Original subtitles

[Brocade Odyssey]

[Episode 9]

On the victim's body,

aside from two small wounds on the back of the hand,

there were no other injuries.

Judging by the evidence, it might have been a venomous snake bite.

We had just been to the Niu family,

and upon returning, Mrs. Hua was found dead in this cell.

This case is far from simple.

But I fear that no matter how much we investigate,

we'll only end up with a scapegoat.

Tell me,

since she was just a discarded pawn,

why didn't they kill her right away?

You mean,

Hua Xiangrong had something they wanted?

And Mrs. Hua was certain

Niu Wuniang would come to rescue her?

Then why

did they kill her now?

We tracked the Niu family,

and she feared we might use this clue

to extract more information

from Mrs. Hua.

So,

they decided to gamble

that they could find Hua Xiangrong before us!

Spread the news of Mrs. Hua's death.

What are you planning to do?

I'll take a gamble too,

to see if there's still...

true sentiment in this world.

Yingying, don't be afraid.

We're back now.

This is the Brocade Bureau.

She wouldn't dare come here to take you.

I didn't expect this to happen.

I didn't want that maid to die.

I never thought she'd commit murder.

This isn't your fault.

Niu Wuniang

is ruthless

and takes human lives.

The maid's death

has nothing to do with you.

Yu,

I used to think

that all I had to deal with

was some competition between merchants,

that at most, it was about business success or failure,

profit or loss.

I never imagined that one day

I'd face an enemy like this.

To them, life is worthless.

Killing someone

is as effortless as stepping on an ant.

Just like with my father...

Wait,

you haven't told my brother and mother about this, right?

No, I haven't. Don't worry.

If they knew,

it would only cause more worry.

What are you planning to do next?

That's Niu Jin,

the daughter of Vice Commander Niu.

Yes,

the daughter of Vice Commander Niu.

So what?

She won't let me go just because I back down,

and I won't stop just because

of who her father is.

Yu,

I can't retreat.

There's no way back for me.

No matter the challenges,

I must forge ahead.

Mr. Yang, since you saved me,

I won't go back on my word.

Ask what you want to ask.

You two talk.

No rush.

Maybe another day.

I'll probably be quite busy in the coming days.

If you don't ask today,

I might forget.

Have a seat first.

About your father,

I've heard the general story.

Upon closer inspection,

there are many suspicious points in the case.

As the Brocade Master,

he had plenty of ways to profit.

Why commit such an obvious crime against the emperor?

These things...

have you ever thought about them?

But even if I have, so what?

My family has fallen into ruin,

and my mother is gravely ill.

Just making a living

already takes everything I have.

Even if I know my father's death

has deeper truths behind it,

what can I possibly do?

I can't dye Shu Red Silk now,

but one day, I will.

When that day comes,

I'll repay the life you saved.

Well,

I look forward to it.

Mr. Yang,

my family business can't do without me.

I need to return as soon as possible.

Please help me arrange a place

to freshen up.

Sure.

I'll have someone prepare it for you.

Thank you.

The carriage is ready?

Everything's prepared.

Escort Miss Ji.

Take the side road out of the Brocade Bureau,

and stop a short distance

from the Ji family's gate.

Understood.

Thank you.

All right, stop staring.

She's spoken for.

A flower,

even if it belongs to another family,

shouldn't be left to wither.

He's just a discarded son of the Yang family,

a low-ranking official.

Today he made you bleed,

but one day,

I'll make him pay in blood.

For now,

there was no better solution.

In front of him,

if you hadn't put on a good show,

this matter

would've been difficult to resolve.

It's just...

Just what?

Speak your mind.

You killed Mrs. Hua so hastily.

Wasn't it a bit rash?

I'm worried

that Hua Xiangrong might...

What does "husband and wife" mean?

You've seen it with me.

"Living and dying together"

only exists in storybooks.

Hua Xiangrong has always been timid and weak.

Without Hua Rong to support him,

he's nothing.

While Hua Rong was alive,

he might have had

a chance to rise again.

Now that Hua Rong is dead,

he's likely already fled for his life.

Even if he dares to return,

[Registration document for Flushed Rose] I can ensure he never leaves again.

Madam,

you're still focused on Ji Yingying?

Unless she's driven into a corner,

how will she understand

who her true master is?

[Flushed Rose]

All right, stop!

Miss Ji,

we're here.

[Huanhua Dyehouse] I heard that Flushed Rose wasn't registered.

I've already signed this order,

and even paid the deposit.

Your Ji family is ruining us!

Exactly!

Refund the money!

Everyone, please wait a moment.

Yingying has gone to get the registration document.

I sincerely apologize for the delay.

Why wait any longer?

Let's just barge in

and drag them to see the magistrate!

Let's go!

To the magistrate!

Stop!

To the magistrate!

Yingying!

Yingying is back.

Let's hear what she has to say.

Everyone, let's discuss this calmly.

Did you get the document?

Gui, help my mother inside to rest.

Mother, don't worry.

I'll handle this.

Ji Yingying,

in front of all these shopkeepers,

be honest with us:

Did Flushed Rose fail to get registered?

Is our deposit

completely lost?

Yes, exactly!

Everyone,

the registration document for Flushed Rose

hasn't been issued yet.

But we're working hard to resolve this.

Please be patient.

How do we know

this isn't just a stalling tactic?

If you can't dye the silk

and fail to deliver,

we'll have to compensate our buyers!

Exactly!

All of you, the deadline hasn't passed.

When it does,

I, Ji Yingying,

will make sure you get your goods.

Forget the deadline!

If you can't deliver the goods,

we won't wait any longer.

Let's go to the magistrate!

Yes, to the magistrate!

Stop!

To the magistrate!

Flushed Rose hasn't been registered,

yet Huanhua Dyehouse took numerous orders

and received hefty deposits.

To protect your interests,

Mr. Yang has requested Magistrate Meng

to dispatch constables to assist in handling the case

and to detain everyone from the Ji family on the spot,

no one is allowed to enter or leave,

to appease public concern.

Miss Ji,

do you have any objections?

The delivery date hasn't passed,

so the Ji family hasn't broken any laws

or violated any agreements.

However,

you can't stop us

from purchasing or washing silk threads, can you?

Mr. Yang said

whatever you need, just provide the money,

and he'll send someone to purchase it for you.

If you need to wash silk by the creek,

he'll also arrange

for someone to deliver it to the washing maids.

Please thank Mr. Yang on my behalf.

All right.

Everyone, disperse.

Mr. Yang won't let her escape.

I'm not leaving! I don't believe it!

I'll stay here and watch.

Who's with me?

We're all staying!

I'm staying with you!

We're all staying!

Fine.

Mr. Yang also said

that anyone causing trouble during this time

will face serious consequences.

Come, take a look!

[Qian's Dyehouse] Check this out!

I've got safflower for sale!

Highest bidder wins!

I'll pay double the market price!

I'll pay triple!

Four times!

Five times!

No, stop...

we can't afford that.

I'll pay ten times!

[Huanhua Dyehouse] The Ji family still hasn't delivered the goods...

Tell me,

how exactly did you offend Mr. Yang

to make him come after our family like this?

Mr. Yang is protecting us.

Protecting us?

He's using this as an excuse

to station guards around our house.

If not for that,

those people would've already stormed in and torn our home apart.

By the way,

is there any progress on the registration?

Almost there, Mother. Don't worry.

All you ever say is, "Don't worry."

With all these people crowding at our doorstep,

how can I not worry?

Ting...

Yaoting?

You...

I saw that soldiers were surrounding the house,

and I couldn't climb over the walls,

so...

Yaoting,

family members can come in through the door.

Yingying,

are you all right?

Well,

I'm fine.

I'll go with you to dye the silk later.

We can't dye anything now.

Madam,

our people are keeping a close watch.

I guarantee

there's no safflower left in the market.

But how come I heard

that they had already dyed

a fair amount of Flushed Rose silk earlier?

That batch isn't enough to fulfill the orders,

and they wouldn't dare deliver it anyway.

The people Mr. Yang sent to reapply for registration

won't make it back in time.

With no registration

and no dye,

the double blow

will ensure the Ji family's total downfall.

By then,

Miss Ji will have no choice but to turn back.

What about the mountain?

The mountain...

we can't make a move there for now.

Yeah, where did it go?

It was fine before.

Exactly.

How could the divine child statue

from Leizu's shrine just vanish?

Didn't you hear what Mr. Yang said?

The divine child statue was manifesting last night

to bless us on behalf of Leizu.

Villagers,

this statue

is a sacred relic.

Search carefully.

I believe

whoever finds it

will surely be blessed by Leizu.

Also,

the Brocade Bureau promises

that anyone who finds the statue

will be rewarded!

Got it!

Mr. Yang,

Chief Sang has left.

Will this plan be exposed?

It's better with him here.

The busier the mountain gets,

the more it works to our advantage.

Though we don't know what Niu Wuniang is plotting

up here in the mountains,

as long as there are people around,

she won't dare act recklessly.

Meanwhile,

we'll have more time

to slowly track down her hideout.

Although I'm not a native of Yizhou,

even I know how deeply

the people here revere Leizu.

Using her in your schemes,

aren't you afraid of divine wrath?

If Leizu truly has divine power,

she should understand my intentions

and would protect me even more.

But if she's merely a clay statue,

then the matters of this mountain

shall be safeguarded

by a mortal like me for now.

What are you doing?

I used to think you acted arbitrarily,

brave but without strategy.

Now I see

that I misunderstood you, Mr. Yang.

If you want to compliment me, do it directly.

No need to beat around the bush.

Check over there!

[Huanhua Dyehouse]

[Marriage Contract] If I accept this,

will you let Yingying go?

That depends on

whether you choose

to treat me sincerely in the future.

Yingying,

blame my incompetence.

This is the only way I can protect you.

I don't regret it.

But I...

I don't know how to face you.

What are you doing here?

I know this family.

Sir, could you

make an exception

and let me in for a chat?

Move along.

We've been instructed

not to let unrelated people in.

I'm not unrelated.

I'm...

I'm an old friend of hers.

Here,

could you make an exception?

Don't get me in trouble.

Move along!

Move along!

Move along now!

The dog ran off with my shoe!

Miss Ji,

need a hand?

I've got nothing left to offer you.

I'm in a good mood today.

No charge.

Mr. Yang,

for not reporting me this time,

I'm already beyond grateful.

Where are you headed?

To find Mr. Chen.

Let's go, then.

Why aren't we moving?

Xiuyuan,

why are you here?

I...

I'm in a hurry.

Mr. Yang only did this to help me.

Why are you looking for me?

No reason.

I'm just glad you're safe.

If you're busy, then go take care of it.

It's about to rain.

Xiuyuan,

you should head back quickly.

♪The sea surges in silence deep♪

♪The waves rise and fall as you lead♪

♪My heart, a candle's flame♪

♪Burns bright for a promised name♪

♪Love long locked in a hidden place♪

♪Bound by ties too much to erase♪

Sir!

Finally, I've found you.

The carriage is just ahead. Come back with me.

Stop following me.

♪Why fear loneliness in the end?♪

Sir, what is this about?

Stop following me!

♪Year after year♪

♪Just for a fleeting moment to hold dear♪

♪Far away, two entwined♪

♪Yet I remain, my shadow behind♪

♪Unforgotten♪

♪Memories entwined, stronger than love's song♪

♪A lifetime unfolds, a solitary bloom♪

♪Even if we part, I will hold on long♪

[Yingxi Dyehouse]

Everything is arranged.

All right, I'll take you home.

Can you take me somewhere else first?

Thank you.

It's raining so heavily.

I wouldn't recommend going anywhere else.

I want to see Xiuyuan.

I noticed he didn't look quite right earlier.

He probably had something urgent to tell me.

Are you sure?

I'm sure.

Fine.

Consider this my good deed of the day.

If you two end up together,

don't forget

how I braved the rain

to help you meet your lover today.

Let's go.

[Zhao Residence]

Who is it?

It's Ji Yingying.

Has Mr. Zhao Xiuyuan returned?

Miss Ji,

he hasn't come back yet.

Then...

When he does,

please let him know

that I'm fine

and he doesn't need to worry.

All right.

Should we head back,

or wait a bit longer?

Let's go back.

Come on.

Thank you.

Hold on tight.

Mother, Yaoting, everything's settled.

Don't worry.

What do you mean, "Don't worry"?

Ting,

go make some ginger soup right away.

Got it.

Look at you!

I told you not to go out,

but you insisted.

Now your forehead's so hot.

Drink the ginger soup,

and rest properly.

Xiuyuan,

Lady Niu has come to see you.

I heard you were unwell

and refusing to see a doctor.

Is something troubling you?

Xiuyuan, don't be rude.

It's fine.

When one is ill,

it's natural to feel irritable

and not want to see visitors.

But if he's unwell,

what about the wedding?

His illness isn't severe.

He should recover soon.

The wedding is set for the end of the month.

What do you think, Lady Niu?

Whatever you decide.

Then,

I won't disturb you further.

Xiuyuan, did you hear that?

Don't disappoint your grandfather's expectations.

Rest well.

I heard Miss Ji also fell seriously ill.

I must pay her a visit.

You promised me

you wouldn't harm her again.

You must be mistaken.

What I promised was this:

As long as you comply with my wishes,

I'll show mercy.

But if you go back on your word

and reconcile with her,

I won't hold back.

Rest well, my dear.

[Huanhua Dyehouse] The delivery date has arrived,

but the Ji family still hasn't opened their door.

Yeah.

Could they have run away?

We've been standing here for days.

Run?

Where could they possibly go?

Could they have hung themselves out of guilt

because they couldn't deliver the goods?

How can you say such things?

If they're dead,

who's going to return my money?

Exactly!

Open the door and hand over the silk!

Open the door and hand over the silk!

Madam,

the fire has already been lit.

The lead shopkeeper

is one of our people.

What should we do now?

Not fulfilling the orders violates the contract.

Fulfilling the orders

violates the law.

Should we open the door or not?

Let's wait a bit longer.

No more waiting.

You and Gui, head to the backyard first.

Okay.

Come on, Gui.

Hand over the silk!

Open the door and hand over the silk!

Hand over the silk!

Hand over the silk!

Hand over the silk!

I'll hand over the silk.

Esteemed sirs, apologies for the wait.

You've been waiting at my doorstep for so long.

How about coming in for a cup of hot tea first?

I'll accept, then.

Let's go in!

Fine, we'll go in.

Still not handing over the silk?

Where's the silk?

Bring out the silk!

You can't hand it over, can you?

Where's the silk?

Bring out the silk!

Here's the silk!

Yaoting, bring out our family's silk too.

Got it.

Every piece here

is labeled with the name of the respective shop.

Everyone,

please inspect the goods.

How could you possibly have dyed this?

You don't even have safflower...

What don't I have?

Anyway, this Flushed Rose must be fake!

It's definitely fake!

Esteemed sirs,

you've been in business for decades.

Can't you tell

if this is real or fake?

How can you prove it's real?

Then how can you prove it's fake?

You need to prove first that it's real.

You prove it's fake first!

Go ahead, prove it!

How can it be real?

It's fake!

Whether it's real or fake...

isn't that for me to decide?

Inspector,

examine the goods.

Understood.

Report to Mr. Yang:

I've completed the inspection.

This is indeed Flushed Rose.

There's no doubt about it.

Make sure you've checked thoroughly.

This concerns the interests of all brocade merchants

and my reputation as well.

No room for error.

Be sure before you speak.

Absolutely sure.

Not only is this silk colorfast,

but its luster is stunning.

It's the finest of the fine.

Although I've seen countless silks,

this is the first time I've encountered silk this exquisite.

"The lovely girls are drunk with wine,

their faces are flushed."

It's truly perfect.

All right, enough.

I asked you to inspect the silk,

not recite poetry.

Everyone, if there are no objections,

then as the brocade officer, I bear witness here:

money in one hand,

and goods in the other.

Wait.

What now?

Mr. Yang,

you dare to publicly sell silk

that hasn't been officially registered?

Miss Ji, do you have no respect for the law?

All of you who take her silk,

aren't you afraid of getting involved in a lawsuit?

Mr. Yang, shouldn't you enforce the law impartially?

Yeah!

That's right, Mr. Yang!

That's right, Mr. Yang!

Zhuge Hong.

I've been a bit forgetful lately.

Do you recall whether this Flushed Rose

was officially registered or not?

Well...

um...

I'm not entirely sure.

We need to investigate.

Exactly.

Investigate thoroughly,

carefully

and methodically.

Understood.

Can that guy really make it back in time?

Almost, I'd say.

Please delay a bit longer.

Truly, you have foresight, madam.

Yang Jinglan has indeed arrived.

He seems to be intentionally stalling for time.

Since he dares to wield imperial authority against me,

then I'll show him

in Yizhou,

who really calls the shots.

Mr. Yang, it's obvious you're stalling for time.

Why are you in such a hurry?

I've only recently taken office,

so I must act cautiously.

Just hold on.

We're investigating.

Exactly.

They're investigating.

Why the rush?

Mr. Yang,

technically speaking,

this Flushed Rose

was registered by you personally.

How could you not remember?

Zhuge,

what should we have for lunch today?

What lunch?

There's still a pile of things to investigate.

As a brocade officer,

you openly abuse your power in broad daylight,

sheltering criminals!

Greetings, Chief Sang!

Chief Sang, what brings you here?

They're all gossiping about me,

claiming Flushed Rose wasn't registered.

Please, make a judgment call!

Has Sang Shisi returned yet?

Yes.

Chief Sang, you've come at the perfect time.

I'm currently handling this case,

but some unruly citizen is stirring up trouble.

Please help maintain order.

Sang Shisi went to Chang'an to visit his elder sister.

Why are you asking about him?

You didn't drag him

into this mess too, did you?

Her master summoned you here?

Huanhua Dyehouse is guilty of illicit dyeing

and illegal trading.

All personnel are to be detained,

and all illegal goods are to be seized

and destroyed!

No,

Chief Sang!

Chief Sang, please reconsider!

Nice! Burn it!

Chief Sang,

this case should be handled by me.

Why have you taken over?

Mr. Yang,

this case is serious

and of great significance.

The higher-ups

have already assigned it to me.

Do you have any objections?

Who are these "higher-ups"?

The higher-ups are the higher-ups.

You're already a member of the imperial family.

Why fear the higher-ups?

I'm just a figurehead.

They are

the ones with real power.

Guards, take them away!

Yes, sir!

This all started because of me.

Take me instead!

"A child's fault reflects the father's failure."

I take on a father's role.

Direct it at me!

She didn't do it.

Arrest me instead!

Take me!

Why all the shouting?

None of you are getting away.

Take them all!

Chief Sang, hold on!

Yingying,

rest for a moment.

I will speak on your behalf.

Obstructing official duties

is a serious crime.

Even if they don't understand,

are you confused too?

Chief Sang,

I have a few words to say.

All of you,

I know that you didn't come here today

to harm the Ji family,

but to claim your silk.

The Flushed Rose silk is right here before you.

Now, with your investments at risk,

will you stand by and do nothing?

As for the registration process,

someone clearly targeted the Ji family deliberately.

The Ji family has brought glory to the brocade industry.

What crime have we committed?

If the Ji family is taken away today

and no one stands up for us,

when you face challenges in the future,

will there still be anyone willing to help you?

Enough!

Do not incite others intentionally.

Chief Sang,

public sentiment is hard to ignore.

If you insist on burning the silk today,

you may lose the trust of the people.

As their leader,

are you not afraid that the citizens of Yizhou

will criticize you behind your back?

That's right,

Chief Sang.

My mother is right!

Aunt Ji is right, isn't she?

Yes!

Isn't she right?

That's correct!

Chief Sang,

please judge wisely!

Since public sentiment is as such,

I...

will not go against you.

As for the silk,

I will not burn it for now.

However, the people...

I must take them with me today!

Spare them!

Spare them!

These are the registration documents.

You have a copy

and I have one too.

What should we do next?

Didn't you already predict it?

I can't predict this.

The registration process is lengthy,

and those with ill intentions will surely obstruct it.

Rather than guarding against every step,

we'll leave one copy in the open,

and let them play their tricks.

As for the other copy,

we'll deliver it secretly.

Find someone to take it to Chang'an,

and this person must

complete the task discreetly in Chang'an.

Do you have someone in mind?

Indeed, I do.

Here is an imperial edict!

Kneel!

"Falling petals drift, their numbers grow,

The beauty, flushed, in a drunken glow."

The Empress recently received a Flushed Rose silk fan.

She performed a dance for His Majesty with it,

greatly pleasing him!

His Majesty has ordered to purchase Shu brocade made of Flushed Rose silk

to craft gowns for the Empress!

That's... that's all.

Rise.

Is this edict from His Majesty?

Yes, exactly.

Who are you?

What proof do you have?

If you have none,

this could be a capital offense.

You brat!

You dare demand proof for an imperial edict?

You brat...

Drinking makes you spout nonsense!

I'm not spouting nonsense...

Everyone,

my son is drunk.

No!

He's drunk!

I'm not drunk!

I'm not drunk!

Shut up!

Since it's a joke,

Chief Sang, shouldn't you take them away?

Well, then... take them!

No!

Wait a moment!

I haven't finished... there's more!

[Flushed Rose] Here's the registration document.

It's stamped by Chang'an authorities.

[Applying for approval to register]

[and sell Flushed Rose silk] Such a treasure,

why are you only bringing it out now?

Is an imperial edict useless?

Chief Sang,

Is the registration process complete?

It's complete.

It's complete!

Since the registration is complete,

there's nothing more for me.

I'll leave the aftermath

to Mr. Yang.

Farewell.

Let's go!

Move!

Since it was all a misunderstanding,

let's proceed with the transaction as planned.

Esteemed sirs,

please inspect the silk and settle the remaining payment.

This is mine.

This is mine.

That one is mine.

This is mine.

What a relief!

We've finally cleared our name!

How about hosting a banquet at my house to celebrate?

Sounds great!

Just waiting for you to say it.

I'll handle the arrangements!

Let's go.

I'm exhausted.

[Huanhua Dyehouse]

How dare you!

Yu Yuan,

let her on.

♪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♪