Original subtitles

DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.AWAFIM.TV

(Three years later, Spring of the 24th year of Chengping reign)

Pirates! Pirates!

Please spare us! They will kill us if you steal everything away!

Song Mo? This is a trap!

Tell us.

Where is your base?

Song Mo,

do you think capturing me will lead you to our base?

We people of Dongyu will never yield!

Is it

South Mountain?

Tongzhou? Jilang? Zhanshui? Shan Island?

Meizhou? Feiyu Island?

Or Zhou Island?

So it's in Zhou Island.

Song Mo, you tricked me! You won't get your way!

General, it's all thanks to your brilliance.

Because of that darn rations officer's delay, we nearly starve!

-If you hadn't baited the pirates... -Lu Ming, shut up.

-...we'd still be starving. -Stop! Get on your knees!

General, my brother is new here.

He doesn't know the rations officer is your father, Duke of Ying.

-Please forgive him. -His anger is understandable.

I'm angry too.

If you want to complain, go ahead.

I won't hear a thing.

At least we didn't ruin Grand General's plan.

Taking down five pirate ships should count as a decent result.

Five ships aren't enough.

-Duke of Ding's Army, hear my command! -Yes, General!

Everyone, eat quickly.

In half an hour, change into pirates' clothes and head for Zhou Island.

To secure ten years of peace for the people of Futing,

we must make history with this battle!

For the homeland! For a place in history!

For the homeland! For a place in history!

(Blossom)

(Episode 3)

(Futing)

Attack! Attack!

Duke of Ding's Army will win! Duke of Ding's Army will win!

It's Duke of Ding's Army!

They're back!

Duke of Ding's Army is back!

-Did you win? -We did.

A great victory at Zhou Island.

With the sea now pacified, the goods will become valuable again.

Zheng, aren't we impressive?

Don't be dramatic. This is nothing.

There's more glory to come.

Long live Duke of Ding's Army!

All thanks to Duke of Ding's Army!

Lu Zheng, have the Ministry of War send

the captured women and children back to Dongyu.

Any soldier found abusing children

or assaulting women will be executed.

Yes, General!

Congratulations, General.

News of your attack on Zhou Island

has reached the camp.

The Duke has also arrived.

My father is here?

Jiang Mei Sun!

(Song Yi Chun) The delay in the delivery

was because our troops encountered bandits along the way.

We were eliminating threats to the people. How is that a crime?

Release me!

-Release me! -Grand General.

He's Duke of Ying

and your brother-in-law.

Listen up, everyone!

Song Yi Chun has delayed military operations

and spoken outrageously.

As per military law,

30 lashes.

-Carry out the punishment. -Yes, sir!

How dare you! I am a duke of the highest rank,

with generations of merit behind me.

Without an imperial decree, who dares to touch me?

Grand General!

Yan Tang.

Grand General, I have completed the mission successfully.

Please get up.

Despite the shortage of rations,

we managed to dismantle the Dongyu forces,

thanks to you using yourself as bait.

Well done! This is a great achievement.

Grand General,

not only did General destroy ten enemy ships,

he also used their fleet to seize Zhou Island.

The last pirate stronghold has been wiped out.

The decades-long mission to secure the borders and seas

has finally succeeded.

Bravo! Bravo!

Oh, you,

you were short on supplies

and outnumbered.

Were you trying to get yourself killed?

It's thanks to the delay of the rations

that my son had the drive to fight against the odds.

Yan Tang,

reason with your uncle for me.

I'm tired of arguing with him.

How absurd!

Discipline comes first in the army. There's no room for family sentiment!

You lost sight of the bigger picture, chasing credit for taking out bandits

and delaying the delivery by ten days!

If Yan Tang hadn't taken the initiative, we would have lost this battle!

And you still dare to justify yourself?

Bring me the whip! I'll punish him personally!

-You wouldn't dare! -Watch me!

Grand General,

it's true Duke of Ying is guilty of delay,

but doing nothing and watching my aging father suffer punishment

makes me an unfilial son.

30 lashes would cripple him,

if not kill him.

I did nothing wrong!

I beg you, Grand General!

In light of the victory at Zhou Island,

allow me to take his punishment.

It upholds military law

and preserves loyalty and filial piety.

Please show mercy, Grand General!

Please show mercy, Grand General!

Please show mercy, Grand General!

Loyalty and filial piety, huh?

Fine.

As you wish then.

You will take ten extra lashes.

Do you accept it?

Yes, sir!

I'm sorry.

Let's go!

An outstanding son with a useless father.

How foolish!

This may hurt.

Look at you,

you dared to attack Zhou Island

with only a few ships and troops.

You were practically courting death.

Reckless!

The Art of War says,

"Throw them into death ground, and they will fight to survive;

place them in peril, and they will thrive.

Desperate troops always win."

You taught me that.

Don't throw war strategies at me.

I might not have been there,

but I know exactly what you were thinking.

Your attack on Zhou Island

was just to plead for your father's pardon.

And you saw how he repaid you.

Was it worth it?

Why did you have to whip him for real?

I told him to.

There's no jesting in the military.

Forty lashes are nothing.

I said I'd take the punishment for my father,

I had to bear it seriously, no pretense allowed.

-Leave us. -Yes, sir!

Uncle,

worth it or not, he's my father.

My mother and Han

are waiting for him to come home.

This is my fault.

I should never have agreed to let Hui Sun marry him.

That's not fair.

If they hadn't married, I wouldn't exist.

And without me, who would keep you company securing the borders?

You'd be so bored.

Honestly,

I feel refreshed right now, like after a good cupping treatment.

You feel refreshed, huh?

Duke of Ying has packed up and left.

Lighting every lamp, burning every incense.

Grain God,

(Zhao Zhang Ru) bless us with a bountiful harvest,

and may Shou Gu and An Su earn baskets full of money.

Farmers pray for favorable conditions

because they depend on the weather to survive.

But businesses rely on human effort.

Instead of asking the gods,

maybe you should reward me generously.

Don't speak carelessly.

Even launching ships for trade depends on the heavens.

Oh, Grain God, don't hold it against Shou Gu.

If you have time, please bless us with more wealth and fortune.

I predict the pirates will be completely eradicated this year,

and spring and summer trade will bring great wealth.

I'll make sure to add to your fortune.

If you really are a clairvoyant,

did you see this coming then?

Zhang Ru!

Oh, I got another premonition.

You won't find a husband this year either.

How dare you say that!

Zhang Ru!

Good news!

I've got great news!

Su Su.

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

Stop it!

Stop!

Oh, no.

What are those?

Money.

You didn't guess it would be money.

One thousand taels each,

and so many of them!

There aren't many this wealthy in all of North Zhili.

The tea, silk, and porcelain we stocked last year

all sold at a premium.

Thanks to Zhao seizing the opportunity early,

my father says

this month's shipping orders have increased tenfold.

The profits will only grow from here.

An Su, go back and tell Mister and Madam Miao

to sell the ships after selling off our current stocks.

We'll look for a new business opportunity.

Shou Gu, are you serious?

Why?

We've established our business in Futing early on

and became the shipping tycoon here.

When all the sea routes open up,

won't we make even more money then?

This is the 24th year of the Chengping reign.

The Duke of Ding's Army's coastal campaigns are nearly finished.

With the pirates eradicated,

maritime trade will become hugely profitable.

From local officials in Futing to the Ministry of Revenue,

they're bound to tighten regulations and increase taxes.

This business might not be as easy as it seems.

Even if local officials want to take a cut,

it's not like the business would become unviable.

Isn't pulling out now too early?

Or did you hear something from Mr. Chen?

No, nothing like that.

It's just that when you buy during a slump,

even if prices rise, it's still cheap;

and when you sell during a boom, even if prices fall, it's still high.

If everyone knows it's easy money,

then there's no real profit left.

Trust me on this.

I don't understand all that, but I know one thing,

If you become the richest person in Zhending,

your stepmother and your fiance, Marquis of Jining,

will be drooling when counting your money.

Young Lady Zhao,

Nanny Zhou from the capital is here.

Great, speak of the devil,

and here comes trouble.

I've clearly turned down the family banquet for the festival,

and now they're inviting me again.

I have distant relatives visiting,

no time to play the role of the doting mother in a happy family.

Oh, Old Madam, how can you say such a thing?

It's rare for Fifth Master and Seventh Master to both be here.

A family reunion during the festival is a wonderful thing!

To be honest,

Seventh Master caught a cold a few days ago.

He's been missing his daughter terribly.

Using my father as an excuse?

If I don't go, I'll be accused of being unfilial, won't I?

Young Lady Zhao, how can you think that way?

Madam went out of her way

to prepare a whole table of dishes just for you.

Is her food even edible?

Yes, what if she's up to no good

and poisons the food?

I refuse to believe she would be nice.

How can you say such things?

Fine.

Shou Gu, are you really going?

Grandmother,

since Father still remembers he has another daughter,

I want to go.

We're going with Zhao then.

Surely you won't mind receiving a few more guests.

Alright then.

The capital is only half a day's journey from Zhending.

Nanny Zhou,

take good care of my granddaughters.

Of course!

I'd like one, please.

(Duke of Ying's Residence)

(Song Han)

Han, your spear skills have improved a lot.

I imagine your mother has had to work hard to train you.

Nonsense.

It's been ages since I practiced with a spear.

A little exercise is good for me anyway.

Brother? You're back!

Yan Tang?

Yan Tang!

Mother.

This is a dagger seized from the pirates.

It's yours now.

Thanks, Mo!

I heard you were badly injured in the battle at Zhou Island.

Where are you hurt? Let me take a look.

I'm fine.

After such a bumpy journey,

how could your body handle it?

Showing off your big victory the moment you walk in, huh?

His uncle takes good care of him.

He doesn't need us.

Will you stop picking fights with my brother?

The children are watching.

Ignore him.

It's been a while since you've tasted my cooking.

Get some rest.

I'll cook for us today.

Let's have a family reunion dinner.

Great! I'll help you in the kitchen.

Alright.

Leave us.

Your uncle sure knows how to play his cards.

He submitted an expedited military report,

accusing me of negligence and delay,

and only your merits spared me from the lashes.

Now the entire court knows!

As a father,

I had to rely on my excellent son

and beg for Jiang Mei Sun's mercy.

It's a victory report,

not an impeachment letter.

Amid the joy of a great victory, a few sentences mentioning this matter

ensures His Majesty doesn't dig deeply into your mistakes.

Did I do wrong to eliminate bandits for the people?

If you hadn't volunteered for the lashes,

I'd still have a case to argue before His Majesty.

Now this is great.

His Majesty has demoted me to overseeing the South City garrison.

The son earns merit while the father gets demoted.

You still think Jiang Mei Sun did this out of kindness?

Father...

So you do know I'm your father.

For years,

you've barely come home.

His Majesty praises you

for embodying Jiang Mei Sun's integrity.

Now I'm confused.

Whose son are you?

Do you like it?

Whose son are you?

His Grace has been strict with you since you were little.

Rules and expectations

are naturally stricter in noble families.

I've only just realized

that during the years I've been away,

my parents and brother

have grown close, like a true family.

My return

has only disrupted their harmony.

I'd like to take a walk alone.

Don't follow me.

Today,

the shadow puppet show we'll be performing

is called the Record of Truths.

Yes! Yes!

Would it be better for everyone

if I weren't the heir to Duke of Ying?

Awesome!

Yes! Bravo!

It's been so long since I've been to the capital.

The festival here is so lively!

Look at all these Nuo opera masks!

We're going to be late.

Ladies, why did you get off the carriage here?

Fifth Master and Seventh Master are waiting.

Come on, get back in! Quickly!

Ladies, I'll go inform Fifth Master and Seventh Master.

Young Lady Zhao.

Chen Shi Yuan, Liu Xue Zhen, Pang Kun Bai...

All the guests are sons of newly prominent court officials.

Know your enemy

and prepare accordingly.

So many young men are here.

If I'd known, I would've dressed up properly!

They're all Uncle Shi Shu's students,

from prestigious families.

They're celebrating their promotion.

Our attire does seem inappropriate.

Zhao.

Zhao, what are you doing here?

Ming, you look stunning.

I simply did as Mother asked.

I didn't know you'd be coming today.

We have many guests today.

Let's go to my room first and get you all changed. Come on.

-Zhao! -It's fine...

You're finally here.

Master and Shi Shu are waiting for you.

Ming, why didn't you announce your sister's arrival?

Come with me.

This way.

Master, Zhao and the girls are here.

Not bad. They are all talented young men.

Shou Gu.

Our guests today are all prominent figures.

It's rude enough that you're late,

and on top of that, look at how you're dressed.

Standing next to Ming,

you look like a servant.

Shou Gu dressed like her grandmother.

Simple and elegant is perfectly fine.

This is my fault.

I should have reminded the girls.

(Pang Kun Bai) I'll take them to get changed now.

Come.

Please forgive us, Uncle Shi Shu.

My sisters and I wore plain clothes

not out of disrespect,

but because dressing extravagantly felt inappropriate.

How so?

Disasters have struck across the land since last year,

and wars have been frequent.

His and Her Majesties have cut back on their use of jewels and silks,

urging officials not to indulge in extravagance.

I hear you are set

to be promoted in the Ministry of Rites.

With the promotion decree not yet issued,

such a grand display might invite

criticism from your political rivals.

Well...

You're right.

I hadn't considered that.

This is a festive occasion!

Even common folk dress brightly

for good fortune.

Zhao, must you always tie everything back to national affairs?

It's rare to hear

such practical and grounded insights

from a noble lady.

Who is he?

As expected of you, Young Lady Zhao.

Young Master Wu, it's been a while.

How is Lord Wu?

My grandfather is in good health.

(Wu Shan) On his behalf, I extend early congratulations to you,

-Fifth Master and Seventh Master. -Thank you.

-Young Master Wu, this way, please. -Remove the lanterns.

Ying Xue,

take Ming to change into something more suitable.

Wu Shan, the only grandson of Grand Secretary Wu.

I didn't know you had a connection with the Wu family.

My stepmother is an expert at networking.

Besides, Wang Xing Yi is Wu Shan's mentor.

At this banquet, he's likely the arrow,

and either Dou Ming or I will be the target.

They're actually changing the lanterns?

Mr. Chen, your prediction became true.

(Su Xin, Su Lan) You even knew they would change the lanterns during the banquet.

Since they're changing the lanterns,

it means Young Lady Zhao and the girls are not only safe

but may have even gained an advantage.

Let's go, Mother.

Ming, let me ask you,

what were you and Dou Zhao talking about at the door earlier?

I was just catching up with my sister.

She's never treated you as a sister,

yet you're eager to call her one.

Everything I'm doing is for your own good.

Why do you think I went to all that trouble inviting Young Master Wu here?

But I don't have feelings for Young Master Wu...

Enough!

When it comes to choosing a husband,

your feelings are the least important.

Young Master Wu comes from an esteemed family.

He's kind and ambitious.

There's no better match.

You've just come of age,

at the height of your beauty.

Tonight,

you must make me proud,

understand?

-Yes, Mother. -Let's go.

Shou Gu.

The discussion about politics earlier was just a cover.

I'm dressing plainly

because Mother's death anniversary is approaching.

Do you remember that?

Of course I do.

Look at this magnolia tree.

I tend to it personally.

It's blooming especially well this year.

Flowers bloom again,

but the dead cannot return.

The celebration is just an excuse, isn't it?

You and Uncle Shi Shu are using

this opportunity to parade our family's daughters

in front of Young Master Wu and the other guests, aren't you?

Your uncle is just concerned about your marriage prospects.

Am I supposed to lower myself to be scrutinized

and compete with Ming, like a peacock spreading its tail for display?

The elders mean well.

Don't look at it so negatively.

Back then, Uncle Shi Shu insisted you marry Wang Ying Xue

to gain the Wang family's support.

Now that he's risen from a clerk at the Office of Transmission

to a senior post in the Ministry of Rites,

does he really need to use our marriages

to curry favor with the Wu family?

Dou Zhao,

you shouldn't slander your elders.

Marriage has always been decided by the parents.

Have I ever forced you into anything?

You may not have forced me,

but you've never raised me either.

Keeping things simple and staying out of each other's way suit us just fine.

-You... -As for your high hopes,

place them on Ming instead.

When she marries,

I'll contribute to her dowry.

Young Lady Ming seems delicate.

It makes me want to protect her.

But she doesn't look like she's built for childbearing.

Young Lady Ming is reserved for Young Master Wu.

So, don't bother trying.

If you want to rely on the Dou family,

aim lower, someone they've written off,

like that girl from the Zhao family.

I might as well marry Young Lady Zhao then.

At least she's filthy rich.

Young Lady Zhao is mine.

You can have Young Lady Miao instead.

Her family may not be as wealthy,

but at least she's easy to control.

A gentleman knows to exercise restraint in his words and actions.

Yet here you are, under their roof,

engaging in such vile discussions.

Have all the moral lessons you've studied been for nothing?

Trust me, pick Young Lady Miao.

Just trust me.

What is this?

It stinks!

This is a rain gauge from the Ministry of Works,

used by various provinces to measure rainfall and prevent disasters.

It must not be tampered with.

Ming is here.

The star of the show is here.

Should we just play supporting roles?

Yes, keep quiet and stay out of sight.

Just focus on eating and drinking.

I agree with that!

Everyone, it's a pleasure to have you here.

Please make yourselves at home.

Zhao.

Gentlemen, you are all well-learned scholars.

I have a suggestion.

How about you compose couplets

and challenge the young ladies to match them?

If anyone succeeds,

-they'll drink a toast. -Sounds great!

That's a great idea!

Since you've proposed it,

it would indeed be a privilege to witness

the young ladies' literary talents.

Excellent. Young Master Wu, why don't you start us off?

Beside the wall lies Willow Alley,

water floods the long dike,

narrow paths make the cattle doubt there's room to tread.

Excellent!

Your talent rivals that of the scholars from Imperial Academy!

Ming.

You can write...

Dou Ming has written one.

Beyond the heart lies Peach Blossom Land,

clouds obscure the narrow path,

in a forest where animals roam, a new world unfolds.

Brilliant!

What a perfect match!

Thank you for the inspiration, Young Master Wu.

Shi Shu, look at this couplet.

Here.

Young Lady Ming completely stole the spotlight.

Wang Ying Xue must be overjoyed.

Why is she still dragging this on?

Yes, why, Shou Gu?

That's just how she is.

Young Lady Zhao, you're very talented.

Why haven't you written anything?

I grew up in the countryside.

I'm not skilled in literature.

You must be joking.

The young ladies are the stars of this banquet.

Why don't you compose a couplet?

Shou Gu, do you not want to write one?

Let me write one for you then.

A young boy herds sheep and cattle in the northern plains,

watching the sheep, the cattle, and the stars.

I have one to match that.

A bandit in black sneaks in at midnight,

grabbing, embracing, and stealing kisses.

Shameless scoundrel.

Outrageous!

Judging by the handwriting,

this must be from Young Lady Zhang Ru.

Zhao Si is a two-time imperial exam laureate,

yet his only daughter comes up

with something so vulgar and absurd.

And you, Young Master Pang, matched it so well.

Shall I arrange a marriage for you

to become the Zhao family's live-in son-in-law?

Who would want him as a husband?

It was thoughtless of me to speak like that.

He thought it was written by Zhao.

He was just trying to help her.

It was just a joke.

Young Lady Zhao's couplet lacked refinement,

so naturally, the reply was vulgar too.

With her parents far away in Diannan,

she's had no one to guide her.

Spending years mingling with merchants and common folk in the countryside,

it's no surprise she's neglected her studies.

You're full of crap!

Alright, alright.

By your reasoning,

I too grew up without parents' guidance,

doing lowly work and mingling with country folk...

Dou Zhao!

You know what, I've thought of a couplet.

Shou Gu!

What is she doing here?

Dou Zhao, this is the men's table.

What are you doing? Have you no shame?

Dou Zhao...

If you gentlemen can openly discuss women's marriages

without shame,

why should I feel embarrassed?

That folding fan is traditionally used

only by courtesans or talented scholars.

Young Master Liu Xue Zhen,

I heard you've failed the imperial exam six times.

You're using a folding fan too,

but where's the talent to match it?

Young Lady Zhao, as a lady,

talking like that is highly inappropriate.

Young Master Chen Shi Yuan,

I hear your family's business failed,

and you even had to sell your ancestral home.

You're looking for a dowry to make up for the losses, aren't you?

Shou Gu has been away from the capital for years.

How does she know all that?

Easy it is to find a fickle lover,

but priceless treasures are hard to seek.

Why waste false affection on embroidered words?

I can't stand men like you,

talentless, unprincipled sycophants.

Just because you're educated, you think you're above everyone,

criticizing and belittling women.

You treat marriage like items on a marketplace shelf,

weighing and scheming over them.

If we're the bottom-of-the-barrel oranges and rotten sugarcane,

what does that make you? Flies and vermin?

Insolent!

You're behaving improperly

and speaking nonsense in front of our guests.

Zhao is as impressive as usual.

Young Master Wu, my apologies for the spectacle.

Young Lady Zhao's couplet

is sincere and sharp-witted,

with a touch of satirical humor.

I don't find anything

improper about them.

Though I must admit, her couplet is quite difficult to match.

My behavior is crude

and unworthy of your company.

I'll excuse myself to reflect.

We'll go with you!

Let them go.

Will Young Lady Zhao be bullied?

In noble households, one must act with careful timing.

Being too sharp and outspoken isn't always wise.

The question is whether she can hold back.

If she can,

we'll need to wait for about half an incense stick's time.

Mr. Chen, you always speak in riddles.

And what if she can't conceal it?

Zhao, please wait!

They're out.

Zhao, don't be mad.

I'm not mad.

It's not worth getting angry over those people.

Young Lady, are you really not mad?

Fine, maybe I am a little mad.

Mr. Chen, I understand that you wanted me to come,

hoping I'd learn to be patient.

But this isn't entirely a bad thing.

In official families, when choosing a wife,

they care most about virtue and obedience.

If I earn myself a reputation as a shrew or troublemaker,

it'll give Marquis of Jining a perfect excuse to break off the engagement.

That'll save me from their constant pressure to marry.

Zhao, do you really not care about your reputation or marriage?

Women can live perfectly well without relying on men.

Becoming someone's wife means taking care of his parents,

worrying about his career, managing the household,

and even looking after concubines and their children.

And if you really love him,

you might end up like my mother.

I still want to meet someone I love,

get married, and have children.

My parents weren't around when I was growing up.

I've always wanted a home.

What about you, Zhang Ru?

I'm going to beat those uncultured brats right now!

How dare they call me old, crude, and unwanted!

I'll show them what crudeness really looks like!

Zhang Ru, sit down. Sit.

Oh, Zhang Ru.

They are blind and ignorant.

They can't see how amazing you are.

That's right! If my father hadn't insisted on a live-in son-in-law,

I'd have been married long ago, right?

Alright, she's had too much to drink.

I'll take her back.

Come on.

I'm feeling stifled. I'm going to take a walk.

Alright. Don't stay out too late.

Come on.

-Su Su, drink with me. -Alright, alright.

Young Lady, we're being followed.

Young Lady, have a look.

Go back to Dou's Residence and get some money.

Yes, Young Lady.

Goodbye.

Good sir, we have a new performance, The Tale of the Silken Robe.

A lost mother, an abandoned child, and a courtroom trial of the father.

A life adrift, tangled with love and resentment,

and an unbreakable bond between a father and a son.

There are still seats available in the private boxes.

Please step inside.

We have tea, snacks, everything you need.

Please come in.

When I invited Ji Jian Ming to our estate,

it was to see if he and Shou Gu might be a good match.

Ji Jian Ming and Shou Gu have been meeting in private.

They're clearly in love.

Zhao, how far have things gone between you two?

Watch out!

DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.AWAFIM.TV

For latest movies and series with subtitles Visit WWW.AWAFIM.TV Today