Original subtitles

[Brocade Odyssey]

[Episode 13]

I, Ji Yingying, representing the Ji family,

present our brocade,

"The Return of Phoenix"!

Please evaluate it, everyone.

Ji Yingying! The Return of Phoenix!

Ji Yingying! The Return of Phoenix!

Ji Yingying! The Return of Phoenix!

If I'm not mistaken,

the Ji family isn't allowed to compete.

How can the descendant of a criminal

participate in the Brocade Weaving Competition?

Ms. Ji doesn't qualify for the contest

and even disrupts the event.

Mr. Yang, don't you do something about it?

Mrs. Zhao,

this matter

is truly beyond my jurisdiction.

If I'm not mistaken,

they were pardoned.

Even His Majesty has pardoned them.

But

Mrs. Zhao,

do you think the pardon is unwarranted?

I didn't say that.

However,

this competition is about brocade paintings,

and she's competing with a kite.

What a joke!

The art of Shu

is born of the heart.

This kite made of Shu Red Silk

is my inner vision.

It was woven by my brother's hands,

reflecting his thoughts.

The Brocade Bureau hasn't stipulated

what a brocade painting must look like.

I weave it out of my thoughts.

What's wrong with that?

Exactly!

What's wrong with that?

Mr. Yang,

Ji Yingying forged Shu Red Silk

right under everyone's noses.

What a shocking crime!

Tell me,

how should this be handled?

This Shu Red kite

is vivid and striking.

It doesn't seem fake to me.

Mr. Yang, have you forgotten

that the genuine Shu Red Silk

was already sent to Chang'an by you

and presented to His Majesty?

Ms. Ji,

Previously, the Zhao family claimed to have Shu Red Silk,

and now your Ji family is claiming the same.

It makes me confused.

How about

that you evaluate

which one

is real on behalf of me?

Come on!

Come on!

Yingying,

the brocade we conceived,

I've woven it.

Who says women can't brave the storm

or hold their heads high?

Soaring to the skies,

isn't this

your image in my heart?

Ji Yingying,

even if you have grievances with the Zhao family,

you shouldn't vent your anger by ruining the brocade painting!

Whether it's a masterpiece or a fraud

will soon be clear.

Mrs. Zhao,

stay calm.

It's fading!

The color is fading!

It's losing color!

It's fake!

It's truly fake!

As expected, Yingying!

It's fake!

It's fake!

It's fake!

It's fake!

It's truly fake!

I distinctly remember

it was a masterpiece that showcased soaring ambitions.

But now, how has it become

a fall from grace?

A fall from grace!

This brocade painting

is unrecognizable now

because it was woven with Zhao Red Silk.

Zhao Red Silk is not Shu Red Silk.

On that day,

someone coated the red silk with oil,

so it wouldn't completely fade in alkaline water.

But just now, I used soapberry water,

and the oil dissolved in contact with it.

The fake

naturally revealed its true form.

Ji Yingying!

Ji Yingying! Shu Red Silk!

Ji Yingying! Shu Red Silk!

Ji Yingying! Shu Red Silk!

Ji Yingying! Shu Red Silk!

Ji Yingying! Shu Red Silk!

On that day,

all of you, in front of General Niu,

admitted with your own words

that the Zhao family's silk

was authentic Shu Red Silk.

So,

today,

are you trying to deny it?

Now that the results are out,

please announce

this year's Brocade Master.

This year,

the Brocade Master of the competition is...

Zhao Xiuyuan

from the Zhao family.

Ms. Ji didn't hear it clearly.

Please speak louder.

This year,

the Brocade Master of the competition

is Zhao Xiuyuan!

What?

Are you kidding?

Since Lady Niu has spoken

and the Brocade Master has been decided,

I'll take my leave.

Our Shu Red phoenix

will find another home!

Let's go.

This kind of competition is not worth it!

Exactly, let's leave!

What a waste of time!

Yaoting,

from today onward,

everyone will know

that our Ji family can make Shu Red Silk again.

You deliberately let Ji Yingying ruin Shu Red Silk.

Mr. Yang,

do you no longer value your life?

Madam, you're joking.

When the real Shu Red Silk appears,

the fake one will naturally be exposed.

Besides,

in front of so many people,

how could I

make anything up?

Don't forget

that the Zhao Red Silk was sent by you to Chang'an.

If this silk is fake,

you will be the first to be questioned.

I haven't forgotten.

Indeed,

the Zhao Red Silk was sent to Chang'an by me,

but it was never presented at the palace.

If you don't believe it,

you can go to Chang'an

and investigate yourself.

You've kept a backup plan.

As Brocade Officer,

the position is full of dangers,

so I must always leave a way out.

Regardless,

today's competition

still sees the Zhao family as the victor.

I've even prepared a gift

for you, madam.

Mr. Yang, bad news!

Mount Qingcheng is on fire!

Mount Qingcheng is on fire.

Madam,

would you like to join me

and head up the mountain together?

The Zhao family has already prepared

a celebration banquet at San Hua Pavilion.

They should be waiting for me now.

As for the trouble on Mount Qingcheng,

you will handle it on your own.

From earlier until now,

I haven't seen your maid, Yu Yuan.

I wonder where she could be at the moment.

If she's up on Mount Qingcheng,

she might be in danger.

Hurry, put out the fire!

Water is here!

Water is here!

Quickly!

Who did this?

There's a cave over there!

Slow down!

You little rascal!

We can't go slower, father!

Yang Jinglan said

there's a big opportunity up there.

We can't let others beat us to it!

Yang Jinglan?

Hurry up, father!

Take a few extra steps!

Why not use a horse?

You'll have to tough it out for now...

Chief Sang is here!

The Imperial Uncle is here!

Why are you shouting that?

Chief Sang,

look at this!

Who could commit such an outrageous act?

What...

what is going on?

How could there be a brocade workshop here?

Does the fire here

have anything to do with you?

Chief Sang,

these people have been poisoned mute.

They can't speak at all.

It's clear

that they were kept here

as forced labor.

Oh...

Rest assured.

If there's any suffering, any grievance,

write it down.

My father will ensure justice for everyone!

You...

So this is the big opportunity you mentioned?

Do you want me dead or something?

Don't you think this is serious?

Who would be dare

to kidnap civilians

to profit from brocade-making?

Chief Sang.

Yang Jinglan.

I've just discovered

this terrible operation as well.

I trust you will unearth

the culprit behind this

and show no mercy,

bringing justice to everyone!

Great!

Yes...

I will absolutely bring justice to all.

Guards,

search the brocade workshop and nearby caves.

Find the mastermind behind this!

- Search now! - Yes, sir!

This is fake Shu Red Silk!

This is called...

Zhao Red Silk!

Put it down!

This is...

imperial yellow silk!

They're planning a rebellion, father!

A rebellion!

Shut up!

I...

Mr. Yang,

we found a young woman in the cave,

along with these people.

They must be connected to this illegal brocade workshop.

Chief Sang,

come on.

Let me introduce someone to you.

This is

Yu Yuan, Niu Wuniang's maid.

Since she's here,

it proves that this matter

is deeply connected

to Niu Wuniang.

Exactly, that's a good point.

Nonsense!

Madam!

How could you be here?

Didn't I send you to pray on the mountain?

Madam,

a group of bandits suddenly appeared

and captured me here.

I have no idea what happened.

Madam,

let's leave now.

I'm scared.

It seems this brocade workshop in the mountains

was indeed the work of bandits.

Thanks for finding my maid, Mr. Yang.

Yu Yuan, let's go.

Wait.

If they are bandits,

then how come your maid

was captured along with them?

You should ask them.

Why question me?

Perhaps they are fiercely loyal

or maybe

their loved ones' lives

are being held hostage,

leaving them unable to speak the truth.

If they cannot speak,

what does that have to do with me?

If they won't speak,

then I will.

Yingying!

Father...

I, Ji Yingying,

accuse Niu Wuniang

of producing fake Shu Red Silk, building an illegal brocade workshop,

causing chaos in the industry,

and stealing my family's honor.

Daring to frame the family of an official,

what crime does that warrant?

Who gave you the right to speak?

Get up.

Thank you, Chief Sang.

Ms. Ji,

do you have any evidence?

At today's Brocade Competition,

everyone saw with their own eyes

that the fake Shu Red Silk faded in alkaline water.

Shu Red Silk is a designated royal request,

and Niu Wuniang dared to fake it publicly.

This is a grave act of disrespect!

Ms. Ji, you must be mistaken.

The Zhao Red Silk was dyed by my husband.

If you want to press charges,

you should accuse him instead.

You two are truly

the closest yet most distant couple.

Ms. Ji,

the Zhao Red Silk was dyed by Zhao Xiuyuan.

Are you accusing the wrong person?

No.

The person I am accusing is none other than her,

Niu Wuniang!

I have a witness.

Why is he here?

I'm Hua Xiangrong

from the Hua's Dyehouse.

Greetings, Chief Sang.

I can testify

that Niu Wuniang

is the mastermind behind the fake Shu Red Silk!

It was she

who ordered me

and my late wife

to produce fake Shu Red Silk.

Before the threads were even spun,

she urged us to pass it off as genuine.

As for these workers,

it was she who ordered me

to kidnap and deceive them here

using the guise of recruitment.

Even my wife...

was killed because of her!

Miss Ji,

if you intend to frame me,

you should at least find an upstanding citizen.

The Hua family has always been guilty of tax evasion.

How can his words

be trusted?

I have evidence!

Do you think

seizing all our account books

would make everything fine?

My wife foresaw

that she was dealing with

a cruel and ruthless person.

So, she made duplicates

of all the account books.

Hua Xiangrong!

I spent 20 years

with my wife.

Our bond is unbreakable!

I know I'm doomed,

and I fear death,

but what I fear more

is my wife

being unable to rest in peace!

I know

that we're both guilty as charged,

but still...

don't think you'll get away with it.

Even if I have to give my life,

I will avenge my wife!

I have contracts

and account books as evidence.

Please, Chief Sang, take a look!

Father!

Father!

Father!

[Silk Transport Ledger on Mountain]

Father, look!

Quick, look!

Oh...

um...

Mrs. Niu,

what do you expect me

to do now?

Chief Sang, you're the local magistrate.

It's natural for you to handle this fairly.

Moreover,

everyone is watching.

Exactly, Father!

Everyone is watching!

I was involved

in Niu Wuniang's crimes.

I acknowledge my guilt!

But Niu Wuniang's crimes are far worse!

Please, Chief Sang, deliver justice!

Father!

Faking Shu Red Silk, taking lives,

kidnapping craftsmen...

these are grave crimes,

terrible beyond words.

Chief Sang,

why haven't you acted yet?

Of course, we'll act.

Father!

Chief Sang,

do you dare make an arrest?

Well...

To arrest or not to arrest, that is a question...

Arrest them, Father!

Or how will you face these craftsmen

and these common people?

Arrest them!

Arrest them!

Arrest them!

Arrest them!

Arrest them!

Arrest them!

Well...

Arrest them!

Then... we'll arrest them...

Let's see who dares to make the arrest!

Father.

General Niu,

Hua Xiangrong confessed the truth

and provided testimony,

yet you killed him.

Are you trying to shield Niu Wuniang?

Get rid of these onlookers.

Yes, sir.

General Niu, you may drive the people away,

but today's events

will spread throughout the city.

You can't silence public opinion!

Look this mess of yours...

I'll clean it up for you only this time.

Fire the arrows!

Niu Jin,

you abuse your power

and kill the innocent.

How could you ignore your morals and the law?

Oh...

General Niu, don't kid about that!

Yang Jinglan,

are we going to die here today?

I promised you

I'd protect you.

My elder sister... She's the Empress,

the Empress of this dynasty!

You... How dare you!

Blame those who dragged you into this.

Today, only your silence

will ensure that no one knows this secret

or questions morality or law.

The Governor is here!

He's here.

General Niu!

General Niu!

General Niu!

Let go of me.

General Niu,

hold on.

General Niu,

hold on.

An order from the Military Commissioner:

The Emperor's birthday is approaching.

With deep reverence for His Majesty,

the Military Commissioner commands the Brocade Officer

to oversee the creation of Shu Red Silk,

woven jointly by Ji Yingying, the inheritor of Shu Red,

and the new Brocade Master.

No one is permitted to interfere!

I accept the order!

General Niu,

perhaps it's time

to lower your bows.

A fire broke out in the mountains.

Mr. Yang and Chief Sang,

concerned for the people, went to extinguish it

but unfortunately perished.

Afterward, Governor Zhang heroically put out the fire,

earning the gratitude of the people.

However,

the Military Commissioner's order

remains unheard.

Doesn't that sound better?

General Niu,

I wished I could have arrived late today.

But think it over,

how did the Military Commissioner know the inheritor of Shu Red

was Ji Yingying

and not the Mr. Zhao?

Had I arrived late today,

my life would have ended.

But General Niu,

it would have been an even greater disaster

for you facing the Military Commissioner.

You prepared early

and acted covertly.

Well played, Mr. Yang.

Fine.

Since the Military Commissioner commands you to oversee the weaving,

make sure nothing goes wrong.

Otherwise, no one will be able to save you.

No need to trouble you, General Niu.

Let's hope so.

Let's go!

Father,

that was terrifying!

I thought we were done for!

Look at you,

you little rascal!

If you dare fool around with reckless people again,

I'll break your legs!

Today, I've seen it firsthand

how they twist truth

and wield unchecked power.

Does the Military Commissioner truly allow Niu Jin

to amass wealth

and disregard human life?

Niu Jin acted on his own without informing him.

He will surely face criticism.

But after all, Niu Jin is still his soldier.

As long as it's not rebellion,

he'll turn a blind eye to it.

What about Chang'an?

Will Chang'an intervene?

Some people want to do it,

but it's not easy.

The court and the border states

are intricately connected.

Rest assured.

With the Military Commissioner's order,

Niu Jin won't dare openly arrest you.

Even if he dares,

I won't let him succeed.

What about you?

Will they target you in secret?

That depends on them.

But whether I survive or not

depends on me.

Yang Jinglan,

are you afraid?

Are you afraid?

I won't regret it,

and I won't back down.

I am afraid,

but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Fear can remind me

to run faster,

to avoid the same fate.

I'm afraid too,

afraid of letting down the dead,

afraid of failing

to protect the living.

But if you stay afraid,

you won't run fast enough.

Do you want me to go inside with you

and explain everything to your mother?

My mother probably won't want anyone

to see her disciplining her child with a stick.

Miss.

Is she using the ruler or the bamboo cane?

[Beloved Husband, Ji Guinan's Memorial Tablet]

Mother,

it's my fault.

I told Yaoting to hide it from you.

No.

I wove that Shu Red Silk kite.

I told Yingying not to tell you.

Yaoting has always indulged and spoiled me.

No, it's my fault for failing as an elder brother.

What did your father

really die for?

Why was our family accused?

It was because

of Shu Red Silk.

But Father would never have forged it.

Father...

On the day you were pardoned and released,

what did you both promise me?

Ji Yingying,

say it.

That we would never bring up Father's case again,

and live our lives in peace.

But Mother,

even if we don't resist today,

can we really remain safe?

Yingying.

A tiger eats humans because it's hungry.

It won't spare someone

just because they're obedient.

Yingying!

Mother,

Yingying only wanted to prevent others

from misusing the Father's reputation and the Shu Red Silk.

She didn't mention the old case.

Ji Yingying,

didn't you?

Have you never thought about bringing it up?

All these years,

you've forced yourself to dye red.

Was it really just to support the dyehouse?

Mother,

can you bear to see Father carry the shame

and suffer injustice for life?

What is the first rule of our brocade workshop?

Recite it.

Recite it loudly!

[Beloved Husband, Ji Guinan's Memorial Tablet]

In the Ji family's brocade workshop,

brocade comes first, but human life is above brocade.

What does that mean?

In the Ji family's brocade workshop,

all things prioritize brocade weaving.

Right and wrong, grudges and fame...

all come after.

Only human life is above brocade.

In times of disaster,

save people first, then the brocade.

A person's life outweighs the workshop's gains and losses.

Good.

Very good.

What does it mean

that a person's life outweighs everything?

Tell your father,

what does it mean?

If your father were alive today,

what would he truly care about?

His reputation

or the safety of his children?

Father's love for us surpasses everything.

He would understand me.

He would allow me to do whatever I want.

It seems he really did spoil you

to the point where now,

you refuse to admit fault!

Mother,

I was wrong.

I shouldn't have hidden this from you.

I shouldn't have upset you.

But...

one can endure temporarily, bide their time,

but one cannot endure forever and lose their spirit.

The justice I seek,

I will claim for myself.

For everything I did today,

I have no regrets.

You...

Mother!

Mother!

Mother!

Let go!

Ji Yingying,

you're quite something.

It's me, as your mother,

who failed to teach you well.

The one who needs to reflect

isn't you,

but me.

Mother must be utterly disappointed in me

to act this way, right?

Mother isn't heartless.

When Father passed away suddenly back then,

you were afraid of dyeing red,

and I was trapped in the brocade workshop.

[Beloved Husband, Ji Guinan's Memorial Tablet]

Mother has her own unresolved grief too.

She's simply terrified

of losing either of us.

That's why I don't want to hide from her anymore.

Yaoting,

only by facing the past

can we move beyond it.

[Beloved Husband, Ji Guinan's Memorial Tablet]

[Niu Residence]

I've always pitied your hardships.

You have a love for small gains,

and I've always turned a blind eye.

I never expected you to grow so bold,

daring to build an illegal brocade workshop.

Perhaps I've indulged you too much!

General,

there's no need for this.

She's just a young woman,

why make things worse for her?

Aren't you going to thank Governor Zhang?

Thank you, Governor.

This matter arises entirely from my foolish greed.

It has nothing to do with my father.

I beg you to discern the truth

and not ruin my father's name,

nor disgrace the Military Commissioner.

What does this have to do with the Military Commissioner?

I am my father's daughter.

In the eyes of the world,

what I do is seen as what my father has done.

Father is a trusted general under the Military Commissioner.

If my father is involved,

it reflects on the Military Commissioner.

The world doesn't care about the truth.

They only speculate maliciously.

If my actions drag down

my father and the Military Commissioner,

it would be an irreparable injustice!

I see now why you favor her, General.

She always likes to act clever.

This is just her excuse

to have you cover up her mistakes.

However,

she has a point.

If I claim to have no knowledge of this matter,

let alone anyone else,

even you, Governor,

would you believe it?

I also know full well

that you're not involved in this.

But will the Military Commissioner

believe it?

Will he think that you and I are complicit?

General, you must be joking.

The Military Commissioner,

though stationed with the army year-round,

is fully aware of the city's affairs.

He would not wrong you.

And what about the court?

How much does the court know about Yizhou

or the Military Commissioner?

If the Brocade Officer sends evidence of this matter

to the court,

it's inevitable that someone with ill intentions

will twist the facts

to slander the Military Commissioner.

To be honest,

I value my reputation.

My forceful actions in the mountains today had personal motives,

but this is the root cause of it all.

You have deep foresight.

I trust the Military Commissioner will understand.

The Military Commissioner holds you in high regard.

Yizhou City is just as much yours.

We are all one family,

so it's fair for your daughter to want a share.

But, General,

why keep it from the Military Commissioner?

This is where you've drawn unnecessary lines.

I understand now.

From now on,

I will report everything to the Military Commissioner.

Thank you for your guidance.

You're too kind.

Guards.

General, you're too generous.

I am unworthy of such praise.

Rest assured, General.

Today's events will simply be recorded as a mountain fire,

nothing more.

I'll take my leave.

Since the Governor has spoken this way,

it seems the Military Commissioner still trusts you.

This time, I underestimated my opponent.

Father, please give me another chance.

I will definitely find evidence against Yang Jinglan.

You are now married into the Zhao family,

so focus on being a proper wife.

Fulfill your role as a household woman.

As for other matters,

don't meddle in them.

Father,

Yang Jinglan easily solved

the issue of the fake Shu Red Silk being sent to Chang'an.

The forces behind him must be extraordinary.

Don't you want to know?

Rather than using spies in Chang'an,

why not...

If my daughter,

overwhelmed by shame, were to take her own life,

do you think the Military Commissioner

would trust and sympathize with me even more?

Father,

there will always be those

who suspect you

of being ruthless

and silencing me.

Madam!

Madam, are you alright?

Just now,

he truly intended

to kill me...

Madam...

Please forgive me, General.

I arrived late.

How about this...

I'll first punish myself with a drink.

Do you know why I invited you here?

Today in the mountains,

you nearly took my life.

And now, tonight,

you've invited me here yourself.

Could it be

you weren't satisfied with the killings on the mountain

and set another trap?

You knew it was a trap and still came?

Mr. Yang,

you are bold indeed.

Do you know

why I chose to invite you here?

General, your rank is esteemed,

your experience vast.

It seems

this isn't merely

an invitation for fine wine and delicacies.

This restaurant's setting

is truly exceptional?

Mr. Yang, you're as sharp as ever.

Everyone else, leave now.

What I value

is the exquisite view here.

I've spent years fighting battles in the army,

always practicing force before courtesy.

Only when my enemies are cornered

can negotiations begin.

How generous is your courtesy?

It depends on what the people behind you

are aiming for.

I am but a lone man,

with no one behind me.

That incapable fool

threatened you to send Zhao Red Silk to the Crown Prince,

yet the Prince ultimately didn't present the silk to the Empress.

To influence the Crown Prince's decisions

without leaving a trace...

the people behind you are truly powerful.

Perhaps the Crown Prince himself felt

the item wasn't grand enough

and decided to replace it.

♪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♪