Original subtitles

team credit

song title

♫ Flowers falling by the river again ♫♫ Turning the clear waves red ♫

♫ Sparrows singing in celebration ♫

♫ Calm years pass by the silent bustling city ♫♫ Sitting at home ♫

♫ No one knows love's outline like I do ♫

♫ If one day the river breeze blows again ♫

♫ I won't be a mere reflection in the mirror ♫

♫ Dreams can shatter; Memories remain ♫

♫ Rich fragrance aids; Light ink writes ♫

♫ In the deep red windows lies mundane dust ♫

[Episode 6]

We have two more dishes today.

Master and Madam, please enjoy.

What's the matter? Not to your liking?

The dish is a bit oily.

It would be better with some rice.

Here.

Jiu, have you tried the crab roe rice I made?

No.

Today...

You...

Never mind, I will talk to her later.

I know I sounded harsh just now.

But I meant it for your own good, Miantang.

If you don't want to listen, I won't say it then.

Cui Jiu.

Did I ever like you?

I remember being very reluctant to marry you then.

But when I woke up, I forgot all about the past.

But knowing how much you've done for my treatment.

I felt grateful and fortunate, believing I had married the right person.

I want to be good to you,

but I have forgotten how to get along with you.

I try to learn from the ordinary couples,

but somehow,

the more I try to get close to you, the more distant I feel.

Today, I have a sense of certainty.

What certainty?

Jiu is not my kind of man.

In my heart, I want to return the favor.

But even so, I will do my duty as your wife.

If you mind, we can get a divorce.

I will repay you for all the money spent on my treatment.

Where are you going - Go sleep in the study.

Not necessary. I will go.

Waking me up in the middle of the night, you'd better give me a good explanation.

you'd better give me a good explanation.

Liu Miantang is not stupid.

She has sensed that she has no feelings for me.

She also told me that from now on,

I would be seen as her benefactor.

She wants to have separate rooms with you.

Then you are angry.

I am happy.

She always brings up these matters to me.

I have to play house with her. I'm really tired of it.

It's best this way for now.

When I get news from Fan Hu, if she is still useful,

I can have her do everything for me since I helped her.

What are you going to do next?

She is just a pawn.

Once I catch Lu Wen, I'll take this burden off completely.

Just a pawn?

I can see that you're treating her like a rival.

Sir, may I...

Jiu?

What are you doing here?

Just passing through.

Is there anything I can do for you?

Not at all. I'll find you some books.

[Porcelain Pattern -The Story of Cui Yingying and Student Zhang]

Are you putting me on a pedestal?

You are my husband. I should do this for you.

Why are you standing there, Jiu?

Just take a look.

Madam.

Madam, the goods are all here.

These are all newly fired.

I have a sense of certainty.

Jiu is not my kind of man.

Madam.

This batch of blue-green porcelain has a touch of purple.

They are top quality, and were sent to you once they were finished.

Very good.

Go ahead and keep going.

Be careful and slow down.

Be careful.

Madam. Just put the rest outside.

Yes.

I know why you're here today.

Why?

Don't worry, I haven't secretly contact the trade guild.

I promise not to reach out to them again.

I hope you'll keep your promise.

The study is too cold. I'll stay at the Go Club for a few nights.

[Yushao Porcelain Shop]

These auspicious symbols are truly different from other koi fish.

With them by your side, Aunt is sure to live a long, healthy life.

That's so sweet.

Xingzhou, come here.

Share in the good fortune of these mascots.

If mother likes it, just take it.

This porcelain tank looks well made.

I heard it's from a small out-of-town shop.

Maybe next time, we can order a set of porcelain.

That's just an ordinary porcelain shop. Every shop in Lingquan Town can do that.

Yes.

Aunt, this coloring is a bit rough.

If it weren't for luck, how could it match the auspicious symbols?

I remember, in my mansion, there happens to be an ancient porcelain tank. The color is pretty.

I can bring it over and replace this one.

Since it's an antique, cousin, just keep it for yourself.

The coloring is a bit rough, but it wins in its naturalness.

Mother is right.

I really should share the good fortune.

You don't know how good I've been.

Mr. Xue, maybe you go in and have a look?

Why don't you go? - Alright, alright.

Niece Zhen.

There's no need of that here. Go see Mr. He.

Hurry up, hurry up. Go in and see him.

Go ahead.

What do you think we should do?

Please.

His Lordship accompanied the Consort Dowager to the morning incense.

Please wait here for a moment.

Father, are you okay?

Do you feel unwell?

Father, do not worry too much.

I think His Lordship won't push us too hard.

I have been detained for so long.

His Lordship still refuses to see me.

The reason why His Lordship is holding us, and showing us his iron fist

is to set an example for the other members.

Otherwise, as the head of the trade guild,

how can you be convinced in the future?

Furthermore, if His Lordship really wants to push us too hard,

how could he have allowed me to see you?

Good for you knowing everything.

My Lord. - Mr. He.

After thinking all night, have you figured it out?

My Lord. It's not that the trade guild refuses to lend the ships,

but we really can't afford the loss.

The majestic He Family in Lingquan Town is still bargaining with our mountain fastness

over a ransom of just a thousand taels.

My boss said that if no one redeems you by tonight,

you will be mine!

No water transport, you still have land transport.

Zhenzhou is mountainous.

One mountain walk will destroy half of the porcelains.

Where there is water, there is flooding.

If you don't lend out the ships, it will be the common people who suffer.

Out of love and righteousness, we should lend the ships.

But considering the future livelihood of the trade guild,

I hope Your Lordship will understand our position.

Lending the ships is an act of righteousness.

As you are also the people of Zhenzhou, I cannot act unjustly.

I will the river to be cleaned to minimize your losses.

Furthermore, this year's taxation will be reduced by 20%

to offset the costs of ship chartering and diversion.

Father, His Lordship is sensible and considerate.

In this way, we have no worries.

Thank you, My Lord.

You have a good daughter.

How are you taking care of our father?

Today...

If it weren't for Zhen,

I, an old man,

might have met my end in the Mansion of Lord Huaiyang.

About the business matters,

I am powerless now.

It's time to hand it over to you,

the younger generation.

Father, are you handing over the management of our porcelain shop?

My son.

Starting today,

He's Porcelain Shop will be managed by you.

Zhen, you should give him some help.

Father, you can trust me with this.

However, I've never dealt with the nobility, dignitaries, squires,

or the seniors of Zhenzhou before.

Please assist me with this.

Madam, is this land really worth it?

The scenery here is picturesque. [Final Deed]

I liked it as soon as I saw it.

I asked Fangxie to inquire about it earlier.

Lord Huaiyang wants to clean up the river,

and has asked the porcelain shops in Lingquan to lend ships.

If that happens, cleaning the river will be difficult, and porcelain shops have no ships.

Even if they borrow them from other towns, it will be time-consuming and costly.

It will also be difficult to find the suitable ships.

So, the water transport won't work.

Tell me, what else can the porcelain shops do?

The river is under restoration,

and all the cargo ships from 12 members have been requisitioned.

Ships in Qingzhou cannot be borrowed in the short term.

With the water transport not being an option, we can only choose the land transport.

We have explored various options, and found

that the land in Shuangling Village, located in the southern suburbs,

is the flattest and smoothest, with the shortest distance.

So, it's the best choice for land transport.

That piece of land is indeed very good. - Yes.

In that case, just buy that piece of land.

Young Mr. He, Shuangling Village has been bought by someone else.

- What? - What?

- What? - How could this happen?

- Who bought it? - Liu Miantang.

- From Yushao Porcelain Shop. - Liu Miantang?

It's her again.

[Cui Mansion]

I'm here to see Mrs. Cui.

Madam is sick today, and won't be going out, or seeing anyone.

Your Madam occupied the land of the trade guild.

Occupied? Madam had bought the land before the ships were requisitioned,

and had no idea that the trade guild would use it.

However, Madam told me that if there is something important to discuss,

just go tell the trade guild.

She said...Mr. He had told her that women should not be out in the public.

Business matters are not suitable for her, so she adheres to the proper conduct of a woman,

and will not see any of you.

She was so quick to act.

Have a look.

She is quick to respond.

It's disgraceful.

The deed is in her hands.

If she refuses to let us go, what should we do?

- Yes. - Yes.

Just drag it out. Let's see who gives in first!

But the goods can't wait.

We've got orders piling up in the shops. How can we drag it out?

Yes.

She is opposing us on everything.

All right.

Well, Zhen. You are a woman

so I'm leaving this matter for you to handle.

Yes.

Madam said originally that she won't meet guests.

But Miss He sent ginseng as well as cubilose.

Our Madam said that she can't bear to refuse you even if she is not feeling well.

Please.

Miss He.

Mrs. Cui.

I haven't seen you for just a few days.

How did you get so sick?

Please have a seat.

I have an old disease, and it flares up from time to time.

When it does, I get a headache and can't even get up.

Thank you, Miss He, for coming to see me personally.

Please forgive me for any slight.

You are not feeling well. Just lie down and rest.

Miss He, there's something you might not know.

I've spent a lot of money on this illness in the capital.

I've nearly spent all my husband's money.

Fortunately, I met a good doctor. He gave me a prescription.

But those herbs need to be planted

in a place with lush aquatic plants,

away from the hustle and bustle of carriages and horses.

The herbs must be carefully tended to in order to preserve the efficacy.

And I must be fated to live.

Some time ago, I bought a good piece of land.

It can grow herbs to help me keep on living.

So Mrs. Cui, you're saying that the piece of land in Shuangling Village

is used to plant life-saving herbs.

Yes.

Anyone who insists on passing there would really harm the Madam's life.

Miss He, you came to see me this time, is also about the land, isn't it?

Mrs. Cui. A straightforward person does not resort to insinuations.

The river is now being excavated. All the ships have been requisitioned.

The porcelain in our town cannot be sent.

As time goes by, the tribute will be delayed,

which could lead to a great sin of decapitation.

The land in Shuangling Village is also vital for us.

Miss He, you are open and bright.

Since it is vital to both of us, why should we restrict each other?

I just want to run my business well.

If we can get royal orders like the 12 members of the trade guild,

and do business uprightly and honestly,

then my old illness will get better, even with just some common herbs.

Mrs. Cui, are you threatening me?

I had no other choice.

For women in this world, there are already many difficulties, especially in business.

Miss He, you should understand that.

I understand.

Let me go back and discuss it with my father.

Keep up, the ones behind.

Hurry up!

My Lord. Ms. Liu seems to be seriously ill.

What's the matter? - I'm not sure.

The shadow guard only said she had a headache.

She seems to have a cough again.

I have been staying out all night these days.

She must be happy and carefree and do whatever she wants. - Hurry up!

She accidentally caught a cold.

Yes.

Yes. It must be the case.

My Lord.

My Lord.

[Cui Mansion]

Come on, Master.

Here, you forgot this.

- Master. - Please slow down, Master.

Madam. You are really smart.

Why do you have so many ideas?

You've outwitted them all.

I didn't expect that the members of the trade guild

would be fooled by you and stop bothering you.

I didn't expect Nanny Li to be such a good actress.

Madam gives me good guidance.

Madam.

The trade guild has sent an invitation for you to attend the business meeting tomorrow.

Where does the fragrance of lotus leaves come from?

Wait.

Why did you come back and leave without telling me?

I came back to get the clothes.

I didn't see any clothes,

but I did see you carrying herb packs.

This is for me. I got inflamed recently.

What are you doing here?

I am buying things.

Go shopping with your hair all messy?

I forgot.

Go back and comb it.

OK. Then I am leaving.

See you then.

You got inflamed again?

Nonsense.

You're always the smart one, huh?

You look really good in that outfit today.

- White and delicate. - Right.

You are the true natural beauties.

- That's too much... - Please.

Mrs. Cui is here.

- Come on. - Please have a seat.

Have some tea and pastries.

Why are you ladies here?

I am here to see the members of the trade guild.

Mrs. Cui, now that you are here and see all of us,

are you still worried about not being able to join the trade guild?

Yes. Mrs. Cui, don't be rush.

I actually have an important matter to discuss.

Isn't that something about business?

What kind of work does Yushao Porcelain Shop do,

the members of the trade guild still need to discuss.

They will reply to you in a few days.

How many days? - Three days.

Today I brought green tea from Qingzhou, freshly picked in early spring.

- Come and have a taste. - Come, have a seat.

Come, sit down.

Try it.

Thank you.

This is watered gauze that I had asked someone buy from Qizhou.

As for the style, it is The MalePhoenix Pursui, popular in this year.

Mrs. Cui, in daily life, you haven't seen much good fabric. - Good looking.

If you like it, just take it and make clothes.

It is so luxurious.

Thank you for your kindness. I appreciate it.

But I have several pieces of this fabric at home.

This top-quality silk is so rare that even high officials and noble lords cannot buy it.

Mrs. Cui said you had several pieces at home.

You must be mistaken.

Don't talk out of your hat. You should know your limits.

She is really good at bluffing, even with us.

I can't believe you made a handkerchief out of watered gauze.

Let me take a look.

Is it genuine?

Yes, it is.

Where did you get this?

Mrs. Cui. Do you know how much this fabric costs?

And you use it to make a handkerchief.

Well, my husband gave me this a few days ago.

I didn't ask about the cost.

Here. Have some tea.

- Have some fruits. - Have some tea.

These fruits were just picked.

They're so fresh. Try this one.

And these pastries were just bought from the street.

This tea is really good.

[The two bandits disembarked, traveled around, and are now heading to Qingzhou.]

Did Fan Hu see Lu Wen?

After the two thieves from Mount Yang got off the boat,

they traveled around, and now heading to the Qingzhou official road.

So cautious.

What are they up to?

Lu Wen is biding his time, and it's definitely not just about healing injuries.

Our family was is in dire straits.

How can Jiu still give me such an luxury item?

Could it be...

Madam, you...

What are you looking for?

The weather is getting cooler, I am looking for the hand warmer.

You can ask me to do it for you.

It's okay. Nanny Li, just go do your thing.

Yes.

These are all top-quality fabrics.

After returning from the trade guild,

Madam became suspicious, and turned the room upside down.

I wonder if Ms. Liu has found any clues to doubt your identity.

[Cang] [*Cang: a character meaning "to hide"]

Jiu, why are you back?

We don't have much homework today, so the teacher let us go back earlier.

Jiu, come and take a look.

How do you think of my writing?

Today I am practising the word "Cang".

Much better.

But the word "Chen" in it, [*Chen: a character meaning "a courtier"]

Should be written more concisely, not so explicitly.

Jiu is right.

How sharp is the blade of a courtier or a minister.

If one can conceal without revealing, that's true hiding.

Jiu, write one yourself.

I'll inmitate your writing to ensure it's accurate.

Okay.

People say that the handwriting reflects the person.

Jiu, your writing is strong and powerful, with deep, penetrating strokes.

It is fair to say you're from a high-ranking family.

Miantang, you're overpraising me.

It's just that my childhood teacher was very strict.

Was the teacher from the capital?

Of course.

The capital is so nice.

Unfortunately, I can't remember anything.

Sometimes I wonder, in the past,

how rich and prosperous our life was.

Even if we've spent all our family fortune now,

we still have money to buy such a good house, and enjoy so many fine things..

As long as you're happy.

It's getting late. You should take a rest.

I'll go to the study to write down the game records.

The seal means it's from an official kiln, and is not available to ordinary people.

It is actually from the official kiln.

Could it be a counterfeit?

I have been firing porcelain for the He family for ten years.

I can tell if it's real or fake at a glance.

This is definitely from the official kiln for tribute.

Madam, where did you get such a treasure?

I'll take my leave.

Please take care.

[Lingquan Go Club]

Take care.

- Follow him. - Yes.

- Please come in. - Okay.

- Ma'am, please come in. - Okay.

A private room on the second floor!

Sir.

Still hesitating?

You're the best player in the Go Club.

You can't even solve this ko.

It has to be you, skilled in the Go.

Cui Jiu,

I often see you playing Go with Lord Huaiyang.

I thought you were received this appreciation,

for your skill in the game.

- I am not as skilled as you. - Now it seems,

you're not that impressive.

Official Wang, you are highly skilled in Go.

It doesn't matter.

Today, as long as you can make me happy...

No, I really mean it. You are indeed highly skilled.

I am not as skilled as you.

Look at this man.

Come on. Reward him generously.

Take it.

Thank you.

- Thank you. - Take it.

- Satisfied now? - Ma'am, are you leaving now?

This fabric looks good.

Please take care.

My Lord. Ms. Liu is left.

Okay.

My Lord, please calm down. I offended you just now.

It's okay, you are right.

Just keep the money.

- Thank you, My Lord. - Well done.

Thank you, My Lord.

Please keep what happened today to yourselves.

If even a word leaks, you'll be in for it.

Please rest assured. I absolutely keep it a secret.

[Cui Mansion]

Master.

Master.

What if Ms. Liu is serious and scolds you?

It's fine if she does.

It doesn't matter if she scolds me.

She won't turn down the money anyway.

Yes.

What's going on?

Nanny Li, Moru, you both leave first.

Unless I say so, stay out.

What's the matter, Miantang?

Jiu, is there something you want to tell me?

Who upset you, Miantang?

How long do you plan to hide it from me?

What did I hide?

I watched a Go match today at a restaurant in the west of the town.

So... you know that?

Yes. I know you have been lying to me.

I know the money you bring home every day is not from winning the Go.

I also know that you consort the influential officials,

indulge in their idle pleasures,

and flatter them all the time!

What's wrong with that? I do it to earn money for our family.

When did I ever need you to earn money?

I take care of this family so you can do what you love.

However,

to gain some benefits, you sullied the Go

by deliberately losing to that dandy.

Cui Jiu. Where is your dignity as a Go player?

W-What dignity? I was taking what...

Mi-Miantang.

From now on, I will...

You still don't know what I'm really mad about.

I want to join the trade guild, but you strongly oppose,

and say it's a disgrace.

Yet, you are willing to give up your dignity just to earn a living.

As a couple, we're supposed to weather the storm together.

But it feels like I'm the only one living under your protection.

You have never shared your concerns and grievances with me,

and I have never received your trust.

Wasn't that what you said before?

That there is only gratitude between us, and no need to weather the storm?

But I want to.

In the past,

I didn't know that you'd rather suffer yourself

than let me be harassed by the members of the trade guild.

I thought you were only focused on playing Go,

not on handling household chores, and criticizing me.

I...

I relied on my memory loss

to ignore all the good you did for me in the past.

I only cared about my own feelings,

but I never thought about how you felt,

and said such harsh words to you.

That..is not the case.

I didn't mean to blame you.

Jiu.

Let's forget...

all the misunderstandings

and deceptions from the past. Is it okay?

Okay.

I...

I want to get to know you again.

I also want to be Cui Jiu's true wife.

Is it okay?

Okay.

Miantang.

From now on, I will never consort with the rich and powerful.

- Go to your room... - Go to your room...

You'd better sleep on the bed. It's warm.

team credit

song credit

♫ The boat drifts, bringing back the sunset ♫

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

♫ Who passed by, the crab apple falls with a turn ♫

♫ Loving rightly but choosing wrong With joys, sorrows, partings and reunions ♫

♫ Everyone travels far, seeing clouds and snow ♫

♫ Always hard to stay, yet easy to part Crossing spring waters and autumn trials ♫

♫ A couple under the moonlight, can stay together ♫

♫ Long hidden in the eyes, flickering in and out ♫

♫ Let go of the flowers blooming in the yard last night ♫

♫ Let go of the waves in the stream in half a lifetime ♫

♫ Let those dust and chaos go on endlessly ♫

♫ In this lifetime, my wish is to the vast sky There are many more ♫

♫ Everyone travels far, seeing clouds and snow ♫

♫ Always hard to stay, yet easy to part Crossing spring waters and autumn trials ♫

♫ A couple under the moonlight, can stay together ♫

♫ Time flows as we dream through four seasons ♫

♫ I wish to journey with you forever Year after year For many years to come ♫