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 5]

[Clear Winds and Auspicious Aura]

Prince!

Prince, where are you going?

[Carry Sunshine and Blessings]

[Cui Mansion]

Husband.

Madam.

How much did you drink? Have some water.

I don't want to.

Let me change your clothes.

Don't touch me.

I know you're not feeling well.

The wine in the jar is mellow and sweet,

but once it's in your stomach, the odor will be bad in a few hours.

The bed linens are new and still damp.

What if they stink?

Get out.

Who knows what's in the wine they're selling?

Drinking too much is bad for your health.

Next time you want to drink,

I'll tell Nanny Li to buy Xinfeng wine from the tavern and heat it.

Warm wine and a comfortable bed

are better than wandering the streets with a cold stomach.

Why don't you ask me why I drank?

It is said wine can cure a thousand sorrows.

Who doesn't face tough times?

Even the current emperor can't be happy every day.

Our house is not as grand as the one in the capital,

but we don't have to worry about food and clothing.

I've thought about this.

Once the shop is doing well, there will be enough to live on.

Once in a while we can have meat.

Then you can be at ease, play Go and visit your friends.

Why does every worry in the world

seem trivial to you?

Since we've been married,

we've never been afraid of troubling each other.

Husband, if one day you feel tired,

just let go and take time to rest.

I'll take care of everything.

Why are you looking at me?

I was just sighing.

In this world,

no one has ever told me

that I can rest when I'm tired.

You're the only one.

A humble family has its advantages.

All right, stop talking. You're drunk.

You must rest. Change your clothes and shoes, all right?

♫ 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 ♫

♫ Dreaming of playing Go throughout the four seasons ♫

♫ I wish to always accompany you ♫

♫ On this long journey ♫

Last night…

Husband.

- Madam, are you all right? - I'm fine.

Yesterday you didn't look well. Should we invite Physician Zhao to take a look?

There is no need. I'm just a little tired.

Don't worry.

Since you're tired, you need more rest.

I have to go to the porcelain shop.

Did you forget? I will take care of this family.

I was only joking.

Mrs. Cui is serious.

She started working on the porcelain before dawn. She's exhausted.

Don't listen to her. I just didn't sleep well.

Wife, you have worked hard.

Husband…

There is no need to worry about money.

As long as I win at Go, I'll provide for the family's income.

Is… Is it… Is it not enough?

Then from now on I will win more.

Liu Miantang wants to take care of the family for you?

She probably thinks I'm useless and good for nothing.

Then what did you say?

What's there to say? I couldn't refute her.

She may be meddlesome, but she knows her place.

I'll leave her alone.

Are you too lazy to refute her?

Are you enjoying this?

Cui Xingzhou, listen carefully.

Nobody in the world shares your worries but me.

From a distance, the wolves

will covet the foxes that surround you.

You are always on guard.

All of a sudden, a beautiful woman appeared.

She doesn't want to take or obtain anything.

She trusts you unconditionally.

She loves you and cares about you very much.

If it were me, I'd rather be a good for nothing too,

even though I'm already one.

I didn't realize you are so dramatic.

Can you really bear to kill such a good woman?

To be honest, it wasn't easy for a mediocre woman like her

to escape from that bandit's den.

Lu Wen has many enemies.

She was left alone, and her tendons were cut.

- Is there a need to involve her again? - That's right.

If the Liu family is found guilty, she'll become homeless.

If her reputation is tainted, she'll be shunned by society.

I should have pity on her

for she is innocent and has been dragged into this.

If she can help me capture the bandit leader, I'll…

What will you do?

I'll give her some money, and send her to a temple to live a peaceful life.

As for you,

stop seeing her

or rumors will start to spread.

Did you hear me?

[Rice]

Madam,

those in the same business despise each other.

It's best if we don't go.

Why don't we sit here and have tea?

Shopkeeper, bring a pot of tea.

All right.

["He" Porcelain Shop]

Watch the steps. Be careful.

Nanny Li, look at those two.

They're tanned and their waist pouches are full.

They visited our shop and found the best items immediately.

This shows they're ordinary porcelain merchants,

but they didn't buy anything there.

I want to find out what these experts consider as good items.

- What do you think about this? - It's not bad.

Remember to notify me when you have future stocks.

I'll notify you immediately. Take care, sir.

Dear guests, please come in.

We have the finest porcelain.

Take a look and see if you like any. I'll present them to you.

You have good taste. This is made by our most experienced craftsman.

Really?

I've seen this kiln technique in other shops. It's nothing special.

Well…

How about taking a look over there?

Xiao Ma.

Madam, you can take a look in there.

These are all fine pieces.

Take a look. How about this set?

This is quite exquisite.

What is this seal?

Give it to me.

Madam, you can look at it, but you can't touch it.

This seal marks the kiln's quality and is exclusive to royal families.

If it weren't for a flaw, you wouldn't be seeing it today.

Other shops are empty, but yours is flourishing on these royal items.

We are not the only one selling these.

Madam, you must be new here and unfamiliar with the market.

As a reminder,

be careful and buy from shops with the trade guild plaques.

- Is there a trade guild? - Yes.

There are 12 members in town with long-established brands [Porcelain]

and with reputable mutual guarantees.

As for those small workshops who didn't join the trade guild, [Porcelain]

I advise you not to waste efforts on them.

Merchants outside of Lingquan Town, who don't know this rule

shouldn't think of doing business here.

Since this is the case, I'll buy this bowl.

- All right. - How much is it?

One tael of gold.

One tael of gold?

I don't have that much money.

Could you please lower the price and sell it to me?

"He porcelain" is of the highest quality. It is worth the price.

It's not my decision.

Isn't Miss He here now?

Just talk to her nicely and then you can decide.

How do you know who I am?

When I entered, the shopkeeper was focused on the accounts.

He kept looking at you instead of serving the customers.

You're clearly in charge, and you're here to check the ledgers.

The shopkeeper couldn't serve the customers. He could only focus on the accounts.

I could also be just a manager.

How did you know I'm Miss He?

When I intentionally said your porcelain wasn't special,

you signaled to the shopkeeper to personally serve me.

Your concern for the shop's reputation and porcelain shows that you're the authority.

Would your family let an outsider run the business?

Daughters-in-law are not allowed to run the business.

So I guessed you must be Miss He.

I am He Zhen, He family's third lady.

Mrs. Cui, you're smart and meticulous. I admire that.

There is no need to pretend you are a customer.

I knew who you were when you entered the shop.

Lingquan Town isn't a big place.

A new Yushao porcelain shop and a beautiful lady who runs it.

It is difficult to not miss it.

Since this is the case, I'll be straight with you.

I'd like my workshop to be successful here.

Miss He, I would appreciate any advice you can give me.

We're both in business. You're giving me too much credit.

What if I want to join the trade guild too?

Since I'm bold to come here to meet the best in business,

I'm determined to establish Yushao Porcelain Shop in Lingquan Town.

Since you're willing to allow your shopkeeper

give me some tips for this bleak business,

you probably won't hesitate to teach me, right?

Mrs. Cui, you're frank.

Honestly, I quite like you

but you must treat the trade guild seriously.

If you really want to join,

let your husband handle it.

Frankly, my husband doesn't know much about business.

He entrusted me with the family matters.

I advise you to give up quickly.

The trade guild doesn't accept female members.

Husband.

How was business today?

N-Not bad.

Did Nanny Li tell you everything?

Don't worry. I'll find a way to join the trade guild.

That's not necessary.

Why?

Trade guild has only male members. It's not suitable for you.

I'd better deal with this tomorrow.

You?

Do you know how to fire porcelain?

How much clay is needed? How many craftsmen are required?

How many finished pieces are needed for the highest profit?

What about the workers' wages? Do you know all these?

So just play Go peacefully.

I'll take care of it.

Wife, we just started our business.

I think we can take our time.

There's no need to be impatient.

You don't understand.

If we don't join the trade guild, we'll never succeed.

These shops were set up over many years with various connections.

It's not easy to join them.

In my opinion, if we can't continue this business,

we should close the shop and find another way to make a living.

You really don't have to worry about money.

I'll give you the household money.

Even if you stay at home and don't work,

I can still support us.

I told you.

Just play Go peacefully. I'll take care of this family.

Who wants you to do that? There's no need. I tried this step.

I've tried joining the trade guild. It's complicated.

There's no need to waste your effort on this.

- At least, let me try… - Enough.

This matter has been decided. I'm going to the Go Club.

Get some early rest.

Husband.

My Lord, Madam Liu seemed upset.

She's making a fuss over nothing. She's being presumptuous.

She even expected me to make trouble with her.

Madam, you should rest early tonight.

Nanny Li,

what was my husband like in the past?

Well…

he's the same person he was before.

Is that why he was always so fickle and domineering?

No, no, no! I didn't say that.

Did we often quarrel like this?

Well, this is a private matter with your husband.

I don't know about that.

I don't know anything.

[Clear Winds and Auspicious Aura]

My Lord.

- My Lord. - Mr. He.

On behalf of the 12 members of the trade guild of Lingquan Trade,

I extend our greetings.

What are you doing, Mr. He?

Please rise.

My Lord, merchants like us don't have land or power.

We rely solely on our trades and crafts,

and yet, we still have to pay 12 different taxes.

Zhenzhou is also a military town.

Military funds are raised from taxes paid by merchants.

This burden is no longer bearable.

Mr. He, you came to visit at night and even knelt down

just to ask me to reduce the taxes?

If we can obtain your protection and approval,

all the trade guild members will serve the Imperial Court

and ease your concerns.

All right, I will consider it.

Also, tomorrow's river diversion construction is an important event for Lingquan Town.

I will allow trade guild members to join in.

My Lord, thank you for your kindness.

[Lingquan Town Porcelain Trade Guild]

Last night, Father visited the Prince of Huaiyang

and caught a cold on the way back.

Today, I'll be responsible for the Imperial tributes.

All right.

Second Master He, how should we distribute it this year?

- Yes, that's right. - How should we distribute it?

How should we fairly distribute it?

That's right.

He family is responsible for painting the fine porcelain.

Other members will follow the previous distribution.

Please complete it on time.

He family is loyal and righteous.

- We will get our fair shares too. - Yes, that's right.

- That's very righteous of them. - Exactly.

We're not the only porcelain makers in Lingquan Town.

If we don't unite, those outsiders will take advantage of us.

- Yes. - That makes sense.

Yes, I was just about to mention that.

Third Sister,

you should leave now.

Women shouldn't interfere in matters of the trade guild.

- Have some tea. - Have some tea.

It's a lovely tea.

It's fragrant.

It's refreshing and has a sweet aftertaste.

- Here. Here. - You're right.

Second Master He, someone outside claims to own Yushao Porcelain Shop and wants to see you.

This arrogant and ignorant, humble merchant finally shows some respect.

- Yes. - That's right.

Since they're here, let's meet them.

All right.

- Let's meet them. - Yes, we should meet them.

- Yes, we should. - Let's see what they look like.

A woman?

Why is it a woman?

We've never had a female member.

You must be Second Master He. I'm sorry for the interruption.

You did interrupt us.

Yushao Porcelain Shop is Cui family's business, isn't it?

Mr. Cui didn't visit in person. Could it be that…

he's upset because the trade guild didn't invite him?

She must be upset and came uninvited.

Did you see that? [Integrity is the key to wealth.]

She wasn't invited. [Honesty is the best policy.]

Why doesn't Mrs. Cui say anything? Is she deaf?

- Say something. - Now that I've heard what Second Master He just said,

I realize I misunderstood your point.

That's why I quickly checked if there were any rules against women entering

to avoid breaking the rules of the trade guild.

Even if there's no such rule,

you are the only woman here. It might be uncomfortable.

- Exactly. - Exactly.

I assumed that coming here in person would show my sincerity.

Had I known earlier you feel uncomfortable talking to a woman,

I would have sent the shop servant who sweeps the floor instead.

- What did you say? - This is inappropriate.

Sending a woman to the trade guild to talk nonsense.

Your husband must be quite useless.

- Exactly. - Really?

Then why is the third daughter of He Family running the shop, and you're here talking nonsense?

If Second Master He can sit here, then he must be excellent.

The family clearly knows the true meaning of righteousness

and believes that a capable woman can do business.

What? Am I wrong?

Is Second Master incapable, or does the family not know the true meaning of righteousness?

Second Master He, she has a sharp tongue.

Don't waste your breath on her.

Do you really want to join the trade guild?

I have faith in Yushao Porcelain Shop

and want to rely on the continuous success of the trade guild.

In the long run, a new member will also benefit the trade guild.

It's a mutually beneficial situation.

I hope you can share this with your family to consider.

All right.

Since this is the case, I have one condition.

If Yushao Porcelain Shop can sell its porcelain to the royal family,

I'll consider it and let you join the trade guild.

Gentlemen, what do you think?

It makes sense.

- Well said. - It's a deal.

You're intentionally making it difficult for her.

Since Mrs. Cui is so confident in her porcelain,

I think it shouldn't be a problem, right?

- Yes. - That's right.

- I'll be waiting for your good news. - Yes.

- I won't see you off. - Go. Just leave. Get out.

Let's see if you are capable.

Leave.

Look at her.

Mr. Cui is indeed a wise man.

Joining the guild is actually extremely difficult.

However, Mr. Cui must be well-informed and capable.

Mrs. Cui, why don't you talk to him a little more?

Spending money and effort to re-direct the river to benefit the people.

- It's amazing. - What a great deed.

I heard Prince of Huaiyang will personally preside over the groundbreaking ceremony.

Prince of Huaiyang will attend in person? [Notice]

Yes, it's wonderful. [River Re-direction]

This is great! A huge blessing!

- We will no longer fear river floodings. - That's right.

Madam!

Bicao.

- Madam. - Go to the kiln and find Mr. Chen.

Tell him to bring the big jar he fired a few days ago to the riverbank.

Yes.

Madam, you were walking too fast.

Nanny Li, don't you always say, "It's a sin! It's a sin!"?

Yes. That's right.

Send someone to catch all the koi fish in this courtyard

and go to the market later to buy all the koi fish they can find.

Madam, why… why are you doing this?

Koi fish are very expensive. Buying them all will cost a fortune.

Why be stingy when doing good deeds to atone for sins?

You…

I…

Excuse me. Please move aside.

Make way. Thank you.

Mr. He, look! Prince of Huaiyang is very efficient.

Look at how fast they are.

30,000 soldiers serving as laborers.

The re-direction of the river will be completed soon.

That's your excuse today. What about tomorrow?

Is it really possible to reconstruct Zhenzhou?

We still have Qingzhou.

General, if you give the order, I'll mobilize the men at any time.

The first shoveling symbolizes good luck and smooth progress.

General Shi, you are our honored guest.

All right.

- Great! - Great!

May the work be completed soon and bring peace and prosperity to Zhenzhou!

- Great! - Well said!

Our Lingquan Trade Guild has also prepared a gift.

We hope General Shi will accept it.

Prince of Huaiyang has thought of everything.

Did you see him?

It's too far and too many people. I can't see.

Is that Prince of Huaiyang?

Yes.

What time is it now?

It's around noon.

I offered congratulations and did the first shoveling.

It's time to return to Qingzhou.

Please wait.

General, will you report to the Imperial Court when you return?

- I can do that. - Please wait.

General Shi, thank you for the great report,

- but I'm not the only contributor to this project. - Fine.

Dredging has produced lots of silt.

We must thank the merchants

for lending their boats to transport the silt.

General Shi, please praise them as well.

- My Lord, we… - Mr. He,

this will serve the Imperial Court and ease my worries.

Fine.

There are koi fish! There are koi fish!

- There are koi fish. - It's truly a sign of good fortune.

Heaven blesses Zhenzhou!

- Yes. - That's right.

My Lord,

you really went to great lengths for this ceremony.

Since this is auspicious, let's catch them.

Okay, fine. Go and catch them.

Yes.

Excuse us. Please make way.

What are you doing?

Soldiers, it's your time to contribute.

- Be careful. - General, we caught the fish.

Bring the jar over here. Hurry up.

General, a woman in the crowd brought a porcelain jar. She said it would enhance the good fortune.

- Bring it here now. - Yes.

This is great.

Congratulations, My Lord, and General, for the auspicious sign.

General Shi, you are truly a blessing to me.

What a great omen.

[Yushao Porcelain Shop]

My Lord! My Lord!

The woman who brought this porcelain jar is still out there. She asked for a small reward.

- Give it to her. - My Lord,

since she brought the auspicious sign in person,

we should reward her in person as well.

Bring her here.

Yes.

Madam, please come with me.

She will be rewarded.

She's just an common merchant. There's nothing special about meeting her, right?

My Lord, this auspicious sign is a rare good omen.

It's a great fortune for an common merchant to be so lucky.

Let's consider it a good start

for the river re-direction

and reward her properly.

Of course.

Fine.

I was overjoyed this morning, and I am feeling nervous.

I'll be taking a break.

All right.

Don't look back.

General, she's here.

- You may leave. Yes.

I'm Madam Liu, owner of Yushao Porcelain Shop.

It's rare to receive this auspicious sign.

I would like to ask His Lord for a small reward for good luck.

Take it. It's from His Lord.

[Xuanwen Zhongbao Coin]

Thank you.

Thank you, My Lord, for the reward.

Let's go.

I told you to watch her and not let her make a scene.

I kept her to capture Lu Wen.

Should I stop being a prince and play house with her every day?

- Forgive me, My Lord. - What "Lord"? What's with the propriety?

I… I thought Madam Liu released the koi fish to atone for sins.

She also said around noon was an auspicious time.

I thought she would release the koi fish upstream. You were downstream…

and wouldn't be affected.

She said koi fish release would atone for sins, and you believed her?

Well… Many sins were committed.

Yes, I made a mistake,

but no matter how much I tried to pull or persuade her,

Madam Liu did not yield. She insisted on joining the trade guild.

Actually, she did this for the prince…

It's meant to help Cui Jiu make a living.

Just persuade her and coax her.

It's more effective than anything I say.

Where is she?

The business transaction is complete. [Xuanwen Zhongbao Coin]

Our Madam received this coin from Prince of Huaiyang.

Second Master He, your family should honor your promise.

When did He family make you a promise?

- Mr. He. - Father.

Second Master He said if Yushao Porcelain Shop can sell its porcelain to the royal family,

we would be able to join the trade guild.

He was just joking with you on that day.

She took it seriously.

He gave you a way out so that everyone could leave peacefully.

Mrs. Cui, did you take it seriously?

Please go back.

The trade guild is very busy these days.

I've witnessed the reputation of the trade guild.

Let's go.

- Go. Leave. - Mr. He, did you see that?

What a stubborn woman.

Husband.

Wife,

today you received a reward from Prince of Huaiyang.

Did Nanny Li tell you that?

Yes.

She also said you met Prince of Huaiyang in person.

He has a pot-belly and is also rather straightforward.

When I asked him for a reward, he simply gave it to me.

Wife, you went to such lengths

just to join the trade guild?

Did you know a large trade guild can even break its promise?

All right, all right. I understand.

You didn't take any of my words to heart.

Wife,

staying in and watching this house

should be good enough, right?

Don't think about trading or even joining the guild, all right?

Why?

You used to support me in running a business.

When I mention the trade guild now, it seems to touch a nerve.

Cui Jiu, what are you afraid of?

I…

Could it be that your past encourages were just to please me?

Do you lose your dignity now that I often go out to work?

If that's what you think, I have nothing to say.

Cui Jiu, I've never blamed you for being lazy.

I'm willing to protect you and share your worries,

but I don't want to think of you as a coward.

You want to establish yourself, but you fear the trade guild,

and you hide behind the disguise of a dandy.

You also sweet-talk me and say nice things,

but at crucial moments, you still don't let your wife appear in public.

Is my husband such a person?

Yes, I am. Is there a problem?

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? ♫

♫ 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 ♫