Original subtitles

Timing and Subtitles by the "Are You My Soulmate?" Team @ Viki

"Drifting through the Willow Trees" by Zhou Shen

♫ Yesterday, I smelled flowers falling along the river, tinting the clear ripples red ♫

♫ For whom are the sparrows and swallows singing in celebration? ♫

♫ I sit at home as calm years pass, and the lively city turns quiet ♫

♫ No one understands the outline of love like I do ♫

♫ If one day the river and winds meet ♫

♫ It's a reminder I am not just a reflection in a mirror ♫

♫ Dreams can be shattered and even memories can fade away ♫

♫ The rich scent and light ink writing ♫

♫ Are moments of everyday life captured through the red window ♫

[Are You the One]

[Episode 4]

Is there anyone here?

Are you Sir Chen Shi, "Retired Scholar Hates Brush"?

[Throw Away the Ink]

Retired Scholar Hates Brush.

Your nickname suits you well.

The brush is so hateful.

I wish I could break it and never paint again.

Fangxie.

I have some thoughts on this painting.

I wonder if you would be willing to hear them.

Please go ahead.

Later, I'll have to chop wood and cook.

In the eyes of this dragonfly, I see a graceful figure.

A woman holding an umbrella.

You have sharp eyes.

Your Highness, it seems this trip is not related to the bandits.

She came just for the painting.

Why is she looking at the painting?

Your brushwork is superb,

but in my opinion, the most artistic part of the painting is not the dragonfly's eyes.

It's the seal. [Retired Scholar Hates Brush]

I didn't expect you to be an expert in seal carving too.

My husband is in the porcelain business.

You are skilled at carving porcelain seals.

If you apply this skill to our porcelain, you'll become famous in Zhenzhou.

Honestly, our porcelain shop is not doing well.

Many shops have already closed.

We came to Lingquan Town to make a new start.

My husband is a kind man.

He wanted to make me feel secure and clear my name,

so he spent all our remaining money to host a grand banquet.

He hid this from me, and yet he gave me the best house,

and the most expensive scented powder.

However, he must face the end of our business alone.

Now, he is even playing Go.

If we don't succeed in Lingquan Town,

I'm afraid my husband will suffer inside.

As his wife, I've spent his fortune,

and my dowry won't be enough for a new start.

All I have is my sincerity. I hope to inspire you to make use of your divine skills,

to help us rebuild our business.

There are many who can carve seals.

Why did you choose me?

Is it because of the dragonfly in this painting?

I guess the graceful woman is your wife, isn't she?

The dragonfly is near the water, but its eyes don't see the lotus.

When you're in love with someone, you can only see them.

Cui Jiu is truly blessed.

If you agree, I will pay you generously.

I don't agree.

Sir.

Sir.

Sir.

Initially, I could have achieved great things,

but I loved painting.

My wife was understanding.

At that time, she believed in me, just like you do now,

so I painted for ten years, but I never made a name for myself.

We lived in a shabby house, and struggled to make ends meet.

Even when my wife was gravely ill, I couldn't afford medicine.

My wife, like you, has given everything for a worthless man.

In the end, she was buried here alone,

left to the wind and rain.

So forgive me,

but I can't agree.

Sir, my husband is not a worthless man.

If he wants to save your business, why didn't he come with you?

Sir, you misunderstand.

My husband, he…

- He just… - Just arrived late.

I'm Cui Jiu.

I hope you will use your skills to fulfill my wife's wish.

Madam Liu, wait.

- What are you trying to do? - What do you mean?

Madam Liu and I were appreciating the painting,

and you suddenly appeared and ruined the mood.

Are you jealous?

I arranged everything so she could find Lu Wen,

and you took her to see the painting.

If I didn't show up, given her temper, she would come every day.

How can I catch Lu Wen?

That's your problem.

It has nothing to do with me.

You did it on purpose.

I'm a physician.

Doctors have compassion.

I can't stand to see my patients being used and ending up badly.

Don't do it again.

Why should I listen to you?

I make my own rules.

I'll do it every day to annoy you.

Don't meet Zhao anymore.

We are husband and wife.

He should stay within his limits.

He even made excuses to take you to visit that painter.

He almost…

He almost broke my rules.

You too.

It was my fault.

I was only thinking about the shop, so you misunderstood.

Fortunately, you came.

Retired Scholar Hates Brush finally agreed, asking us only the price of a painting.

- Are you jealous? - No.

Not at all.

Husband, is something troubling you?

Why do you ask?

I have noticed your mood has been changing lately.

Sometimes you smile, sometimes you frown.

You always hold back things you want to say. As if you've been attacked,

and feel wronged, but have no one to talk to.

You're overthinking.

I know you're hiding something from me.

It's fine if you don't want to tell me.

I just hope one day, we'll be open with each other.

Husband, you can trust me.

Whatever challenges we face, I'll be with you wholeheartedly.

As long as we stand together as one, we'll overcome it.

Thank you.

And…

remember to take Physician Zhao's medicine promptly.

It'll help you recover faster.

Don't mention that Physician Zhao again.

I'm perfectly fine.

Hurry! Hurry! Get ready to set sail. [Lingquan Town]

On my way.

Come on, watch your step.

- Thank you. - Come on.

Slow down.

What are you waiting for? Get on the boat.

Wait a little longer.

General Huang.

How is Lady Liu?

She has been staying in the house.

There are no signs of leaving.

How are things here?

They're all there.

They are waiting for our Sister-in-law.

Your Highness.

Keep watching.

- Yes. - Yes.

If Liu Miantang dares to come, she won't leave.

By then, we can either feed her to the fish, or take her to the master.

The decision will be yours.

She hasn't shown up yet.

Could it be she's completely forgotten the Mount Yang code?

Young Master…

Miss.

No more waiting. Let's go.

Why aren't they waiting anymore?

Did they spot us?

Hold on!

Wait, wait!

Hurry up! Hurry up!

Slow down.

You are wise, Your Highness.

Your Highness, look.

The General of Qingzhou. Shi Yikuan.

The General of Qingzhou? [Cui Mansion]

Who is this?

He is like Qingzhou's Prince of Huaiyang.

Qingzhou is next to our Zhenzhou. There have been problems with bandits in the past.

I've heard the General and Prince of Huaiyang have been competing to catch the bandits.

If I were them, why bother with the bandits?

- I would just burn Mount Yang to the ground. - Very impressive.

- Look at you! - Aren't I clever?

Why are you still sitting here?

Cui Porcelain Shop is now open. Why not join the fun?

- It's open? Let's go take a look. - Let's go. Go.

Where did you hear that?

Everyone's talking about it.

What a lively scene!

[Yushao Porcelain Shop]

Take a look!

Freshly made! Come and see!

Look at all these people.

Let's go.

Madam Cui, may your business prosper!

- Take your time. - Sure.

Its success depends on your help, ladies.

Of course.

[Five taels]

Of course.

It's quite expensive!

"With jade pillow and gauze canopy, one feels the cool breeze through the night."(T/N: From Song Dynasty poet Li Qingzhao)

This porcelain cushion is smooth as jade, its color slightly lighter than sky blue.

A top-quality item. Madam Yin, you have an eye for quality.

Of course.

In my porcelain workshop, each piece undergoes 72 stages, all personally supervised by me.

Rest assured and take your pick.

Who would have thought Madame Cui has become an expert in such a short time?

Look. This is beautiful.

Why is your husband absent again on such a joyous day?

He has been learning Go from a famous master.

He was busy studying and couldn't be here.

Let me take you all inside to see.

- Sure! - Let's go.

Your Highness, the leader has left. Will Lu Wen still come?

Knowing Lu Wen, he will not end this so easily.

Besides, Liu Miantang reacted to that code.

Let's wait and see.

It's so beautiful.

Indeed, it's quite nice.

I heard the garrison's nephew has gone missing.

That man is probably off somewhere causing trouble.

It's true.

His family has been searching for days.

I bet he offended someone.

Your Highness, Chen Tu has disappeared.

Didn't you say to leave him alone?

What does his disappearance have to do with me?

Young man.

You've eaten three buns at my front door.

Do you want to come inside?

- I…

We've just opened. Come in and take a look.

Please.

Your Highness, she invited our shadow guard inside.

This…

Do you like this design?

This is a special design we made for the grand opening.

This design…

To be honest, I got the inspiration from a night lamp.

It looks very festive at home, too.

Was it printed on porcelain?

Yes! Isn't it beautiful?

Liu Miantang really knows how to do business.

Apparently, she cannot remember these codes.

I'm sorry.

It's all right if it breaks.

Today we only sold one set.

If we lose one, we'll consider it sold.

Madam, it's time. Should we close up?

Prepare for closing.

Would you like to take a look at the porcelain?

This piece is quite unique.

How many are there?

You have a sharp eye.

This design is exclusive to our shop. Ten sets in total.

I'll take them all.

All right, please wait a moment.

I'll wrap them in gold foil for you.

Today, we had a great opening.

I asked Nanny Li to buy bones for soup.

Husband, you won't believe it.

The porcelain set I made on a whim was a great seller.

They all sold out.

Even the sample we used has been taken.

Please.

Husband, speaking of porcelain designs and customer preferences,

you may need to work harder.

But it's all right. I'm here.

Once Retired Scholar Hates Brush's carved series is presented,

our business will continue to flourish.

We'll be able to eat meat every day.

You're indeed good at business.

Why don't I make another set of printed porcelain

as our shop's signature item?

- Are you all right, Husband? - Liu, come out!

Come out now!

- Madam! - Madam!

Who is it?

Madam!

It's that Chen Tu who caused a scene at the banquet.

His uncle brought people here.

- Open the door. I'll handle it. - Madam!

He's after me. I'll deal with him.

- Open the door! Open up! - Open it!

- Hurry! Open the door! - Quick, open it!

Garrison Chen, is that right?

It turns out you're a lowly seductress.

Where did you hide my nephew?

Hand him over.

What a joke! Your nephew has legs of his own.

I didn't tie him up.

Why are you asking me?

You know better than I do about his immoral behavior.

He probably did something shameful and fled in fear of being caught by the authorities.

How dare you!

Do you even know who I am?

Let me tell you.

In this territory, there's nothing I, Chen Zhongyuan, can't control.

Even Prince of Huaiyang is my sworn brother.

If you don't hand over my nephew today,

I'll have you thrown into prison

subjected to all kinds of torture.

Let's see if you're still so bold.

Garrison Chen, you're so bold.

What are you planning to do?

Prince of Huaiyang?

Even if Prince of Huaiyang has some ties with you,

he won't show you any favoritism in this matter.

Don't you know what your nephew did?

He broke into a home and assaulted a woman.

According to the law, that is 100 lashes and 3 years of labor.

Such illegal activity cannot be tolerated.

Though I am just a commoner, I will fight this matter to the end.

I'll report it and ask Prince of Huaiyang to judge.

I was only trying to scare the woman.

I had no other malicious intent.

You didn't scare me.

It's the continuous noise that's been bothering me.

Let's go.

- Wise decision. - Wise decision.

Garrison Chen is retreating.

It means that if Prince Huaiyang finds out about this, he won't be able to bear the consequences.

This shows that Prince of Huaiyang is honest and impartial.

He openly harassed innocent people, and claimed to be close friends with Prince of Huaiyang.

Being friends with someone like him

shows that Prince of Huaiyang must often turn a blind eye for him to do this.

"A crooked beam will lead to a crooked roof."

If a garrison is like this, how can Prince of Huaiyang be trusted?

Enough about him.

Come back and eat. The food is cold.

Close the door.

Your Highness, this morning, the General of Qingzhou stayed at the official mansion

and sent you a visiting card

for your mother's birthday. [Visiting Card]

Shi Yikuan has never praised you in court. [Shi Yikuan has come to congratulate you.]

Why did he take the initiative to be attentive this time?

That's just an excuse.

He is here to reprimand me.

Those bandits who left Zhenzhou must be up to something more important

than finding Liu Miantang.

[Yushao Porcelain Shop]

[Game Record]

Madam.

Master. I've prepared some food.

Please have some.

Put it away.

Madam.

How was business today?

Nanny Li, you are the third person to enter today.

It's normal for a new shop to have slow business.

Yesterday, the entire set on that table sold out.

I thought today would be even better.

A customer who can buy ten sets at once is rare.

I just said yesterday's sales were good,

but I never mentioned it was bought by one person.

How did you know?

I…

I heard it from someone.

- Fangxie? - Yes.

Fangxie.

But after the shop closed yesterday, Fangxie went back to her hometown.

Where did you see her?

Husband, do you know that customer?

Husband?

What? No.

Moru?

Madam.

Yesterday, you were with Master all day, weren't you?

Yes, I never left his side for a moment.

I had a friend buy them.

I thought my sales were good.

Well… Madam, Master did it

because he cares about you.

He was worried about your business, so he found someone to support it.

He did it because he loves you.

Yes, yes.

Master was worried all day yesterday, so he found someone.

I…

didn't want you to worry.

No matter the intention,

the fact is that our goods cannot be sold.

Finding someone to pretend and deceive me.

It was all a false show.

You… Don't you like it?

Who likes being deceived,

especially from someone they share a daily life with?

Husband,

don't deceive me in the future, all right?

Master would never deceive you.

Yes.

Master isn't a liar.

As long as we work together and run the business well,

things will continue to improve.

Prince of Huaiyang's residence hasn't been this lively for a long time.

It's all because of your deep family ties.

As the old saying goes, "When celebrating a birthday, deep family ties are important."

"Children and grandchildren bring lasting fortune."

My fortune lies with you.

Mother, don't worry. I will manage the residence very well.

I trust you to manage the residence.

I'm saying that after your wedding with Binglan

you two should live harmoniously, and have a son or daughter.

Then I'll truly be at ease.

She's scheming and can surely hold onto her position.

You always think others are scheming.

Binglan is just a simple girl.

All right, all right.

Madam.

Xingzhou.

Guests shouldn't be kept waiting for an occasion like this.

Madam.

I want to see the birthday gift my ninth brother prepared for you.

I heard he put a lot of effort into it.

Mother. Please.

[Longevity]

Thank you, Fifth Brother.

Ninth Brother.

"Orchids bring spring to a room."

"Pines and cypresses bring longevity."

Consort Dowager is like a pine. His Highness is like a cypress.

May you have a long life and remain evergreen.

Good.

Yes.

Like the pine and cypress, towering and proud, watching over our Zhenzhou people.

Let's raise a glass to the Consort Dowager and His Highness.

- Of course. - Of course.

Of course. Come on.

To the Consort Dowager.

To His Highness.

Look at these people.

It sounds like they're celebrating your birthday.

Compared to previous years, guests this year are indeed fewer.

Don't worry.

A distinguished guest hasn't arrived yet.

Consort Dowager.

Your Highness.

General Shi.

I wish you longevity and radiance like the sun and moon.

May I have a cup of longevity wine?

General Shi. Of course.

We've been waiting for you.

All right.

I'm late and willing to accept self-punishment.

- Please, sit down. - Good, good.

General Shi.

Good, good.

Good.

Peony wine.

Good wine indeed.

Peonies signify wealth and honor.

I hope His Highness will obtain great wealth

with singers and dancers

and live an idle life of luxury.

An idle life of luxury?

Is he here to force you to disband your troops?

General Shi, you've long been stationed in Qingzhou.

You've traveled a long way to celebrate this birthday.

This makes me feel uneasy.

There's no need to be uneasy.

I'm just an ordinary person who enjoys leisure.

Unlike you, who has a stern face

and worries about bandits day and night.

Until Mount Yang bandits are cleared, I dare not relax.

That rat Lu Wen.

We attacked him from both sides. I don't know where he fled to.

You should take it easier in the future, Your Highness.

The Emperor often says the people are the country's foundation.

We serve the court. We should take it upon ourselves

to benefit the people.

Since everyone knows that, hurry and persuade His Highness.

The bandit threat has diminished.

Keeping so many soldiers is useless,

and a waste of resources.

Besides, the Emperor and the Empress Dowager

also feel that His Highness is acting improperly.

Today is my mother's birthday.

Unexpectedly, General Shi continues to reprimand me.

Someone!

Moyao.

Cui Xingzhou. What are you doing?

[Zhenzhou Map]

Mother,

I'm unfilial.

The birthday gift was prepared hastily.

I hope you won't blame me.

When the late Prince of Huaiyang was alive,

he instructed me to consider the welfare of Zhenzhou people as my duty.

Lingquan Town, located in the south of Zhenzhou,

suffers from annual flooding. Whenever it rains, it floods.

Today is Mother's birthday, so I'm determined to invest manpower and funds

to maintain the river, and re-direct the waterways for the people's benefit

to repay my parents' teachings.

Good, good.

How commendable.

He loves the people as if they were his own children.

Indeed.

Please put it away for Mother.

Waterway restoration benefits agriculture, water conservation,

trade, and transportation in Zhenzhou.

Taxes can also increase.

If that's the case, Qingzhou under General Shi will also benefit.

A good thing indeed.

It's such a good thing. You should have it arranged.

I wonder what General Shi thinks about it.

I'm here to offer birthday greetings.

I talked out of a moment's thought.

I didn't realize it would be unnecessary.

It seems His Highness has already considered this.

In a peaceful age,

even the Emperor is reluctant to waste resources on soldiers.

How could I be any different?

It's a good opportunity to use these soldiers for labor,

ease the Emperor's worries and eliminate Zhenzhou's defects.

What's not to like?

Soldiers for labor is a way to reduce troops.

I've decided, and I'm willing to do it for the people's benefit.

Good.

Since it's beneficial,

I'd like to stay longer to see how the river project develops.

This way, I can report your merit to the court.

Very well.

You are most welcome.

Let's all raise our glasses.

Come on.

- Come on. - Of course!

Good.

Cousin.

- Cousin. - Cousin.

You just had some wine. The wind will give you a headache.

I've made a hangover soup myself.

Thank you. Put it down.

Sit down.

Earlier, I saw that rude man bothering you.

I was quite distressed.

Those drinking guests are just flatterers,

and don't know the difficulties you face.

So you understand?

Of course.

Though I'm a woman, I'll try my best to help you.

Father has some connections in the Ministry of War

and can speak before the Empress Dowager.

If they make a plea on your behalf, you will…

There is no need. Thank you.

It's not hot anymore.

Cousin.

Someone told me the servant behind you went to Lingquan City recently.

I'm sure it's because you wanted to buy porcelain.

Did you find something you like? If not, I can help you choose.

It's fine. I've already bought it.

Good. That's good.

Cousin.

If there's anything you need in the future, just let me know.

I understand.

All right.

I'll go back now.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

These are invitations from the guests.

Everyone wants to invite you.

Aunt Lian wants to seek a post for two cousins. [To His Highness | To Cousin Xingzhou]

Consort Dowager hopes for closer ties between the family, and requests your assistance.

What else?

- Sir Lian is drunk. - I won't see him.

Yes.

What are you staring at?

I'm His Highness' uncle and future father-in-law.

Go and report it quickly.

Hurry!

His Highness is resting now. Please go back.

If today is not convenient, then I'll come tomorrow.

His Highness, rest early.

I'll come again tomorrow.

Like father, like son.

The old Prince of Huaiyang had the same demeanor.

Binglan, you're the future princess consort.

You must know all the women around His Highness.

It's best if you can hold their agreements.

If not, similar to that mistress from Lingquan Town,

don't let your guard down.

My sister failed to manage things well

and she ended up poorly. You've seen that.

Shumo said that woman was a mechant's wife who was captured by bandits.

She relies on her beauty to amuse men.

No matter how favored, she's not worth mentioning.

I don't want to disturb Cousin or upset him.

Binglan, you're the future Princess of Huaiyang.

Before your marriage, a nameless woman distracts your husband.

Can you really swallow this anger?

It's my fault for being confused.

I was afraid the old Prince of Huaiyang was a player, and exchanged my marriage with my sister.

Now, with your father's weak position,

my sister has taken the title that should have been mine,

enjoying a grand birthday celebration.

Otherwise, today's celebration would have been mine.

Mother, Aunt, is my only support.

Don't let her hear this.

Mother, I won't repeat your mistakes.

As long as I can become the princess,

nothing else matters.

Timing and Subtitles by the "Are You My Soulmate?" Team @ Viki

"A Lifelong Promise" by Cai Ziyi

♫ The boat drifts along the river, returning with the sunset ♫

♫ When we reunite, we still joke about cause and effect ♫

♫ Who happens to pass by, turning around as the begonias fall? ♫

♫ Loving the wrong person is part of life's twists and turns ♫

♫ Who hasn't lived in the clouds and held snow for thousands of miles? ♫

♫ Tough to stay together, easy to part by way of spring waters and fall trials ♫

♫ Under the moonlight, the couple's hearts unite with the stars ♫

♫ The long-hidden light in your eyes flickers to life ♫

♫ Don't ask how many flowers bloomed in the front courtyard last night ♫

♫ Don't pursue shadows in the stream, half a life of mist covered with water ♫

♫ Let go of the endless dust and chaos ♫

♫ My lifelong wish is to reach the sky and beyond ♫

♫ Who hasn't lived in the clouds and held snow for thousands of miles? ♫

♫ Tough to stay together, easy to part by way of spring waters and fall trials ♫

♫ Under the moonlight, a couple stays together without feeling tired ♫

♫ Dreaming of playing Go throughout the four seasons ♫

♫ I wish to always accompany you on this long journey ♫