Original subtitles

[Yizhou] Yizhou

holds Brocade Weaving Competition,

on the ninth day of the tenth month.

[Young Ji Yingying] The craft of Shu brocade began in the Spring and Autumn era

and flourished greatly in the Han and Tang dynasties.

It takes its name from its birthplace, the land of Shu.

During the Tang dynasty,

Shu brocade was greatly prized by nobles and prosperous merchants alike.

It was even used as currency

within the military,

and for a time, its value rose to extraordinary heights.

[Deity Tablet of Leizhu] An inch of Shu brocade holds the worth of pure gold.

My father

[Mixing dyes] is renowned as the finest brocade artisan in all of Yizhou.

[Grinding and mixing] It was he who crafted the most exquisite shade of red

[Dyeing process] ever seen in Shu.

He devoted himself to mastering the art of dyeing,

[Hanging to dry] experimenting tirelessly to perfect his hues.

Every step of the process, he insisted upon overseeing with his own eyes.

[Ji Guinan, Ji Yingying's father] He often said that

to attain the richest and most vivid colors,

[Pattern weaving] the silk must be washed in the pure waters of Huanhua Creek.

[Pattern transfer]

[Drawing motifs]

[Pattern selection and base tying]

[Weft insertion]

It was the most breathtaking red silk I had ever seen.

It was bold, radiant,

and alive with brilliance.

Father named it...

[Ji]

Shu Red Silk.

[Shu Red Silk, Ji Guinan]

But the silk...

it was too beautiful.

That's my father!

My father became the Brocade Master.

My father became the Brocade Master!

[Ji] And with its beauty came trouble.

Ji Guinan,

how dare you

present such shoddy brocade

as imperial tribute!

Mr. Liu,

we both inspected the boxes together that day.

I personally examined each one,

[Mr. Liu] and there was no doubt they were genuine.

Yet,

after being entrusted to the logistics officer,

they mysteriously turned into counterfeit goods overnight at the inn.

There is certainly something foul afoot here.

How insolent!

Are you insinuating that the logistics officer stole the brocade?

Guards!

Yes, sir!

Take him away!

Wait!

Your position

grants you no authority to imprison anyone!

I demand to see the governor

and prove my innocence!

Don't be afraid.

Don't...

Father!

Ji Guinan

is hereby sentenced to immediate execution

for presenting inferior goods as tribute,

deceiving the emperor,

and resisting arrest!

[Logistics Officer]

Yes, sir!

Ji Guinan

has been executed

by the logistics officer

for passing off inferior goods as tribute,

deceiving the emperor,

and resisting arrest!

Seize all

of the Ji family's assets.

Search everywhere!

Yes, sir!

A rabbit cannot slay a tiger with a single bite,

but so long as it remains unseen,

[Young Yang Jinglan] it can keep gnawing.

One day,

it shall bring down the tiger.

[Young Ji Yaoting]

[Ji Gui]

Report!

We have discovered a robe of Shu Red Silk.

It is most likely a gift from the palace.

That's mine!

My father left it to me!

Let go!

Yingying!

Let go, Yingying!

Let go!

Hey!

Let go!

Father said that

- silk could always be rewoven, - Let go!

but if you are gone as well, then all shall truly be lost!

I said, let go!

Yingying!

Yingying, you can't go!

Yingying!

Hey!

[Young Zhao Xiuyuan] Xiuyuan,

you can't go!

Father,

please save the Ji family.

What do you know, child?

Please!

Let's go home.

Let's go!

[Sandaoyan]

[Five months later]

This place may be a bit run-down,

but it's the best house I could find.

Mr. Zhao, you are most gracious.

The Ji family

[Mrs. Ji, Ji Yingying's mother] shall repay you the sum at the earliest opportunity.

There is no need for haste

in repaying the sum.

You, Yingying, and Yaoting

have been granted amnesty.

This marks a new beginning.

From here on, all will get better.

Thank you, Mr. Zhao.

[Ji Guinan's Memorial Tablet]

Guinan,

we have returned home.

Do not worry, Father.

From this day forth, Yaoting and I will be good and obedient to Mother.

Mrs. Ji,

now that you have returned,

we kindly ask that you come out to meet us.

[Signed by Ji's Brocade Workshop and Liu's Brocade Store] Mrs. Ji,

how about

settling the debts?

Everyone,

the Ji family will repay the money.

However,

with our assets having been seized,

we are left with nothing.

Please give us a little more time.

I have thought of a solution for you.

I have already discussed it with the other creditors.

If you give me

the formula for Shu Red Silk,

we will write off

all your debts,

and I will even settle what you owe

to the others.

My father was convicted,

and all that we had was stripped away.

The formula for Shu Red Silk was not there.

Ting!

When my father was alive,

he treated you all with generosity.

Yet now you place such pressure upon us.

If this were to be made known,

do you not fear for your reputation?

Can reputation fill our stomachs?

Either settle the debt,

or surrender the formula.

I, Zhao Xiuyuan, am willing to act as their guarantor.

Might you allow us some more time?

We are here to collect debts owed by the Ji family.

What business is it of yours, an outsider, to interfere?

Mr. Zhao!

If you are unable to repay the debts,

then perhaps you should sell yourselves

to settle the matter.

Take them away!

What are you doing?

Hey, what are you doing?

No!

- What are you doing? Stop! - Let go of me!

Let go of me!

Hey!

Let go!

Stop!

Mother!

Stop!

Since you refused to provide us a way out,

we may as well end our lives

here and now.

Mother.

Let the public witness

your cruelty toward a widow and her children.

We shall see who will be bold enough to do business with you after today.

That's right!

Very well.

I shall desist for now.

The sum shall be treated

as a loan,

with interest set at five percent.

From hereon,

the interest must be paid annually.

Should you miss even one payment,

do not blame us for taking the matter to the authorities

and having you sell yourselves

in repayment.

Let's go!

Mother?

Mother!

Hey,

Mother!

Mother, are you okay?

Mother?

Mother!

I'm fine.

I'm really fine.

Are you hurt?

No.

We're okay, Mother.

No.

That's good.

That's really good.

That's good.

Mother,

let me help you back inside so you may rest.

Okay.

With the departure of the cold winter,

the first yellow buds of spring begin to bloom.

Yingying,

I hope that all misfortune is left behind,

and that you may start anew.

[Brocade Odyssey]

[Eight years later Huanhua Creek]

[At the far west of Huanhua Creek, one finds solitude amidst the lush greenery]

[Episode One]

[Ji Yingying]

[Mr. Chen, Yingxi Dyehouse]

[Mr. Sheng, Cailuan Dyehouse]

Time to wash the silk!

[Ms. Zhu, known as Pin, daughter of Luoxia Dyehouse]

The Hua family is here! Run!

Hurry, pack up!

Quick!

No one else is permitted here

when the Hua family wants to wash their silk.

They are far too overbearing!

They have a large dyehouse. You can't cross them.

Ms. Zhu,

help me gather that. Quick!

I'll distract them.

Help me, Yingying!

Thank you!

Hurry! Let's go!

Mr. Hua,

what brings you here?

Surely, you wouldn't want the sun

to rob you of your charm by tanning you, would you?

[Hua Xiangrong, the Hua family's son-in-law] I have come to see

if anyone dares to wash silk on my family's land without permission.

Do you feel the heat?

Why exert yourself in this sweltering weather

by coming here?

Move aside!

The Ji family has recently made a delivery.

Mr. Hua, perhaps you should go and inspect that instead?

What is there to inspect?

My remarkable wife

oversees all the business matters

flawlessly.

That is certainly the case.

Your wife is the one who oversees all the decisions in your household.

Ji Yingying, are you deliberately obstructing me?

Why would I?

I'm just holding the umbrella for you,

so naturally, I'll go wherever you go.

Oh? So now you follow me wherever I go,

is that it?

Hand it over!

Move aside!

You brats are fortunate to escape unscathed today!

Should anyone dare to sneak in

to wash silk during the day again,

I will have their legs broken!

That's right...!

Ji Yingying,

what are you doing here?

I'm just passing through.

I'll be on my way.

Excuse me.

It is prohibited to ride horses at Huanhua Creek!

A fine steed and a fair lady.

Such a beautiful day too.

[Sang Shisi, Chief Sang's son] Would the fair young lady grace me with her company for a ride?

You gave me quite a fright!

Goodness,

I very nearly fell.

You're so

beautiful.

Allow me to take you to the city

for a bit of merriment.

Scoundrel.

Thug. Quick, run!

Yingying!

Hurry...!

They are harassing her.

How dare you come to Sandaoyan to harass the ladies?

It seems to me

you have

no fear of death!

That's right...!

Did you just threaten me?

Do you know who you are speaking to?

How dare you speak to me in this way!

Listen here.

I'll hit whoever I please.

Why should I care who you are?

Hit him!

[Yang Jinglan]

Mr. Yang,

out of kindness, I invited you to join me in seeing such beauties.

Why did you repay me with a kick?

Touch my horse one more time,

and I'll make sure you meet a watery end.

It was merely a ride.

You... Yes.

They hit your horse.

That one...!

The lady in pink. She is their leader.

You missed.

Is this yours?

Thank you for picking up my flower.

Had I not arrived in time,

he would have died here.

That's right!

He was the one who harassed the ladies first.

If I hadn't intervened,

he would have ended up in jail.

If that's the case,

he certainly deserves to get hit.

What, Mr. Yang?

Why are you siding with outsiders?

Yet,

it was you lot who hit my horse.

That's right.

I'm sorry.

It never mentioned that

it was your horse when we hit it.

Horses can't speak, after all.

We wouldn't have done it

if it had told us it belonged to you.

Exactly.

Yingying,

what are you doing?

With your way with words, miss,

I wonder if you could teach

my horse to talk.

Put her down!

Put her down!

Now!

I can't teach horses to speak,

but I certainly can teach humans.

Humans have self-control,

but horses

do not.

If you're going to hit someone, stay away from the horses.

I won't always arrive in time.

Next time?

Well, that will depend on who is the rider.

Exactly!

My silk.

[Huanhua Dyeing Workshop]

Life is what I seek,

and righteousness is also my desire.

Yet, these two cannot coexist.

[Ji Yaoting, Ji Yiying's brother ] One must forsake life for righteousness.

This is all we have left at home.

Just make do for now.

A true gentleman does not seek indulgence.

Guo Kui, even if you're a dog,

there are rules to follow.

To be a gentleman is to not be

overly driven by desire for indulgence.

I'll beat you up if you're being picky! Eat!

Yingying, why are you in such a bad mood?

Who did you argue with?

No one.

I was just in a fight.

With whom?

I don't know.

They dress in fine clothes,

but they have no idea who I am.

Yaoting, we've talked about it before. Stick to the old rule.

If no one comes looking for us, act like nothing happened.

If someone does, take Mother for a walk.

Mr. Ji,

Ms. Ji,

Mrs. Hua is here.

Yaoting, don't worry. I'll see her.

I'll hold her off.

Give me.

Mrs. Hua,

[Hesheng Rice Store] the silk you ordered are all here.

Kindly check the numbers.

[Huarong, the owner of Hua's Dyehouse]

The color is dull, lacking vibrancy,

and it doesn't have the luster it should.

It doesn't feel smooth either.

Mrs. Hua, take a closer look.

This is the finest mulberry silk of Jiannandao,

with a consistent texture

and a soft luster.

The color is far more vibrant than anything else on the market.

Mr. Ji,

I'll be honest with you.

Business has been tough lately.

A few of the major brocade merchants in Yizhou

have been undercutting prices.

If this continues,

I won't be able to afford your silk anymore.

Trust is the foundation of everything.

Since we've made an agreement,

we should honor it.

That may be your business practice,

but my practice

is to buy it

at five-tenths.

If you don't want to sell, that's your choice.

I'll pay you at the original price for this order,

but don't expect

any more orders

from me after this.

Mrs. Hua, you're aware of my family's situation.

We have to pay you annual interest,

and on top of that, my mother is ill.

Her medicine requires a lot of money.

What about this?

If you're truly in need of money,

I can lend you 20 guan.

We already owe you money.

If we borrow more...

How...

How could we ever manage to pay off what we owe?

Yaoting,

Mrs. Hua is joking.

She won't lend us money anymore.

Mrs. Hua.

Why wouldn't she?

Yaoting, think about it.

We already owe her 50 guan.

If we borrow another 20 guan,

the three percent interest

alone exceeds

our family's annual profit.

If we can't pay her,

our family

will end up as servants to the Hua family.

But Mrs. Hua

is generous,

beautiful, and kind.

She wouldn't force us to sell ourselves,

so of course she wouldn't lend us money,

right, Mrs. Hua?

Alright then.

Since your family doesn't need the money,

I'll adjust this order

to four-tenths of the price.

Mrs. Hua.

Alright.

We'll adjust the order as requested, Mrs. Hua.

This way, please.

Mrs. Hua, the pen and paper are all set.

You can start.

Ji Yingying,

I knew that you were up to no good!

Come in here! Come!

Shh!

Our dog

can't tolerate shouting.

The louder you get,

the faster it will sink its teeth into you.

I'm warning you.

If you deliberately hurt me,

you'll find yourself behind bars!

I'm warning you.

If you deliberately hurt her,

you'll find yourself behind bars!

It said the food in prison is better than at home.

Oh dear!

It's actually willing to go to jail.

What do you want from me

for you send the dog away?

You know it.

Five-tenths.

Tao Yuanming said

not to yield to a simple five-tenths discount.

That's five packets of rice!

Did you even know that?

Six-tenths. Only six-tenths at most!

It said six-tenths isn't even enough to buy its meat.

It still wants to go to jail.

Seven-tenths! Seven-tenths at most!

You should have said that earlier.

[Contracting parties: Huanhua Dyehouse, Hua's Dyehouse] Deal!

Kindly sign here.

Thank you for your patronage.

Guo Kui, see our guests off!

Yingying,

I know Mrs. Hua is doing this

to force us

to become her servants forever.

What will we do if she refuses to buy

our family's silk

after how you treated her today?

We dyed our silks well.

A three-tenths discount

won't hurt her.

She can be angry,

but she's a businesswoman.

Profit always comes first.

Father always said,

a lasting business is built

when we win people over with virtue.

Father also always said

to reason with reasonable people.

Yaoting, didn't we discuss this?

You handle what's been done,

and I'll take care of what's to come.

Alright...

Mrs. Ji,

I heard you daughter got into a a fight

at Huanhua Creek.

Ting,

fetch my cane.

Don't go.

Mother.

Go now!

You are on your own.

No way.

Ji Yingying, stand there!

Let's die together.

Mother.

She's not mute.

You don't need to defend her.

Mother, I was wrong.

Why don't you punish me?

The physician has spoken

of your condition.

How many times have I told you?

Acting recklessly

and aggressively

will only ruin your reputation.

Tell me.

Do you have the grace of a noble lady at all?

Ji Yingying.

Mother.

Mother...

I'm hungry. My stomach is growling.

I'm so hungry.

I know I've made a mistake.

Please forgive me.

Alright.

Sit down and eat.

I know that you love me most, Mother.

I've been thinking

about how Mrs. Hua has been collecting

our debts for the past eight years.

She's still our only creditor

to this day.

I think she has

other motives.

Have you had enough yet?

Let your brother worry about this.

You're all grown up.

You can't keep acting like you did before.

You also have

an engagement with Mr. Zhao.

Mr. Zhao has been generous to our family over the years.

Don't put him in a difficult position.

Yaoting isn't married yet. I'm not in a hurry.

You cannot refuse what is offered by elders.

Ting.

I will not marry

until I have cleared our debts

and restored our family's honor.

How resolute!

I'm younger, so don't refuse it.

When Heaven bestows great responsibility upon someone,

it first tempers their mind and body

through hardships

to fortify

their character.

Enough...

Ji Yingying, tell me.

Who did you fight with today?

Mother, I didn't fight with anyone today.

Actually, it's because of Huanhua Dyehouse,

Yingxia Dyehouse

and several other dyehouses.

There are just

some...

I'm not entirely sure either.

Guo Kui hasn't eaten yet.

I have to make its dinner.

Ji Yingying!

Guo Kui!

You...!

Time to eat, Guo Kui!

This child.

Ting,

do you know who she fought with today?

I do not.

Find out about it tomorrow,

and make sure to apologize to them properly.

Mother,

Yingying isn't the quiet or gentle type,

but she wouldn't cause trouble without reason.

This matter feels...

Does it even matter who's right or wrong?

Do you not understand too?

I do...

I no longer desire

luxurious things.

All I wish for is for both of you

to live in peace.

Yes, Mother.

Please don't be upset.

Eat your food.

I'll go tomorrow.

Mr. Yang,

I know

I've failed you.

You trusted me

with looking after your mentor,

but he's gone now.

Three brocade officers

have died

in Yizhou alone.

He could have chosen any path.

Why choose to be a brocade officer?

I don't...

What was it that he wanted you to pass on to me?

He told me

to pass this on to you

when I saw you again.

This is your best friend in Yizhou.

What is so good about him?

He trusts me.

[Zhu Gehong]

What message did Mr. Shen

leave for you then?

Do I have to report to you?

I forgot my place.

What are your plans for tomorrow?

Are you going home or...?

I am meeting a friend.

You have friends in Yizhou?

The messenger only mentioned that

soldiers surrounded your house.

Perhaps there is a misunderstanding.

You again?

It's you!

Something urgent came up at home!

Please give me a lift.

If my family makes it through this crisis,

I'll be your friend.

A future friend!

[Huanhua Dyehouse] Tell Ji Yingying to come out!

Ji Yingying, show yourself!

Ms. Ji!

Ji Yingying, I know you're in there!

Ms. Ji,

what should we do now?

Open up!

Now I see why

Mrs. Ji asked me who you were fighting with.

No one knows.

It turns out he wasn't from Sandaoyan.

He's Mr. Sang from Yizhou!

What should we do?

Mrs. Ji and Mr. Ji aren't home right now!

They are out restocking!

Don't worry, Gui.

I'm here!

Wait... Ms. Ji, what are you looking for?

I'm looking for a useful tool.

Open up!

I'm dying!

What's with all the commotion early in the morning?

So it turns out Mr. Sang has honored us with a visit!

Are you scared now?

Listen here!

Get on your knees and apologize to me!

I'll spare you this once,

out of generosity.

Thank you for your generosity.

You're truly kind.

But...

From head to toe, or left to right,

I don't see any wounds on you?

Look at my leg! My head!

Here!

This arm! Here! They're all broken!

Does it hurt?

Ms. Ji!

Did I use too much force?

I don't know.

Gui,

I'm bleeding...

You're bleeding!

Bleeding?

I'm bleeding!

Mr. Sang,

Ms. Ji was apologizing earnestly to you!

Aren't you going too far?

Don't blame me!

She hit her head on her own!

I'm an unmarried young woman.

I value my appearance too much to harm myself.

Why would I ruin myself?

Enough with the accusations!

Listen! Y-You...

Mr. Sang is fine?

How can you be even more shameless than me?

Do you want me

to lock you up?

You...

I have a very obvious wound on my head.

Everyone saw it, right?

Yes! We all saw it!

Can you let the officials

check your wounds, then?

I...

We can go to the state magistrate

if you want!

I've heard that Chief Sang is a man of fairness.

I'm sure he'll deliver justice

when he gets back!

[Glutinous rice cake]

It's okay. Let me see.

It's really her.

That's the friend you mentioned?

Ji Yingying, the daughter of the Red Silk Brocade Master.

Do you really know her?

Or is this for a case?

No matter the reason,

aren't you going to help her out of this predicament?

No need.

Look.

Her wound is fake,

but her reaction is certainly convincing.

Don't forget,

you've been instructed to find the Shu Red Silk.

This is the taste I've been after!

I tried making it myself,

but I couldn't get it right. Have a try.

I have made a chance for you.

Mr. Yang?

You've arrived at the perfect moment! Please come.

Be our judge!

Wasn't it her who purposely hit her head just now?

I witnessed everything

that happened just now.

I think...

Chief Sang will be back in two days.

I wouldn't cause a scene

if I were you.

You'd get a beating.

Why would I get a beating?

Look here. Between you two,

who would your father believe?

But I'm wrapped up like this...

You can trick everyone else,

but you can't fool your father or me.

Fine! Just you wait!

This is not over!

Let's go!

Take care, Mr. Sang!

Everyone...

They have already left.

Haven't you seen enough?

Should I have Mr. Sang

go to your home and create trouble?

Come on. Let's go home,

Gui!

Sir!

Sir,

I accidentally broke a bowl earlier

and don't have enough money with me.

Could I trouble you to pay for it on my behalf?

If it's inconvenient for you,

I'll have to ask Mr. Sang

to come back and pay it for me.

Thank you.

Ms. Ji,

every action has its cause.

If Mr. Hua hadn't mentioned the beauty of the view

at Huanhua Creek,

Shisi wouldn't have insisted to welcome me there,

and none of this misunderstanding would have occurred.

The Hua family?

No surprise there.

In that case,

I'll have to trouble you

to speak with Mr. Sang

so he doesn't hold anything against us folks from Sandaoyan.

What do I get out of it?

Good things

come to those who do good!

The speed that it dries...

This color...

Is that dye

on your forehead?

You've got guts

tricking Mr. Sang like that.

What do you want?

I lent you a hand.

The least you can do is invite me for a drink.

Deal. Please, step inside.

Hold on!

Sir, here's your water.

You want me to drink here?

It's my family's rules.

It's custom to have a drink once you're inside.

Okay.

Alright.

We're square. Please leave.

I haven't got in.

You wanted to come in.

I let you.

You wanted a drink.

I poured you one.

Thanks for your assistance.

Pardon me for not seeing you out.

Wait! I helped you!

Thank you.

Thank you for your help.

Ms. Ji?

Ms. Ji!

Hey!

You left me outside!

Ms. Ji!

Slow down, Mother.

Stand right there!

Mother!

I didn't get into a fight. I really didn't!

- You... - Yingying,

you're injured!

Oh, no. No!

It's fake!

I'm not hurt at all.

It's fake?

See?

So?

I can't scold you because it's fake?

But that's the only way I could fool them.

They all believe this is real.

Mother,

Sang Shisi came here

because Mrs. Hua provoked him.

Even if Sang Shisi is willing to let it go,

Mrs. Hua won't let this slide.

Yaoting,

we must come up with a plan to deal with her.

Ji Yingying!

Can't you just let this be?

Must you always fight everything

because of your nature?

Mrs. Hua

dominates the market with no shame,

yet she targets us specifically.

Why?

You think I'm the cause of all this?

Because I wouldn't submit,

that's why they are out to get us?

You think that I'm wrong?

How many times have I told you?

I only want our family

to have a peaceful and stable life.

Even if we face bullying and losses,

as long as there's no further trouble, it's already a blessing enough.

Am I wrong to wish for this?

[Brocade Officer Here lies Shen Hefeng]

[Mr. Jiang, Liuyue Dyehouse]

Listen up!

From today onward,

whether it's day or night,

that troublemaker

is forbidden

from washing silk in Huanhua Creek!

Mr. Hua,

everyone knows

that only the Shu brocade washed in this creek

achieves its vibrant color.

That's the only way to create true Shu brocade.

Huanhua Creek is the backbone of every dyehouse!

I don't know what I've done to offend you

to ruin my business like this.

You didn't offend me.

You offended Mr. Sang!

♪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♪