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 ♫

(text)

[Episode 7]

We did it!

We finally got the dragonfly pattern.

Good heavens. I've been working for over ten years.

These plates are the hardest I've ever fired.

Let's head to the trade guild now, and show them what we've achieved.

Let's go.

[Lingquan Town Porcelain Trade Guild]

Stop right there!

Please announce my arrival. I need to see Young Mr. He.

The Young Mr. He said he's ill and isn't seeing anyone,

especially women.

My Lord, the porcelain trade guild has submitted a joint report,

accusing the Yushao Porcelain Shop in Lingquan of illegal land acquisition.

Who?

Yushao Porcelain Shop from the porcelain trade guild.

The trade guild has been monopolizing the porcelain business for years.

Ms. Liu only bought a piece of land.

It can't be considered illegal land acquisition.

I must take this opportunity to teach the trade guild a lesson.

B-But the porcelain business accounts for a third of Lingquan Town's tax revenue.

Besides, the date for the royal tribute is just around the corner.

Ms. Liu dared to do that.

She should be the one... to be punished.

Ms. Liu purchased the land legally.

What crime is there?

Sorry I made a mistake.

How should we handle this case?

I await your instructions, My Lord.

I've already cut their taxes to support their road expansions.

The routes they choose are totally up to them,

and Zhenzhou authority shall not interfere.

Yes, My Lord.

What are you thinking?

Honey, I was turned away by the He family today.

Then I asked around and found out they accused me of illegal land acquisition to His Lordship.

I heard about that.

That's not your fault.

Even if this issue reaches Lord Huaiyang, you still have a valid case.

But those merchants have held power in Lingquan for a long time.

I'm afraid Lord Huaiyang will listen to them.

No, he won't.

From what I know of Lord Huaiyang,

he will uphold justice and remain unbiased.

Right.

How did I not think of that?

- Do you trust him now? - No.

I trust you, honey.

We can't take a hit and stay quiet.

Let's go meet Lord Huaiyang and petition him to clear this up.

Honey?

Lord Huaiyang is very busy.

That's why you must help.

You play Go with His Lordship, so you can introduce me to him.

- I... - Nanny Li.

Prepare a formal outfit for me.

We'll go to the Mansion of Lord Huaiyang this afternoon.

[Cui Mansion]

To the Mansion of Lord Huaiyang.

Drive steadily.

Yes.

[Cui Mansion]

What a disaster.

Honey. When we meet His Lordship, follow my lead.

Follow your lead?

Well, all you need to do is build a good rapport with him.

I'll handle the business.

You won't need to say anything.

Don't be so nervous.

His Lordship and Ms. Liu will arrive soon.

You'll pose as a military officer and meet them.

Don't give away His Lordship's identity.

But... Why is it happening so suddenly?

Cut it out now.

If Ms. Liu insists on seeing His Lordship, tell her he is still at the military camp.

Quickly. Go, go, go!

Alright, alright.

They're here!

Send the owner of Yushao Porcelain Shop in.

It's not the owner of Yushao Porcelain Shop. It's the members of the trade guild.

They're on their knees at the door to make a petition.

His Lordship and Ms. Liu are here.

Won't that give it away?

The 12 trade guild members are asking Lord Huaiyang

to address the Yushao Porcelain Shop's illegal land acquisition.

- Please rule and judge fairly, Your Lordship. - Please rule and judge fairly, Your Lordship.

Honey, did you hear that?

These merchants are making nasty accusations right here.

I can't hear it clearly.

Then come here.

- Look at them. - I...

Come and see for yourself.

I saw it. I saw it.

They won't succeed.

- General Huang. - There he is.

Look. There he is.

But that's not His Lordship.

Crowding in front of His Lordship's residence, how disgraceful!

Stand up!

We didn't mean to disturb His Lordship,

but Mrs. Cui has been unfair in business and illegally seized land.

If this isn't resolved, our livelihoods will be at risk.

Yes.

If I don't sell my stock soon, my shop will go under.

Please rule and judge fairly.

Please rule and judge fairly, Your Lordship.

(dialogue)

(dialogue)

Where are you going?

Coachman, let's go back.

We're not seeing His Lordship?

With them causing a scene, we'd better get out of here.

Exactly.

Besides, they might not be targeting me.

What do you mean?

They might be targeting Lord Huaiyang.

- Where is His Lordship? - Their carriage has left.

It's ridiculous.

This is a joint petition from 12 trade guild members.

Please give it to His Lordship.

[Petition]

Merchants only see profit In everything they do. [Please favor the guild's annual tax and offer more benefits]

If His Lordship punishes me,

the Zhenzhou authority will have to change its policies. That will upset the people.

If he doesn't punish me, those merchants will definitely make unreasonable demands.

That's not our problem but Lord Huaiyang's.

Honey, is there a problem? Are you not feeling well?

Just now, I bumped into something.

It was too bumpy.

Dear, that's Lord Huaiyang we are talking about.

Even if those members overstep,

His Lordship just needs to be a bit firm, and they'll back off.

If Lord Huaiyang really resorts to rough measures...

If I were him, I wouldn't do that.

Do you have any good ideas?

Great. Great.

The colors are applied well, the brushstrokes are strong,

and the composition is exquisite.

What a magnificent "Snowy Evening on the Broad Road".

I'll take it.

Mr. Jia. This painting has been sold.

Sold...

Sold? To whom?

Well...I made sure to come on the agreed day.

The buyer arrived as soon as the market opened, and offered this price.

She'll pick it up after it's mounted.

You know, I thought it was fate.

Fate?

What's fate worth?

She offered this price. I'll offer this price.

So, this painting is mine.

I can see you really like this painting,

but I can't just back out and tell the buyer that the highest bid won it.

How about this?

The buyer seems like a reasonable lady.

I'll introduce you to her.

And you two can have tea and a nice chat at the Zuixian Tavern.

This will be your treat.

See if she'll let you have the painting.

Alright.

Then, everyone will look good.

Yes. Yes.

Hi, Mrs. Xue. I've been waiting for you.

Whenever your shop gets new fabrics, I'm always the first to buy them. -Yes. Exactly

Tell me. What fabric do you have today?

Rain silk brocade from Xizhou.

The weave is as delicate as rain threads, perfect for jackets.

And we only have one bolt.

So it's better than Liu's watered gauze?

I'll take the rain silk brocade.

Mrs. Xue, what a coincidence.

I'm here first.

If that's the case, I won't take what you love.

It's not that much.

Mrs. Cui, since you didn't join the trade guild, how's your business doing lately?

You've hit the nail on the head.

Someone invited me for business

and reserved the best private room at Zuixian Tavern for the morning.

Right. I heard members of the trade guild

haven't been eating, or sleeping well.

Yet here you are buying fabric, Mrs. Xue.

Then I guess your family has figured out how to transport the porcelain.

I'd like to see who is doing business with her.

- Let's go. - Mrs. Xue. Do you want the fabric?

Mr. Jia, this way please.

This way, please.

Mr. Jia, this is the buyer of the painting.

I heard someone wants to get the painting from me,

but I didn't expect it to be an old friend.

Ms. Liu must have gone to great lengths to see me.

So you know each other? That would be best.

Whoever gets this painting will be good.

I'll leave you to it. Call me if you need anything.

I have nothing to talk about with her.

It's just a painting. I don't want it now.

Mr. Jia, are you really sure about that?

True. The scenery in this painting mirrors your current situation.

Not buying it to avoid troubling your family is a wise choice.

What do you mean?

Mr. Jia, since you're here,

why not sit down,

and appreciate this painting with me?

It might ease your mind.

That's right. Please, take your time to appreciate it.

I'll wait outside.

- Stay. - Stay.

Alright. Let's make a deal.

We'll only discuss the scenery in the painting.

No business.

Deal.

This painting is called "Snowy Evening on the Broad Road".

Mountain villagers lead a horse team carrying goods

but encounter a severe snowstorm.

When they reach the deep mountains,

they might run out of food and starve.

Honestly, what does that mean?

When resources are exhausted,

eating horse meat is also an option.

But which horse will they choose to slaughter first?

A horse team can't do without a lead horse, so the lead horse must be spared.

The young horse is strong and has great potential.

But the second old horse after the lead horse,

which bears the most burden and suffers the most,

has a bleak future.

Wrong, wrong.

This painting focuses on the snow and mountains, not the horses.

Let her continue.

Why does the second horse have a bleak future?

When the snowstorm hits, the lead horse has its own survival strategies.

The young horse, though weak, isn't burdened.

Only the second horse,

which isn't as strong as the lead horse, carries a load equal to the lead horse's.

With each layer of snow, the risk increases.

While other horses can endure, this second horse can't afford any delay.

If this continues, the second horse

is likely to be the first one to die.

If the villagers spread the load among these horses and work together,

they might make it through the snowfield.

Mr. Jia, you must know best how the burden is shared.

As for the so-called unity, is it about sharing the hardships,

or is it just an excuse from the lead horse to prevent others from surpassing it?

After all, if I can figure it out,

so can you and others, for sure.

Yes. That's right. I didn't expect such a simple painting

to have such deep meaning.

I've gained a lot from it.

Ms. Liu.

Although you are a woman,

you truly have a great understanding of paintings.

I admire you.

Are you saying that women are only meant to manage the household,

and make meals and bed?

Are women not allowed to appreciate fine art, and elegant porcelain?

What men can do, women can do too.

The only real difference lies in people's hearts.

Mr. Jia, if you buy this painting, we'll become fellow art enthusiasts.

From now on, we can appreciate this "The Broad Road" painting

and the beauty of art together.

Mr. Jia, if you could introduce more art enthusiasts,

we could enjoy it together.

It would turn personal joy into shared joy.

Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Mr. Jia, since you bought "The Broad Road" painting for a high price,

please take good care of it.

Gentlemen, please.

I didn't expect Ms. Liu to transfer this painting to me.

Congratulations, Mr. Jia.

Madam, will Mr. Jia's words really help you join the trade guild?

Let's go home. Good news will come.

I saw and heard everything myself at Zuixian Tavern.

Mr. Jia spent a fortune to buy the painting "The Broad Road" from Liu.

They were talking in a private room

and had a middleman involved.

Yes, Master. I also saw it clearly.

- Let them through. - On the land in Shuangling Village,

Liu allowed a convoy to pass.

It's most likely from the Jia family.

They were talking at Zuixian Tavern.

Jia even found a middleman to persuade Liu Miantang.

They were talking about "The Broad Road" or something.

Also, there was a lot of silver on the table.

I mean it. My wife saw and heard everything.

It can't be wrong.

Young Mr. He.

We have no tea here.

We haven't found the trade guild's main transport route.

We didn't talk much, and there was nothing we could do.

So we didn't feel thirsty.

Right. Not thirsty at all.

Come. Serve the tea.

Mr. Jia probably feels thirsty

because he talks a lot.

Do you have any good ideas about our main transport route?

I'm also worried about this.

What good ideas could I have?

Everyone is at a loss.

But just sitting here and staring at each other

isn't going to help.

True.

How about this?

Let's all go to Shuangling Village,

take a look, and see that "broad road".

Okay.

That's a good idea.

Maybe we can see Liu in Shuangling Village.

We can also take this chance to meet and talk to her.

- Yes. - Mr. Jia, what do you think?

What's the point of going to a remote village?

Besides, Liu might not even be there.

Mr. Jia, that's not what I meant.

We might not necessarily see Liu.

That place is flat.

Perhaps we can find a suitable place to build a road.

As long as we work together,

we will certainly find a solution.

Mr. Jia, what do you think?

The route in Shuangling Village is the only flat one nearby.

And also, building a road would cost a lot of money,

and consume much time.

No route would be better than the current one.

So, I think that is not a good idea.

I suggest we give it another thought.

Give it another thought.

There might be a better solution. A better solution.

By sowing discord.

Since you already know, I won't tell you more.

No, no. Dear. I'm not that smart.

Please tell me clearly how to help our Yushao Porcelain Shop

join the trade guild openly and honestly.

Buying the land in Shuangling Village seems like a way to control the land transport route.

Actually, I don't intend to trouble the merchants.

It's just that they are stubborn, and refuse to do business fairly with me.

So you sowed discord among them?

Merchants prioritize profit.

Even long-term partners don't have solid trust.

Especially when they hear that someone has secretly allied with me for transport benefits,

they'll waver.

Moreover, I let the so-called Jia's convoy pass.

But Lord Huaiyang didn't cut off their livelihood.

He only made them wait an extra month.

Will they betray the trade guild, for this momentary loss?

Those merchants are all sharp.

Every day goods are stored in the warehouse

is a day of real money lost.

Now, they all think Mr. Jia and I are in collusion.

At present, the most anxious

are those from the trade guild, except for the He family.

Especially the Xue family, who hold the third leadership role.

They will definitely come seeking help from me.

Dear, your reasoning is very clear.

As long as we open the door with Mr. Xue, the others in the trade guild won't stay idle.

Once they get tangible benefits from me,

who would risk offending Lord Huaiyang to cause trouble?

This way, we will gain benefits, and Lord Huaiyang's troubles won't affect our family.

Our family can't get by without you, dear.

Stupid!

How could you?

I was ill for a few days,

and now the trade guild is in such a major upheaval and mess!

Submitting the petition,

and protesting at the Mansion of Lord Huaiyang!

Who gave you the courage?

Who gave you the courage?

Are you trying to kill me by doing that?

No, Father.

You can't blame me.

It's all Liu's fault. She's going too far!

Besides, aren't we close with the Prefect?

Why isn't he doing anything now?

Shut up!

You...

You don't know your mistake yet, do you?

From tomorrow,

hand over all business matters to Zhen.

You need to start over from scratch!

Come on, Father, this isn't necessary.

Give me another chance. I'll get that land back for you.

I'll definitely make Liu Miantang regret it.

- Get out of here! - Is that okay?

I don't... I don't want to see you right now.

Go. Get out!

Get lost!

Father, don't be angry.

Calm down.

[Lingquan Town Porcelain Trade Guild]

- Ms. Liu. - Ms. Liu.

- Please come in. - Please come inside.

[(sign)]

Truly fine porcelain.

Fine porcelain.

- It's so beautiful. - Look at the color.

- So exquisite! - Yes.

- This is high-quality porcelain. - Yes, it's top quality.

Such craftsmanship is top-notch.

Amazing.

[Auspice and Fortune]

Ms. Liu.

Miss He.

I want to congratulate you.

Also, your porcelain dragonfly pattern is lifelike.

I admire it greatly.

Miss He, you wouldn't believe how many times I messed up this dragonfly pattern.

But, even with many difficulties,

as long as the raw materials are good, it will succeed eventually.

Don't you think so?

My Lord, news from Lingquan Town.

Ms. Liu has officially joined the trade guild.

If you want to meet with the guild members, Ms. Liu will...

You keep addressing her Ms. Liu.

She's very meticulous.

If one day, you say something wrong in front of her, what am I supposed to do?

From now on, call her Madam.

Yes.

My Lord, here are today's letters.

The trade guild is causing trouble again.

This is the registry of imperial tribute Porcelain sent by Mr. He [Celadon bowl with floral impressions]

For your review and approval. [Celadon bowl with floral impressions]

Master, Madam, the trade guild's caravans have been allowed to pass as agreed,

and the merchants have ceased their protests.

Okay.

How does it taste?

It's a treat for the eyes and the taste buds.

Honey, teach me to write a few more characters later.

Okay.

Today, let's write "a strategic planning".

I'll go get the brush and ink.

Liu! Come out here!

Liu! Come out!

Liu! Come out!

Nanny Li.

Liu Miantang! You played dirty!

- Who's that? - Master.

- It's Young Mr. He. - Own up to it!

- He's up to no good. - Now you're a coward, huh?

Open the door.

[Cui Mansion]

Come out!

You must be that woman's husband, right?

I'm Cui Jiu. What do you want?

You really have a big heart.

A woman should be managing the household.

Now she is out in the public eye every day. Are you totally fine with that?

I trust my wife.

I heard you are a Go player.

You must be seeing things through rose-colored glasses.

After all, you don't have much experience.

Do you know who your wife deals with every day?

And do you know what she did to secure that prime piece of land?

She deals with the dirty trade guild.

She's come this far through her own vision and determination.

Her vision?

Ridiculous.

We, the trade guild members, couldn't get it done.

She's just a young woman, and she managed to do it?

But this young lady is more capable than all you men.

I'm not wasting my breath with you. Bring Liu out here.

I need to ask her something.

What are you doing? Let me go!

If you dare speak ill of my wife again,

you might lose that arm.

Fine, you...

You listen to everything that woman says, huh?

You're not much of a man!

You... I...

My husband is righteous and kind. He supports his family.

Unlike you, who fails at everything,

and is only capable of bullying the weak and women,

he's a real standup man.

Alright.

You... Wait for it.

Just you wait!

[Cui Mansion]

Clear out!

- He escaped. - Nanny Li.

Wipe the door.

Stop looking. Go away.

You're good.

[Tea]

Take a look!

It's so fresh. Have a look.

Give me some of that. [Cold Rain Courtyard]

- Okay, that's enough. - Here you are.

Thank you.

Young Master.

[Cold Rain Courtyard]

Young Master?

You're back.

Young Master.

I sent Zhou Cuo to Lingquan Town to pick someone up.

Yet, under my name, you sent him halfway north

and went to Zhenzhou yourself without bringing her back.

- Sorry, I took matters into my own hands. - Why?

Ms. Liu left Mount Yang in a huff with me, so I wanted to explain things to her in person.

so I wanted to explain things to her in person.

Moreover, I feared that might trouble you.

So I went alone without informing you.

How is she now?

Ms. Liu found her true love,

and married an ordinary merchant.

When she saw me that day, she didn't want to say a single word.

She turned and walked away.

So I think she still holds a grudge against us,

wanting to sever all ties with Mount Yang.

Sever all ties?

Could she really let go?

What are you going to do?

Since she won't come to me,

I'll go to her, and explain everything.

No.

Lingquan Town is under Lord Huaiyang's control.

Going there would be like walking into a trap.

Young Master, don't forget we have more important things to handle.

Are you making crab roe rice?

Yes.

My mother taught me this.

When I was a child, she often made this dish for my father and me.

She said crab roe rice is best enjoyed with someone you love.

We've bought a lot of crabs in the past,

but I don't remember you ever making this.

Why do you suddenly want to make it now?

Are the scallions chopped?

Yes, they're ready.

Here.

What's wrong? It's not hot.

Soft and glutinous. Delicious.

Tasty, right?

I'll serve myself.

Why do you need to be coaxed just to eat like a child?

Madam, dinner is ready.

Okay.

I'll be right back.

Go ahead, taste it.

How is it?

Even more delicious than the usual June yellow crabs.

I simmered the male crab's roe to make crab fat,

and stir-fried the female crab's roe.

I used black pig lard for flavor, and mixed it with steaming hot rice.

The hotter, the better.

That's how to bring out the original taste.

Exactly.

Madam, even with your old injury, you insisted on picking out the crab roe yourself.

Next time, just ask me to do it.

It's okay.

Is it hurt?

The rice will get cold.

It took me so long to make it. My arms are sore.

Who's that at this late hour?

Coming.

Who is it?

It's me, Physician Zhao.

Today, I bought some crabs and stopped by to let Ms. Liu have a taste.

I-I didn't know why Physician Zhao would bring crabs today.

I invited him.

It's better to save trouble.

Honey, you go meet Physician Zhao. I'll go to the backyard.

Okay.

Master.

Where is she?

Who?

Well, where's Ms. Liu?

Why do you care?

Do you even know where your true home is?

Cousin Lian asked me to bring this to you.

Good for her for finding you.

Although she didn't say anything, I could see in her eyes

that she was thinking, "You, Zhao Quan, are no good.

All men are the same."

Give it to me.

So delicious!

This wasn't made by Nanny Li, was it?

Move your chopsticks away.

W-What do you mean?

It wasn't made for you.

If you want to eat, go back home.

Are you jealous?

No. It's mine.

Then why don't you share some with me?

These are for you. Have as much as you like.

Are you really jealous?

Then it's right.

Right about what? I'm not jealous.

You are not interested in her, and in her confusion, she mistakes you for her husband.

she mistakes you for her husband.

This doesn't even count as the start of a romance.

What if she meets a man who truly wins her heart...

That won't be you.

Why not?

I'm so charming. I can be the one.

Give me a bite.

What are you doing?

Nanny Li, clear the dishes.

Since Ms. Liu joined the trade guild, she's taken over the He's imperial tribute business.

She's been well-regarded by the other members.

Business at the Yushao Porcelain Shop is thriving.

This month, it brought in over 300 taels of silver.

My Lord?

My Lord?

Yes. She's more interesting than I initially thought.

Ms. Liu has diligently taken on the role of hostess for the Cui family.

But what if she finds out the truth later on...

Please forgive me for being blunt, My Lord,

but have you started falling for her?

I don't want to trouble her with rules.

So let her be.

Let her earn enough for her future.

Once I catch Lu Wen, this playing house game will be over.

Now I understand, My Lord.

team 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 ♫