Original subtitles

A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES

You're awake?

I thought you would waste another morning

like yesterday.

I'm up now.

The early worm gets eaten by the bird.

Go wash up.

Prepare to go out.

Don't let your mom wait too long.

Now. Immediately. Right this instant.

Are you lying down again?

I'm not!

Dad, are you all right?

-Dad? -Yes?

-Are you all right? -I'm fine.

I was just thinking about some business matters.

Sir.

Is there anything else you want me to bring to Madam?

Please burn more incense for me.

Okay.

Missy, are you done?

MALACCA 1890

I really don't understand why you like coming here.

Amah, you can see the world here.

LOVE AT QIXI FESTIVAL

WEDDING BISCUITS

SHUNXINGCHANG BAKERY

I think you should think about your--

Marriage.

Look at you.

You look like you've seen a ghost.

Marriage is a bunch of limitations and rules.

I'm not interested.

Aren't you overexaggerating?

Li Lan.

Yu Li!

Amah.

-It's been so long. -That's right.

How are you?

I'm good.

Be good.

That's really great.

Actually, I really miss our conversations. I can visit you when I have time.

But the baby needs to sleep now, so I need to go.

Remember to visit me.

Okay.

-See you. -See you.

Who said I was exaggerating earlier?

That's how marriage is.

There's nothing to complain about.

I'm not getting married then.

What if Young Master Tian Bai proposes to you?

I don't know what you're talking about.

I haven't seen Tian Bai

since he left for Hong Kong.

I bet he has already forgotten about me.

You haven't answered my question yet.

Will you marry if it's Young Master Tian Bai?

Amah, you're so annoying.

These questions are so annoying too.

TONGQING ASSOCIATION

MEMORIAL TABLET OF HSU HSIAO YU

Fifteen years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Do you think Mom has reincarnated?

She did a lot of good things when she was alive.

She should already be reincarnated.

It would have been nice if Dad came with us.

Burn more incense on your dad's behalf.

Dad is worried about his business...

isn't he?

TONGQING ASSOCIATION GOD OF AGRICULTURE

What's the matter?

Nothing.

Do you want to light incense for your old friend?

He died so young.

We weren't that close.

Let's go.

MEMORIAL TABLET OF LIM TIAN CHING

PAN FAMILY

Dad, we're back.

What is Mr. Wong cooking?

It smells so good.

Go away.

Don't disturb me. I'm busy cooking.

Be good.

You don't even eat what I cook.

Mr. Wong.

You're back.

Who were you talking to?

No one. I get bored while cooking,

so I talk to myself. It's a habit.

What are you cooking?

Pongteh chicken, your favorite.

It'll be ready soon.

Sir, there's a letter for you.

A letter for me?

Who sent it?

I don't know.

The Lim family is inviting us to the Qixi Festival party?

Are you still in touch with them?

I haven't been in touch with them for many years.

That's strange.

Their son, Tian Ching, just passed away less than a month ago.

Why are they throwing a party at this time?

Missy, didn't we see their maid at the temple?

Yes.

That's strange indeed.

The Lim family only associates themselves with the rich and powerful.

Why would they invite us?

Let's eat.

Sir, your tea.

Thank you.

What's the matter?

Sir, it would be good for Ms. Li Lan

to attend the Lim family's Qixi Festival party.

She's already 20 years old.

It's time she meets prospects.

How can I be so absent-minded as a dad?

I must make arrangements for her.

She might not listen to you.

Amah.

Help me buy a new dress for Li Lan.

But...

Don't worry,

I know what I'm doing.

All right then.

I really can't believe Dad would accept the Lim family's invitation.

I don't want to find someone to marry.

What do you think?

You look really great, miss.

Is there a problem with your eyes?

Look at the color. It doesn't suit her at all.

Try another one.

What do you think?

How about this one?

-It doesn't look bad. -I think so too.

It seems very expensive.

Don't worry about that.

Hey, sir.

How much is that?

That is ten dollars.

Ten dollars?

Amah.

I'll try another one.

No, let's go with that one.

Sir, reserve that for me.

I'll bring the money later.

Okay.

Wait for me here.

What is this place?

Miss, can you help me with this?

Sure.

I'll talk to his wife.

He listens to her.

I guarantee you.

Problem solved.

What do you mean?

That dress is yours.

PAN FAMILY

Amah.

Thank you.

LIM FAMILY

Yin, I haven't seen you in ages.

How are you?

I'm good. Let's talk inside.

This courtyard...

It's even bigger than our house.

Amah, who's that?

That's Lim Yan Hong.

Tian Ching's half-sister from his dad's side.

I haven't seen her in years.

It seems like she has changed.

I'm not surprised.

Her mom committed suicide,

then her only brother died.

It's like the God of Death is following her.

-Look at how well they dance. -Mr. Pan.

Madam Lim. Hi.

I'm glad you came.

We're honored.

Thank you for your invitation.

By the way, this is my daughter, Li Lan.

-Do you still remember her? -Of course.

Tian Ching adored Li Lan when he was a kid.

You're so beautiful.

Thank you.

We've prepared lots of delicious food for tonight.

Come, Li Lan. Don't be shy.

You can join in the games too.

It has been a while

since we last saw each other.

Is Mr. Lim still in London?

Yes. Our business is booming there.

Since Tian Ching passed away,

London has almost become his second home.

I'm really glad you could come today

so that we have a chance to get together.

That's right.

Tian Ching passed away at such a young age.

Tonight's party is all for him.

Tian Ching loved parties when he was alive.

Madam Lim, forgive me for being blunt.

Why did you invite us?

We haven't been in touch for so long.

We don't get in touch often,

but we're still old friends.

You're right.

Looks like you're very unsatisfied with your own work.

I'm not very good at embroidery.

Li Lan.

Li Lan.

Where are you going?

Come here.

You're so beautiful.

This way.

Come here.

Li Lan.

Haven't we offered enough this morning?

Keep your voice down.

That immature brat, Tian Ching,

looks as annoying as ever.

Don't speak ill of the dead.

I don't care.

He's dead anyway.

He can't torment us anymore.

To be honest,

I'm happy that he's dead.

If Madam Lim hears us, she'll fire us for sure.

Goodness.

He's been dead for so long.

Why offer so much food to a dead man?

Isn't it better to give it to the poor?

Exactly.

They keep burning paper houses,

paper money, and incense for him.

That's what you call different fates for different lives.

Even if he's on the other side,

he's still living better than us.

Let's go.

Who are you?

Who are you?

I'm a very important guest, Pan Li Lan.

I'm Er Lang, a servant of the Lim family.

What are you doing here?

What are you doing here?

I...

I came to light some incense for Tian Ching.

I see, lighting some incense...

Under the bed?

What were you doing under the bed then?

I was...

cleaning.

Yes, cleaning.

You were cleaning?

That's right.

No wonder you were silent when you saw them.

What a coincidence.

You were quiet when you saw them too.

Looks like there's a misunderstanding between us.

All right, I admit I was too full after lunch

and felt a bit sleepy.

I snuck in here to take a nap.

Don't tell anyone.

Of course, I won't tell anyone that you were hiding with me under the bed

in your elegant clothes either.

I should thank you then.

You're welcome.

Will you leave first or should I?

Take care.

They dance really well.

That's right.

Thank you.

Mr. Pan.

How is your spice business coming along?

I heard you're having some problems with shipping,

and you owe money to the shipping company and their workers.

Is that true?

I can't just sit and watch

when my friend is in trouble.

Thanks for your concern, Madam Lim.

I can still manage.

Pan Li Lan?

I was right.

It's really you.

I...

I...

You don't remember me.

How is that possible?

Just kidding.

You look...

amazing.

I, on the other hand,

must look quite haggard

from medical school.

No.

You look...

amazing too.

Tian Bai,

this is a farewell gift for you.

I'll miss you.

Me too.

When did you come back?

Why didn't I hear about it?

Actually,

I've been back for a month already.

But I wanted to get settled at home first

before I visit you and your dad.

However...

Get settled?

You're not leaving anymore?

Yes.

Looks like it.

It's been five years.

We should catch up.

Tian Bai?

Mr. Liu?

Hi. Long time no see.

You're here too?

Actually, I came here today to talk to you.

This lovely lady

must be your fiancée.

No.

She's my childhood friend.

-I've misunderstood. -Ms. Pan Li Lan.

Let's talk over there.

Okay.

Sure. No problem.

-Yes. -Excuse us.

By the way,

is Li Lan already engaged?

If not,

I hope she can marry into our family.

What do you think?

You want Ms. Li Lan

to marry Young Master Tian Bai?

No.

Tian Ching.

Tian Ching?

Isn't Tian Ching dead?

I want to make arrangements for him.

I cannot allow my son to become a lonely spirit.

Li Lan will join him only when she dies.

No.

Are you out of your mind?

Sir.

Ms. Li Lan can't become a ghost bride.

Amah, go and get Li Lan.

It's time for us to leave.

Okay.

Mr. Pan.

We're both sensible people.

I'll be honest with you.

I know your business partner swindled a big amount of money from you.

Because of that, you've lost your source of income.

If you're willing to let Li Lan marry into our family,

then all the problems will be solved.

If she lives here,

all our servants

will be at her beck and call.

All she has to do

is wed Tian Ching in a special ceremony.

She will live a luxurious life after that.

Madam Lim, thank you for your kind offer.

But...

it really doesn't make sense... for Li Lan to marry Tian Ching--

You married for love.

I married for status and power.

Li Lan can marry Tian Ching for money.

There's nothing wrong with that.

I simply cannot accept this.

Don't speak too soon.

Mr. Pan.

You must think about your daughter's future.

What about my future?

Oh, nothing.

Madam Lim, we'll take our leave now.

Good night.

Let's go.

If I accept Madam Lim's offer,

will everything change for the better?

Will your business go back to normal too?

Ever since you were little,

I've watched you play with your friends and grow up together.

But after your mom passed away,

you didn't play with them anymore.

Actually,

I didn't really like playing with them.

Besides, I have Yu Li.

She's five friends rolled into one.

You're just afraid I'd be lonely.

Because of me,

you chose to stay at home

to keep me company

and take care of the house.

But you can't stay by my side forever.

If you become a ghost bride,

you'll be connected with Tian Ching for the rest of your life.

You will have to mourn Tian Ching

until the day you die.

You'll be unhappy your entire life.

Your life will be a living hell.

I know I haven't been a good dad.

But don't worry.

No matter what happens,

I will never let my beloved daughter become a ghost bride.

Amah.

AMAH

For Li Lan's sake

and to keep my promise to Hsiao Yu,

I am leaving for a three-day expedition

to source for new spices.

We need the money.

Please tell Li Lan not to worry.

WORLD EXPO, 1889

Li Lan.

Mom!

Li Lan.

Where's Dad?

He went on an expedition to look for spices.

Wasn't he feeling unwell?

Why did he go on an expedition?

Don't worry.

He'll be back in three days.

Mr. Wong!

I'm starving.

I'm so happy you came.

How is the baby?

He's doing well.

My Amah is taking care of him.

But I didn't come here today

to talk about him.

I'm here to talk about

the person who came back from Hong Kong.

You heard that Tian Bai is back?

The entire village knows.

You haven't seen him for so long.

Are you excited?

Not really.

Not really? How is that possible?

You haven't seen him

for five years, three months, and seven days.

Weren't you super excited to see him?

So someone is here today to fish for news.

So what if I am?

Tell me quickly.

No, tell me slowly.

I want details.

He's still as handsome as ever.

What else?

I don't know.

When I saw him,

I had so many questions I wanted to ask.

Like what kind of people his friends are,

or what he does in his free time.

I wanted to know so many things,

but I couldn't get myself to ask him.

A rich and handsome man like him

who has studied overseas

is the dream of every girl in this village.

If you really want your man,

you need to act now.

It's not what you think.

-But that is what you're thinking. -Yu Li!

When I was ten years old,

somebody kept telling me how Tian Bai was this and that.

"Tian Bai is so handsome. Tian Bai..."

-Someone's here. -"I want to marry Tian Bai."

"Tian Bai, Tian Bai, Tian Bai!"

Tian Bai.

Li Lan.

What's the matter? Are you all right?

I'm fine.

This is for your dad.

These are spices from Hong Kong.

I think he'll like this flavor.

You're so thoughtful.

But my dad is not home.

We weren't able to catch up properly that night.

Are you free now? Let's go for a walk.

I would really love to,

but Yu Li is here.

Is that so?

Tian Bai!

I'm going home. Li Lan is free now.

Take your time catching up.

Do you miss Hong Kong?

Actually, I really like Hong Kong,

but I'm glad to be home.

Why?

This is just a small place.

But this small place is my home.

The people I care about the most are all here.

What's Hong Kong like?

Hong Kong is a flourishing place.

There are Chinese and British people.

-It sounds like a special place. -Yes.

Oh, by the way.

I bought this when I first arrived in Hong Kong.

Take a look.

Do you like it?

Keep it.

I can't accept this.

Why not?

Didn't you also give me a gift

before I left?

You read the book I gave you?

I did.

Li Lan...

-I want to tell you-- -I know I'm silly.

I was young back then.

That's why I wrote that kind of letter.

No.

You're not silly at all.

There's something--

Just recently...

someone asked for my hand in marriage.

That's great news.

Do you like him?

I don't know.

I only know

that marrying him will help my family.

But I feel that doing so...

These things are really complicated.

We must enjoy the pleasures that life offers,

but our obligation to our family

is also very important.

Is our own happiness more important than the happiness of the majority?

You always put others first.

Perhaps I'm the silly one.

I'm glad I could take a walk with you.

I only talk this much when I'm with you.

Me too.

Send my regards to your dad.

I will.

Okay.

What's the matter?

Something happened to your dad.

His pulse is slow

and his vital signs are weak.

Will he be all right?

I've prescribed some medicine.

You must keep an eye on him.

What happened exactly?

Master fainted on the boat.

The captain brought him home.

Doctor.

What should we do now?

Let him rest.

Have him take this medicine every six hours.

Hopefully, his condition will improve.

What if it doesn't?

Thank you, doctor.

Doctor, I'll walk you out.

This way.

He'll be fine.

Hasn't he been through worse?

Dad?

-Dad. -Li Lan.

I have so much to tell you.

-Please leave my house! -You left too soon last time.

I still have a lot of things to say to you.

-Regarding our marriage... -I'll never marry you!

I'll be good to your family.

Please leave now!

-Let me finish. -Get out!

Missy, are you all right?

Tian Ching appeared twice in your dreams?

That's strange.

Usually, the dead will only hang around their family.

But I'm not related to him at all.

When did it start?

After the Lim family's Qixi Festival party.

Maybe you've offended

some spirits by accident.

My friend, Yin, is serving the Lim family.

She might know something.

WEST RIVER SECT

You mean it happened after the party ended?

Yes.

Has anything like this happened before?

Many servants go in and out to place offerings.

This is the first time I've heard of this.

Hey.

Do you know any exorcists?

Exorcists?

I know someone.

What kind of place is this?

Can we really trust these people?

Since Yin recommended him,

let's give it a shot.

-Hey-- -I know.

Please have a seat.

Entering the deceased's bedroom

usually wouldn't cause any issues.

It's very simple.

The only thing you left behind

was your embroidery, is that right?

Personal belongings can be used

to connect the world of the living and the dead.

You must cut off

this connection.

I have a talisman.

It can ward off common evil spirits.

How do you know where to place it?

My parents were superstitious people.

I've seen my dad do it, so I know where to put them.

Did something bad happen in the past?

Not really, just some things that didn't turn out well.

Will this really stop Tian Ching from haunting my dreams?

I hope so. Give that to me.

Get some rest.

Good night.

JULY

This...

is useless.

You've been duped.

My mom's...

No.

Have you thought about

my marriage proposal?

I will never marry you.

As you wish.

I had wanted to tell you about your dad.

Never mind then.

Wait.

What about my dad?

I saw his soul wandering

in the Netherworld.

You don't believe me?

See for yourself.

Dad!

Why is he there?

There are many kinds of lost souls

in the Netherworld.

Some are already dead.

Some are half-dead, like your dad.

If he doesn't find his way back to his own body soon,

he will really be dead...

in this world.

He will never be able to reincarnate.

Then help him.

When I was murdered,

did anyone help me?

Murdered?

Didn't you die of sickness?

I was poisoned.

Do you know who did it?

No.

If...

I help you find the culprit,

will you take my dad's soul back to his body?

I'm already dead.

What's the point?

You don't care that your murderer

is living scot-free?

You'll just sit and watch everything be taken away from you?

No.

I won't let them get away.

I will make them pay

for what they did!

How about this?

I'll help you get revenge.

You'll help me save my dad.

Okay.

You must find the culprit in ten days.

Ten days is too short.

If your dad's soul doesn't return to his body in ten days,

he will die for real.

Okay.

I'll find the culprit in ten days.

But you must keep your promise.

It's a deal.

Tell me what happened that day.

That day,

I had dinner with everyone as usual.

The kitchen prepared my favorite dishes.

After dinner,

the servants made me tea.

I drank it.

I was fine at first,

but I suddenly became feverish and wouldn't stop vomiting.

And then I lost consciousness.

If that's the case,

everyone with you that day

could be the culprit.

Then...

who would benefit the most if you died?

There is someone.

After I die,

he would be the sole heir to the Lim family fortune.

He has been coveting my riches for so long.

He is...

my elder cousin,

Lim Tian Bai.

Subtitle translation by Coleen