Original subtitles

[Brocade Odyssey]

[Episode 27]

On the surface,

Bai Sheng is just a merchant.

His appearance in Yizhou as a businessman

is certainly no coincidence.

Since that's the case,

I still have a role to play in this matter.

Are you planning to continue doing business with him?

This Bai Sheng...

As far as I am concerned,

he's more interested in you

than in business.

You really get jealous of everyone, huh?

But I'm already married to you.

I trust you, of course,

but I don't trust him.

Neither do I.

But I trust you.

Then promise me,

you won't act impulsively

or put yourself in danger.

I'll just focus on business.

If I find any clues, it'll be great.

If not,

I won't force it.

I absolutely won't take any risks.

Does that put your mind at ease?

Madam, did you call me over

because I offended Second Uncle today?

I'm aware of what happened.

It wasn't an offense.

Your Second Uncle

has his own faults.

The reason I called you

has nothing to do with him.

Then what is it about?

It's about the reputation of the Yang family.

The relatives have complaints about today's events.

I know you feel wronged,

and I know you're talented.

But contributing to Yizhou

doesn't necessarily mean contributing to the Yang family.

Madam,

I also want to contribute to the Yang family,

but I am not empowered.

Now,

I'm no longer the president of the Bloom Society.

As I wanna help the Yang family to grow,

what other ways

can be used?

Please guide me.

Jinglan has a few shops under his name.

Since he's often away,

the family has been managing them on his behalf.

If you have time to spare,

perhaps

you could take over.

Would you be willing to do that?

I'd be happy to.

Thank you, Madam.

Very well.

I'll start arranging

the handover.

Yingying,

doing business in the Yang family is different from outside.

You need to know not only business

but also the rules

and social etiquette.

I understand.

Ji Yingying,

how dare you disrespect me like that?

Just you wait!

Who are you?

What do you want?

Let me tell you,

my nephew is a registered official of the Tang Empire.

You'd better not act recklessly!

My people acted inappropriately.

Apologies for the offense, Sir Yang.

Please, have a seat.

I know who you are.

Aren't you

that foreign merchant, Bai Sheng?

Why did you kidnap me?

Actually,

in my opinion,

you're far more capable

than Master Yang.

Unfortunately,

right now in the Yang family,

you not only can't take charge,

but you also have to obey

the orders of a woman like Mrs. Yang.

And now with Ji Yingying joining in,

your status

in the Yang family has sunk even lower.

Well,

what do you mean by that?

I mean nothing.

I'm just thinking...

I want

to give you the position

of head of the Yang family.

What did you say?

Head of the family?

Give it to me?

Stop spouting nonsense.

Do you think the position of family head

is like one of your

backyard potted plants and you can

give it away as you like?

It's just a collaboration.

Now that you're here,

why not hear me out?

Never.

The matters of the Yang family

are for the Yang family alone.

I'll never conspire with an outsider!

Aren't you worried the Yang family will be taken over by Ms. Ji?

It seems

you do care about this opportunity.

What exactly do you want?

No rush. Have a seat.

Let's

discuss this in detail.

[Zhao Residence]

You openly entered my residence.

Are you afraid outsiders won't know

about our relationship?

These days, many people already know

that I am captivated by Shu brocade.

In Yizhou City,

I've met

with the Yu family and the Yang family.

If I deliberately avoid your Zhao family,

the Brocade Master,

wouldn't that raise

even more suspicion

from an outsider's perspective?

So,

why have you come to me this time?

Since I'm here,

there must be reasons.

All the Yang family's merchants in Chang'an

are listed in this booklet.

Where did this come from?

Once you return from Chang'an,

you'll know that.

You want me to go to Chang'an?

You need to rally all the merchants there

and have them exclusively buy the Zhao family's brocade from now on

to ruin the Yang family's business

and throw them into chaos,

which will cause Ji Yingying to have nowhere

left to hide.

But the Yang family has been in business for years

with a wide and deep network.

How could it collapse so easily?

That depends

on your capabilities.

I want you to finance

a batch of the trendiest Yang family's brocade

and send it to Chang'an.

So,

how much are we talking about?

At least fifty bolts.

Well,

fifty bolts...

Do you know how much fifty bolts

of brocade are worth?

It should be enough

to buy me a governor secretary position, right?

But I'm quite curious

what you can offer me in return

if I give you the money?

After taking down the Yang family,

I'll leverage the situation to acquire it.

By then,

the entire Yang family

will be handed over to you.

Will that suffice?

Mr. Zhao,

that's not how the math works.

I'll give you Ji Yingying,

and you'll give me the Yang family.

That's one deal.

And those fifty bolts of brocade

are another deal entirely.

But fortunately,

there's something on you

that I really want.

What might that be?

The Zhao family's pattern book.

The pattern book

is the foundation of any brocade household.

If I give it to you,

I might as well hand over

the entire Zhao family to you!

Mr. Zhao,

have you ever cared about the Zhao family?

Forget the Zhao family,

you've never even cared

about the entire brocade industry in Yizhou City.

All you care about

is one person.

And her name is Ji Yingying.

Isn't that right?

The Bloom Society,

the Zhao family,

the Yang family, and the Yu family...

What you're after

is the entire brocade industry of Yizhou!

Who exactly are you?

I am the one

who knows what you want

and

can help you achieve it.

Can you manage it?

Dear,

am I not capable?

Greetings to Mr. Zhao and Ms. Ji.

My surname is Sun,

and I manage two shops under Mr. Zhao's name.

The shops are just ahead.

This way, please.

As you can see, those two over there

belong to Mr. Yang Jingshan.

Behind them are Mr. Yang Jinglin's embroidery shop

and clothing store.

Farther back are Mr. Yang Jinglin's tea house

and embroidery building.

That's Mr. Yang Jinglan's dyehouse.

The Yang family has many shops

on this street alone.

There are five or six streets like this.

The Yang family is truly prosperous.

No wonder they say marrying into the Yang family

is your good fortune.

Marrying my wife is the Yang family's

good fortune.

Oh, yes.

It's good fortune

for both sides.

Here we are.

This is your shop.

Mr. Sun,

why are these brocades

displayed outside?

Well...

Mr. Yang, Ms. Ji,

my capabilities are limited

and it isn't managed well.

The shop space is too small,

so I have to display some outside.

I hope you both understand.

After you, my dear.

Mr. Sun,

could you bring me the account book?

Of course. One moment.

The craftsmanship is fine,

but the designs are outdated.

Are you planning to do business here,

or shall we go back and demand an explanation?

Look at this.

The Yang family has a big business,

yet they gave you

such a rundown shop.

Besides,

Madam Yang must have known

I'd come with you.

I bet they're already prepared

for us to make a scene.

Let me think it over.

Mr. Liu,

how many times have I told you?

Our brocade...

Mr. Liu?

It can't be sold in small quantities.

For the sake of us all working

for the Yang family,

please sell it to me.

What's going on here?

Mr. Yang,

Ms. Ji,

this is Mr. Liu, a weaver from my household.

His daughter is getting married next month,

and he wanted to buy some brocade to make a wedding fan.

But...

Mr. Liu, I'm not trying to make things difficult,

but it's just not feasible to sell it in small quantities.

I understand. I've been asking around all day.

None of the shops

are willing to make

such a small sale.

I'd buy more if I could,

but I just can't afford it.

How shameful.

After weaving brocade for so many years,

when my daughter is getting married,

I, her father,

can't even afford a Shu brocade wedding fan for her.

Go and pick out a suitable piece of brocade for Mr. Liu.

Mr. Yang,

I can't use your money.

How could I possibly accept your kindness?

Go on.

I wouldn't dare take your money.

I'll fetch the brocade.

Mr. Liu, back then,

the Yang family's illegitimate child

wasn't allowed to enter the brocade workshop.

I was curious and insisted on sneaking in,

and you helped shelter me.

Do you remember?

It's really nothing worth mentioning.

Mr. Yang, you still remember it?

Of course I do.

Mr. Liu,

this is a kind gesture from Mr. Yang and Ms. Ji.

You should accept it.

Thank you.

There's no need.

May Mr. Yang and Ms. Ji be blessed

with children soon

and enjoy long lives together.

What's on your mind, dear?

I just reviewed the shop's accounts

and noticed some issues.

The revenue is pitifully low.

The inventory is filled with damaged,

outdated brocades

that no one is interested in buying.

So, you weren't thinking about me?

Why would I think about you?

You're well, right?

I...

Actually...

I haven't recovered yet.

I hope my dear will take pity on me.

Look, my dear.

My hand

still can't lift anything heavy.

Dear,

to tease someone with such injuries,

isn't that a bit much?

Open your mouth.

That's enough.

Keep this up, and I'll kick you out.

I got injured.

Forgive me.

Help me, dear.

Sorry for the trouble.

It's only Yingying

who would believe your nonsense.

With that sweet mouth of yours,

how many young ladies have you sweet-talked?

Yuniang,

you've got it wrong.

You've watched me grow up.

When have I ever sweet-talked anyone?

Shut up.

Who watched you grow up?

He hasn't fully recovered yet,

so no drinking.

It's fine.

I can drink a little.

Just a little.

One...

Not even a drop?

What do you think?

Oh, he's not allowed to drink?

Then why did Zhuge Hong

take two jars of wine from me the other day?

You didn't drink them?

You gave them away?

I see. You gave them away.

Yuniang...

Hey...

Yang Jinglan!

I was wrong.

Whether your injuries are better

is up to you.

That's your decision.

But whether you can drink or not is up to me.

That's my temperament!

Understand?

Got it.

No more drinking.

No more at all.

Not even a little.

How about this, dear,

let's discuss business now.

You've been pondering

over the shop for quite some time.

Are you planning to take it over?

I've never managed a shop officially before.

Starting with a rundown shop

might be a good way to learn.

Adding the finishing touch

isn't as impactful as saving the day.

Do you have any ideas, dear?

Shu brocade is as precious as gold

and is never sold in small quantities.

Many people like Mr. Liu

have spent half their lives weaving Shu brocade,

yet they probably can't afford

even a foot of decent brocade.

But to them

and even to the people of Shu,

Shu brocade carries extraordinary significance.

The brocades in our shop

might not appeal to wealthy nobles,

but they're still high-quality brocades.

Why don't we...?

Why don't we turn

the unsold fragments

into small items,

like jewelry packaging,

sachets, or round fans?

Though they'd cost more than ordinary pouches,

they'd still be affordable for commoners.

This way, we clear out old stock and make money,

while letting ordinary people enjoy the beauty of Shu brocade.

Brilliant idea, my dear.

But relying solely on our shop's brocades

won't be enough.

We need more designs,

new or old, big or small,

as long as they're visually appealing

and reasonably priced.

You seem to have made up your mind, dear.

The fifty bolts of Yang family brocade you requested,

along with the cart,

are twenty miles outside the city.

This jade pendant is your token. Take it with you.

Let it accompany you to Chang'an.

Being able to mobilize such a sum

in such a short time...

It seems you're as rich as a kingdom.

Are you really just a simple merchant?

Mr. Zhao, you're betting everything

for the one you love,

risking it all.

Actually, we are the same type of person.

The only difference is

I want much more than you do.

So,

my stakes are naturally higher.

Half of the Zhao family's secret pattern book

is in this box.

The other half

will be handed over once the matter is settled.

Good.

Then I wish you

a smooth journey.

The Chang'an matter won't be resolved in a day or two.

What do you plan to do

in Yizhou in the meantime?

Though the Yang family is currently managed by Madam Yang,

even she has to answer to the Yang family elders.

Yang Jinglan

has refused their goodwill.

As for Ji Yingying,

she's gathered old and scrap brocades from various households.

You know her personality well.

She's not one to act without a plan.

She must have a backup move.

As soon as she makes the slightest move,

the Yang family elders will use family rules against her.

These elders...

their interests and preferences rarely align,

but

when it comes to disliking someone,

they are surprisingly united.

To them, there's only one truth:

The enemy of my enemy

is my friend.

You bribed Yang Jinglan's Send Uncle, didn't you?

No wonder they call you the Zhao family head.

You certainly have your sources.

As the head of the Zhao family, my abilities are limited.

However, I've asked my father-in-law for a favor.

Even if he's not in Yizhou,

he can still ensure your safety here.

Very well.

Then,

I wish you all the best.

All the best.

Farewell.

I won't see you out.

Sir,

Zhao Xiuyuan seems

to be doubting your identity.

He doesn't care about my identity.

What he cares about

is how to restrain his allies.

Let him be.

Oh,

do you know

where the other half of the Zhao family's pattern book is?

Our men have been keeping watch day and night.

Last night, when Zhao Xiuyuan retrieved the pattern book,

they pinpointed its location.

Once Zhao Xiuyuan leaves for Chang'an,

we'll infiltrate

and make a copy as soon as possible.

If you have something to say, speak freely.

You won't be punished.

Understood.

Sir,

your trip this time

was to strengthen our Nanzhao brocade industry.

The craftsmen and the pattern books

we've secured

are already more than sufficient.

Do we really need to acquire the Yang family's patterns?

Now that Yang Jinglan is watching us,

and even Niu Jin is avoiding confrontation,

why not

withdraw early

and return to Nanzhao?

Forgive my crossing the lines.

Enough. Stand up.

You're right.

At this point, we do have enough.

But before I set out,

I said

I wanted it all.

So,

I must have it all.

That's human nature.

Once you get used to compromise and retreat,

you'll never reach the summit.

Understood.

Delicate and compact,

both beautiful and practical.

Not bad at all.

Yingying,

you're certainly not the first

to have this idea.

But do you know

why no one has done it before?

Is it because

the profit margin for scrap brocade is so small

that they don't think it's worth it?

No.

It's because of mindset.

Just like

peddlers and laborers

don't dare dream of owning Shu brocade.

But mindsets are created from nothing.

As long as it doesn't violate morals or ethics,

it has its reason to exist.

By turning scrap brocade into small items,

we avoid waste

and let the common people enjoy the beauty of Shu brocade.

Why not do it?

Having ideas in business is a good thing,

but any new path comes with controversy.

You must think it through.

I've thought it through.

I want to give it a try.

With what resources?

Just the outdated brocade samples in your shop?

My two brothers-in-law have already agreed

to sell me unsellable brocades

and scraps from the clothing shop

at a low price.

It's no surprise Yang Jinshan agreed,

but how did you convince Yang Jinglin?

I convinced his wife.

You sure know how to target the key person.

You didn't even cover yourself before coming out.

You might catch a cold again.

Sit down.

You're serious about this, aren't you?

Ms. Ji never lies.

Now that you're a boss,

you're still doing all this yourself?

I wanted to try doing some of it myself first.

If I can make a name for it,

I'll ask Mr. Liu for help

and then share the profits with him.

He's a weaver,

so he'd definitely be good at this.

Don't underestimate these scrap brocades.

How to cut them to preserve the patterns better,

how to prevent loose threads,

and how to make them stick more securely...

these are all skills to learn.

Then let me help you.

You know how to do it?

I can wield a sword,

but I can't even handle scissors?

It's not the same thing.

How is it not the same thing?

All right...

Mr. Yang, Ms. Ji, it's time to rest.

My helper has arrived.

Come in!

Greetings, Mr. Yang, Ms. Ji.

Mr. Yang, Ms. Ji,

it's getting late.

Please rest early.

But I still have so much left to do.

The Yang family rules

forbid unnecessary overwork.

You must take care of your health.

You should leave it for tomorrow.

I remember one of the Yang family's rules is

to share the master's burdens

and endure hardships together.

Did you forget it?

Then let me help you.

All right.

Yes.

For those who follow the rules,

their cuts must be precise and square.

Dear, you truly know how to utilize people well.

All right, I have a helper now.

You should go rest.

No,

I'm not going back.

Tomorrow,

your husband

will return to the Brocade Bureau,

rising early, working late,

and not coming home at night.

So tonight, let me stay here

and look at you properly.

Let me help you instead.

Didn't you say you wanted to look at me?

Fine,

then I'll

just look at you.

Sir!

It's so late.

Why are you here?

I was just passing by

and saw the lights were on,

and the door was left open,

so I thought...

This is the Yang family's new venture.

As the head of the family,

don't I have to come take a look?

Yes, of course. Please, come in.

Learn from her!

Let's go.

Are you sticking brocade boxes?

Now this is something I'm good at!

Come, let me stick one for you.

Thank you, Sir.

- Well... - Sit down.

You've really made something of yourself.

This is a good thing.

Don't worry about Niu Jin.

Our family offers tribute to the military commissioner every year.

No matter how arrogant Niu Jin is,

he won't destroy the commissioner's

cash cow.

Indeed. Thank you, Sir.

The Yang family elders

are still the same as ever,

greedy and obsessed with appearances.

Right now,

they both need you and fear you.

No matter how high your rank is outside,

once you return to the Yang family,

they'll use all kinds of family ethics

and clan rules to suppress you.

Just seeing these people annoys me.

That's why I stay far away from them.

But if you ever run into trouble,

just push it onto me.

After all, I'm still the head of the family.

All right, we understand.

Sir,

the sticker is crooked.

Crooked?

Useless.

I'm useless here,

but I do have my uses elsewhere.

Look at this brocade box,

if the sticker is crooked,

you can peel it off and stick it again.

But a person...

when they make a mistake,

can't they

get a second chance?

In this lifetime,

what I regret most,

what I feel most sorry about,

is not understanding

what your mother truly needed.

Now that you're back,

can't you...

can't you give me a chance

to get to know my own son?

Sir, don't rush.

We've just returned to the Yang family.

Take everything slowly.

How can I not be anxious?

Whenever there's even

a slight opportunity,

I rush over excitedly.

And yet, someone doesn't appreciate it.

I haven't even eaten yet.

You must be cold.

Here's what we'll do:

I'll make you some wontons

to warm you both up.

Did he just say

"you both"?

Yes, "you both."

It's "you both"!

Take it slow.

Take it slow.

[Yizhou]

Shu brocade pouches! Brocade boxes!

Come take a look, everyone!

All made from Shu brocade!

Come and see!

Look how beautiful these pouches are!

Come on.

Mr. Bai.

How much are these Shu brocade pouches?

Twenty wen each.

Which one did you embroider?

There's no distinction.

Whichever one you pick is the one.

If I'm not mistaken,

these must be made by you

using scrap brocade

from the clothing shop.

You truly have a talent

for business.

That pouch's embroidery isn't very good.

Pick another.

No need.

I've heard

your embroidery skills

have never been particularly good.

Thank you.

Hello there.

What a delicate brocade box!

How much is it?

Thirty wen each.

That's so expensive!

Is it made of gold?

It's made from the brocade of the former Brocade Master,

the Yang family, in Yizhou City.

Miss, do you still think it's expensive?

Is this really made from the Yang family brocade?

No tricks or deception here.

When did the Yang family start selling these things?

Madam Yang is compassionate towards the people of Yizhou.

People admire the beauty of Shu brocade,

but few can afford to use it.

So, we crafted these items from scrap brocade.

Though the price is a bit high,

it's still affordable for everyone.

This way, more or less,

everyone can experience Shu brocade.

The Yang family is truly a renowned brocade household,

kind-hearted and generous.

I'll take this brocade box.

Now I can say I own some Shu brocade too.

Exactly.

This pouch here is made from the Yang family brocade.

Yeah. It's made from Yang family brocade.

How much is it?

All right.

Come again!

Want to check out the brocade boxes as well?

This brocade box is no longer for sale.

Each brocade box is 30 wen.

This brocade box

is not for sale!

Second Uncle, if you want a brocade box,

you can pick another.

This one was already chosen by this young lady.

Not only is this one not for sale,

but all the ones sold already.

I want them bought back at double the price.

Understood.

Second Uncle, what do you mean by this?

What do I mean?

Yang family brocade

is not sold piecemeal!

I cannot just stand by and watch this,

Ms. Ji.

You'll make a grave mistake!

So,

I'm here to mend the situation.

Sir,

could this be a misunderstanding?

Who gives you the right to speak?

Pack everything up.

Hold on!

My scrap brocade business

was approved by both Sir and Madam.

Does Second Uncle's authority

surpass that of the family head and the steward?

Listen to me.

My sister-in-law manages household affairs

with great effort.

She is bound to make occasional mistakes.

My eldest brother...

was deceived by this pretentious act

of yours!

I,

as a Yang family elder,

have the right to supervise!

I absolutely cannot allow a mere junior like you

to disgrace

the Yang family.

What if I refuse to comply?

Pack it up.

Thank you, Second Uncle, for supporting my business.

That'll be 300 wen.

Please pay in cash.

- Pay up! - What?

Pay up!

Ji Yingying!

My Second Uncle is wealthy.

He wouldn't lower himself to taking from a nephew's wife.

That would disgrace the Yang family.

Exactly. Pay up!

Pay up!

Pay up!

Did I say I wouldn't pay?

I'll pay.

I'll pay you.

Just you wait.

This isn't over.

Thank you, Second Uncle.

He is always domineering at home.

Ms. Ji,

you must be careful.

I am not easily bullied.

Sold out for the day.

Pack up.

Take the money.

All right.

Let's go.

Although today's matter isn't a big deal,

with a little instigation,

it could become

the start of a conflict between Ji Yingying

and the Yang family elders.

That pouch wasn't part of your plan, was it?

You and I may be cooperating,

but some things are yours,

while some things

don't belong to you.

♪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♪