couldn't protect her.

Stop crying.

Yingying is much stronger than you think.

What happened exactly?

Please, Yuniang, tell me.

You're a gentleman,

a good person,

But kindness without a sharp edge

can't fend off the sharp swords aimed at you.

She didn't tell you

because she wanted to protect you.

But the longer she shields you,

the more guilt you'll feel when you finally learn the truth.

Hand it over.

The contract Mr. Wang tricked me into signing.

Yingying has done her part.

It's your turn to give up the contract.

You think I'll just hand it over

because you asked?

Unless...

Mr. Ji,

you kneel and kowtow to me three times,

or pay 300 guan to redeem it.

You're all liars!

This is just who I am!

I'm not one of those bookish gentlemen.

If it weren't for your scheming,

Yingying wouldn't have had

to ruin her reputation to save me!

Did I ruin Ji Yingying's reputation?

She's always hanging

around those men.

Everyone in Sandaoyan knows it.

Does she even have a reputation?

How dare you hit me!

Ji Yaoting, I'll kill you!

I'll kill you!

If you bully Yingying again,

I'll beat you every time I see you!

You're a scholar. How can you strike so hard...

I read books

simply because I love reading.

I'm no gentleman!

I'm the eldest son of the Ji family,

Yingying's elder brother!

Are you giving it up or not?

I'll give it...

Here...

Hua Xiangrong, let me tell you...

Scholars

get more tricks up our sleeves.

Forgive me...

I acted impulsively

and caused you trouble.

I'll compensate for any damages

to the items here later.

I'll take my leave now.

You...

This bookworm...

he dares to fight!

Compensation!

[Contract]

[The content of the contract]

Yaoting, I'm hungry.

I saved you some porridge.

I'll get it for you.

Young Master.

Miss.

The madam has returned.

She was invited back by the second wife of the Zhao family.

Let's go.

This is this year's new tea.

Though it's not expensive,

It's fresh and flavorful.

Please have a taste, Madam.

Let's get straight to the point.

I invited you back

to discuss the marriage between Xiuyuan and Miss Ji.

Madam,

it seems we're on the same page.

Shh.

The marriage between them

was arranged while Yingying's father was still alive.

At that time,

he had a particular fondness for Xiuyuan.

This marriage...

This marriage,

let's call it off.

Call it off?

How can it be canceled so lightly?

Nothing in this world is unchanging.

Take Brocade Master Ji for example.

He was once so prominent,

but later, his household fell into ruin,

and your entire family was dragged down with him.

Xiuyuan is the legitimate son of the Zhao family's second branch.

Even if he doesn't become the family head in the future,

he will inherit a considerable fortune.

With his brilliance and talent,

He is more than suited to marry into a family of senior officials.

I understand.

Please see yourself out, Madam.

Actually, Miss Ji does have some admirable qualities.

She's capable and competent.

Why not find her

a steady and obedient husband?

Let Miss Ji make waves outside,

while her husband stays home to care for you.

Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?

I happen to have a few suitable matches in mind.

If Yingying marries first,

it would be the Ji family breaking off the marriage,

leaving the Zhao family free

of any accusations.

All these years, your family has been delaying the marriage

for this reason.

What's this? Has the esteemed Zhao family

stopped caring about their reputation?

Speaking of reputation,

you might want to worry about your own.

How impressive Miss Ji is,

offending every major dyehouse in Sandaoyan.

Even dye suppliers refuse to sell to her now.

The girls

are not like the boys.

When discipline is required, it must be enforced.

Otherwise, those who know the situation might say they're disobedient,

and those who don't

might think their mother, coming from a lowly family,

doesn't know how to raise them properly.

It's true my mother wasn't born into a noble family,

but no matter how unrefined her ways,

she knows to be kind to others

and would never cause scenes in others' homes.

How dare you!

Greetings, Aunt.

Aunt, are you here today

on Mr. Zhao Senior's orders

to cancel the engagement?

If that's the case,

Mother, tomorrow you should tell Matchmaker Wang

that Mr. Zhao Senior looks down on our Ji family

and wishes to call off the engagement.

Ask her to find me another match.

Watch your tongue!

Mr. Zhao Senior has never said such a thing.

Then it must be you acting on your own.

Congratulations, Aunt, for reaching such heights.

You can now make decisions on Mr. Zhao Senior's behalf.

Ji Yingying,

stop using Mr. Zhao Senior as leverage against me.

Since I brought up the engagement

in front of everyone,

the Zhao family

must respond appropriately.

"Go see her.

Find out what exactly she wants

and what she's capable of."

That's most likely what Mr. Zhao Senior intended, right?

Wrong guess?

Speculating about my elders

is my fault.

How about I return with you

to apologize to Mr. Zhao Senior?

After that disgraceful display at the Lei Zu Festival,

do you think Mr. Zhao Senior will tolerate you?

Ji Yingying,

regardless of Mr. Zhao Senior's opinion,

you'll never marry into the Zhao family.

I've already lost face.

But if you continue to disrespect my mother at our home,

I won't mind dragging you down with me.

Our Ji family is small and insignificant,

losing face means nothing to us.

But as for the Zhao family,

if you lose face,

Mr. Zhao Senior might expel you.

How dare you!

Madam, you know

my abilities are limited,

but I always keep my word.

Over here!

Guo Kui, see the guest out!

Mother...

Mother, I'm sorry...

Mother, Yingying didn't mean to...

All right, enough.

Get up.

What,

do you both think I'm that unreasonable?

The Zhao family has gone too far.

A bit of a scolding won't hurt.

But as for this marriage...

She has no say in the matter.

As long as I'm useful,

Mr. Zhao Senior will eventually agree.

Zhao Xiuyuan truly is a good match,

but with a family like the Zhaos, all about profit,

even if you marry into their family...

Zhao Xiuyuan is different

from the others in the Zhao family.

I'm marrying Zhao Xiuyuan,

not the Zhao family.

Oh, why do you think so simply?

But it's true!

Don't be upset.

[Zhao Residence]

Zhao Ping.

Sir, any orders?

Deliver this letter

to the Ji family.

The Master has decreed

anyone who dares to sneak you out

or send a message to the Ji family on your behalf

will have their legs broken

and be expelled.

Sir,

please don't make things difficult for me.

Then pass on a message to my grandfather.

My brocade

is ready for embroidery.

Have someone send the materials over.

I don't want to delay this year's Brocade Weaving Competition.

Understood. I'll go right away.

Whose son are you?

It's so lively up front.

Why are you sitting here alone?

My name is Ji Yingying.

I'm the daughter of Ji Guinan,

I'm here with my father to celebrate Mr. Zhao Senior's birthday.

Whether it's lively at home

has nothing to do with me.

They don't care if I'm happy either.

Being happy is simple enough.

Come, I'll take you somewhere.

You have a nice smile.

You should smile more often.

Everyone sees the world differently.

My father sees it through the dyehouse,

in all its vibrant colors.

My brother sees it through books,

in the span of history and eternity.

You can see it through a kite.

However far you want to see,

that's how far it will fly!

♪Fallen petals, scattered on the ground♪

♪Love awakes, but it fades before it grows♪

♪Like dust in the creek, it slips away♪

♪Time just spins, tearing at the seams♪

♪I walk through the pain, but I still chase the dream♪

♪The road is ahead, but it feels so unknown♪

♪How can we, so small, fight against this tide?♪

♪Holding on tight, as the ropes pull me inside♪

♪To show that the soaring crimson is mine to own♪

♪Red like a vow, that's burning slow♪

♪Silent red, where all my memories go♪

♪Throw the thread, and let the heartache show♪

♪Drowning in this, can't let it go♪

♪Red like flames, that burn through my soul♪

♪I walk these miles alone, through sleepless nights.♪

♪Love in the wind, alive, it's everywhere we've been♪

♪Red blooms bright, but it dies all alone♪

♪Red like a vow, that's burning slow♪

♪Silent red, where all my memories go♪

♪Throw the thread, and let the heartache show♪

♪Drowning in this, can't let it go♪

♪Red like flames, that burn through my soul♪

♪I walk these miles alone, through sleepless nights.♪

♪Love in the wind, alive, it's everywhere we've been♪

♪Red blooms bright, but it dies all alone♪