Original subtitles

[Brocade Odyssey]

[Episode 4]

[Yuebuhuan]

A single tree cannot make a forest.

Today, our ability to resume silk washing

is due to the efforts of everyone here.

I toast to all of you. Cheers!

But this is only the first step.

While we now have a place to wash silk,

we have undoubtedly lost

Mrs. Hua's order.

And with her influence,

the other dyehouses will likely avoid

giving us any business.

In this situation,

we have no choice but to save ourselves.

Thus, I propose that we,

as Silk Society,

participate in Splendor Showcase.

If we can make a name for ourselves in the competition,

we will be able to trade directly with the brocade merchants.

Orders will no longer be a concern.

What do all of you think?

Truthfully, this collaboration

has benefited us greatly.

However, we have also come dangerously close to ruin.

I fear our family can no longer endure.

Moreover,

Mrs. Hua

has promised us.

If we withdraw from Silk Society,

she promises to let bygones be bygones.

I apologize.

We are left with no choice.

We cannot afford to risk it,

nor do we dare to.

Have you forgotten

how they bullied us in the past?

Now that we have a chance,

you want to turn back?

Indeed, we face a precarious situation.

Everyone,

we have our own path to follow.

I will not force anyone.

However, if someday, you change your minds

and wish to return,

know that I, Ji Yingying, will welcome you with open arms.

I apologize.

My mother says this matter is indeed dangerous.

However, without trust, one has no foundation.

I may not be eloquent

or clever,

but I do pride myself on my loyalty.

Since I gave you my word,

I will not go back on it.

I have poor health,

so I will toast with tea instead of wine.

Here's to you.

That is the first time I have heard you speak with such conviction.

Ji Yingying, I have placed my faith in you.

I believe

you can lead us to something great.

Something truly great.

Here's to you!

Yingying,

I cannot make decisions for my family,

but can I join you

in my own name?

Even if I am not much help,

I will do my best

whenever I am needed!

Good! Then, let's earn money together

and weather this storm as one.

Agreed!

Drink up!

Cheers!

A toast to everyone here!

Drink up!

- Cheers! - Cheers!

I have perused

all the information the guards have recorded.

It seems Mr. Shen

has a peculiar interest in Mount Qingcheng.

He usually frequents the mountain alone.

Mount Qingcheng?

Have the shadow guards been stationed there yet?

Yes, they have.

Each one is a top-tier martial arts expert.

Send them

to scout the mountain thoroughly.

If they detect anything unusual, they are to report back to me immediately.

Yes.

Mr. Yang,

a messenger from the Yang residence came with word for you.

They said that when you are not occupied in the next few days,

you should return home for a visit.

Who brought the message?

Was it Yang Jingshan or Yang Jinglin?

Judging by their attire,

it seemed to be a servant.

A servant?

Yes, sir.

Lei Zu Festival will be held in a few days.

Brocade Master and the brocade officer must offer prayers together.

You will not be able to avoid it.

If you ask me,

you might as well return now and smooth things over.

By the way, Yingying,

you mentioned participating in Splendor Showcase.

But to do so,

we will need a recommendation from a top figure in the trade.

Moreover, there is a hefty entry fee.

We cannot manage to have

either of these.

I will figure out

the money.

Yaoting...

Did we not agree?

You will handle the living matters,

and I will handle the dead.

This money issue surely does not count as living, does it?

All right.

Then, I will find someone to advocate for us.

What should we do in the meantime?

I will need all of you

to dye the best silk you can produce.

That will be our confidence to compete in Splendor Showcase.

All right! Not a problem!

Not a problem!

Today,

we will not stop until we are drunk!

Agreed! Let's keep drinking!

Master,

the silk is fully prepared.

I have personally handpicked

the men chosen to deliver it.

Now, we are only waiting for Lei Zu Festival to begin.

I guarantee nothing will go wrong.

But...

But what?

But

recently,

that young lady from the Ji family has become particularly arrogant.

Not only has she sought the support of Mr. Sang,

but she is also close to the newly appointed brocade officer.

Before she had all these connections,

did you manage to control her?

I do not need excuses.

What I want is

Shu Red Silk.

But Ji Yingying is cunning

and unpredictable.

She is difficult to pin down.

What if

she truly manages to pay off all her debts

within the month?

It will become much harder

to find a leverage

against her.

Thus, I humbly ask for your guidance, master.

Unpredictable as she may be,

there is always something constant around her.

Counter her ever-changing moves with steadfastness.

Constant?

I understand now.

I appreciate your help, master.

You have two hands.

Keep one on Shu Red Silk

and the other on Lei Zu Festival.

Fail at either,

and I will chop off that particular hand.

I understand.

Mr. Ji,

your willingness to weave brocade in our humble workshop

is truly an honor for us.

You flatter me, sir.

I should be thanking you for your generosity.

The son of Brocade Master

is certainly worth the price.

Here's your loom.

I will not disturb you further.

I will await your masterpiece.

I will do my utmost.

Hasn't Mr. Ji

always dismissed our little workshop as producing

rough and inferior brocade?

Why did he lower himself to work here now?

It is because his sister offended someone.

Their silk dyeing business has collapsed,

and now, the family cannot even afford food.

Those major dyehouses

only employ their own people.

Who would hire the son of a disgraced man?

[The Yu residence]

[The Ji residence]

[The Yu residence]

♪Fallen petals, scattered on the ground♪

♪Love awakes♪

♪but it fades before it grows♪

♪Like dust in the creek♪

♪it slips away♪

♪Time just spins, tearing at the seams♪

♪I walk through the pain♪

♪but I still chase the dream♪

♪The road is ahead♪

♪but it feels so unknown♪

♪How can we, so small, fight against this tide?♪

[Excerpts from Big Rat from Shijing, Guofeng, Weifeng] Big rat, big rat,

do not eat my millet.

♪Holding on tight, as the ropes pull me inside♪

A big rat may not steal grain

but seeks to steal a master's craft.

Master Ji, will you teach me?

Absolutely not!

The Ji family's weaving techniques

are never taught to outsiders.

Please, Father.

No idlers allowed.

It is a rule of Ji's Brocade Workshop.

Who says I am idle?

I can help!

Father,

isn't that right?

♪Throw the thread, and let the heartache show♪

♪Drowning in this, can't let it go♪ Zhizhi.

Help?

You would only make things worse!

Come back with me at once!

No!

Father, help me!

Yingying, do not be afraid.

I am here.

Hurry up and come with me.

- Hurry up! - Mother, easy!

- Mother, my ear!

How many times must I remind you?

Mother!

Do not wander into the workshop for no reason!

Ji's Brocade Workshop strictly forbids noise

and running around.

Ms. Ji?

Ms. Ji,

this way, please.

It is not that our family fears offending others.

[Yu Shu]

But to be a referrer,

one must submit a substantial security fee to the authorities.

I know you are bold enough to speak your mind

and unafraid of power.

It is precisely because of this that I dared to come ask for your help.

Though we are small dyehouses,

[Yu Xi] we are honest people.

We would never provoke trouble without cause.

These threads were all dyed by us.

Take a look. Do you think they can sell?

Good silk, indeed.

However,

good silk

does not always fetch a good price.

I understand.

Those who weave brocade know the value of fine silk,

but the patrons often do not.

What they want is silk with a prestigious name

and a reputation that adds to their status.

That is precisely why I aim to participate in Splendor Showcase

and win the title.

Even fine wine struggles to sell in an obscure alley.

I hope you may lend me a helping hand, Mr. Yu.

My family is already burdened with debt.

All I have left by my side

is my granddaughter.

The Yu family's century-old business

has long lacked successors.

I want to support you.

But I cannot do anything on my own.

This is not an excuse.

- But I... - I believe you.

You could have refused me outright,

yet you chose to share your difficulties openly.

That honesty means a great deal to me.

Thank you.

I will not trouble you further. I will seek help elsewhere.

Mr. Yu, farewell.

To fight.

Against the heavens! Against the winds!

Xi is a bit naive by nature

and lacks an understanding of worldly matters.

However,

she has an extraordinary ability to sense people's hearts

and emotions.

She saw the fighting spirit within you.

That is why

she gave you the doucai ball.

Join us!

Who says the Yu family has no fighter?

You played better than I do.

I hope we can continue doing business together in the future.

Okay.

Perhaps I still can play for a few years.

Ms. Ji, have a safe journey.

Thank you.

Why are you here?

I heard that Ms. Ji from Silk Society is looking for

a referrer.

I came to take a look.

The major dyehouses in the city, along with Mrs. Hua,

have banded together to suppress Silk Society.

The brocade merchants look down on our small workshops.

Mr. Yu is kindhearted,

[The Yu residence] but even he cannot help us.

Have your forgotten my surname?

The referrer must be a patriarch

and must provide a substantial deposit as collateral.

Even you, the second son of the Zhao family,

cannot help me this time.

Who said I meant myself?

I was talking about my grandfather.

He has never liked us hanging out together.

Why would he agree to help now?

I showed him the wind-patterned silk handkerchief

you gave me.

He kept it

and said he is willing to meet you.

Then, what are we waiting for?

Let's go.

[The Zhao residence]

Grandfather,

Mother.

Greetings, Mr. Zhao Senior.

[Mr. Zhao Senior] Please, rise.

Mrs. Zhao.

Xiuyuan, what are you standing there for?

Come sit beside me.

That's all right, Mother.

I'll stand here.

An unmarried woman

spending her days out in public

and now meddling in Silk Society,

engaging in business meant for men.

This is...

Mother!

Mrs. Zhao, I believe that

business is not merely the exchange of money for goods.

Even managing expenses and hiring staff within the household

are forms of business.

Some even consider marriages and child-rearing

as pursuits.

What nonsense!

Leave at once.

Your words offend our ears.

Why are you still here?

Shenniang,

leave at once.

Yes.

Xiuyuan told me

that the colors on this handkerchief

were your doing?

To weave a scenery is easy,

but to capture elegance is not.

Blending and layering colors

allow for a play

of light and shadow, creating movement,

like the wind.

Blending and layering are not difficult.

What is rare

is the keen eye to discern subtle hues

and the talent to select and create perfect colors.

You remind me of your father in this aspect.

Embroidery is a matter of needles,

while brocade requires a loom.

The two are vastly different crafts.

To transfer this design onto a loom

will not be easy.

I am willing to try.

Very well. Give it a try.

Ms. Ji, since you seek a recommendation for the competition,

I am willing to give you a chance as well.

What should I do?

The Zhao family has a stockpile of aged silk.

The quality is decent,

but the colors are outdated.

If you can manage to sell this silk

within half a month, Ms. Ji,

I will grant your request

and recommend you to the brocade guild.

Mr. Zhao Senior, rest assured.

I will see to it.

You have stepped into the spotlight now.

You will have no chance to hide your talent anymore.

You once said that the more Mr. Zhao Senior values someone,

the less freedom they have.

Everything must follow the Zhao family's rules.

But giving in once

leads to endless yielding.

Instead of being compliant,

it is better to seize control.

Isn't that what Sang Shisi said?

Xiuyuan,

I will take my leave.

All right.

Stay safe.

[Yuebuhuan]

I do not believe

that Mr. Zhao Senior genuinely wants to help you.

He is simply using you

to lure his beloved grandson back

into weaving brocade.

Selling silk?

He is clearly making things difficult on purpose.

If you fail to sell it, he will blame your incompetence.

He will not be responsible.

Of course, he has his own motives.

But he has given his word.

If I succeed,

he will not be able to go back on it.

Now, what I need is a good business idea.

Yang Jinglan?

Today

is the 19th.

It is his mother's death anniversary.

A death anniversary?

And he dresses so flamboyantly?

[Yuebuhuan]

That is just who he is.

The more sorrowful he feels,

the more outrageous his behavior becomes.

How do you know that?

That's right.

You used to be his sister-in-law.

What trouble have you gotten into this time?

A fight.

Who won?

Do I ever lose?

Why are you here?

I argued with the elders.

Who won?

What do you think?

What are you doing?

These are offerings.

Who cares?

What is the point of offerings to the dead?

Besides, my mother is not enshrined here.

I am just like him.

We hate the Yang family's rules,

and we tarnish their reputation.

Juxian.

Greetings, Juxian, my sister-in-law.

[Yang Juxian, Yang Jinglan's father, and the Yang family's matriarch]

[Yang Jinglin, the second son of the Yang family; Yang Jingshan]

[the eldest son of the Yang family] All of you suddenly gathered here.

What is the occasion?

Had we not been summoned here?

Who called you?

No one?

Perhaps there has been a misunderstanding.

This troublemaker!

Today is my mother's death anniversary.

I have brought a gift to Mr. Yang Juxian.

I ask everyone here to bear witness.

[A kind father, and a filial son]

If Mr. Yang Juxian wishes to reprimand me again,

let him first reflect

on these words.

Do you want to hit me?

We are no longer in the past.

If you dare strike me now,

it will be counted as an assault on an imperial officer.

Jinglan!

Today, you have blatantly disregarded proper decorum,

mocked your elders,

and ridiculed your father!

Do you have no sense of duty as a son or nephew?

Uncle, you are the one who knows the rules best.

Thus, tell us.

What is greater, public duty

or private matters?

Which holds more weight, the emperor's mandate or the family rules?

Naturally, the emperor's mandate is greater.

Then, the Yang family's rule...?

Greetings, Mr. Yang.

Why does he resent the Yang family so much?

Do you want to know?

Since I'll inevitably cross paths with him,

I ought to have a good understanding of him.

Tell me.

Why don't you first tell me

about your opinion of my new wine?

I drank it all too quickly,

so I did not get to savor it properly.

Let me taste it again.

It is fragrant!

His mother

was his father's greatest love.

However, she came from humble origins.

Back then, the Yang family business was struggling,

and the elders forced his father

to marry a woman from a wealthy family

as his wife.

[The memorial tablet of Mrs. Yang] His mother waited five long years

before she was finally married into the Yang family,

but only as a concubine.

Go away!

Jinglan!

I don't want you to see my mother.

Jinglan,

your father rushed back overnight.

Rushed back overnight?

You received word of her critical state ten days ago,

yet you only arrived now.

It's because you were occupied with business

and obsessed with negotiating!

My mother's life

never mattered to you.

How dare you!

The Yang family business is of utmost importance.

It naturally outweighs personal matters.

As a member of the Yang family,

you ought to understand this.

The interests of our kin matters,

but what about my mom's life?

Such insolence!

Sir,

will you continue to indulge him?

Guards, send this unfilial son

to the clan for discipline!

Let go of me! I am not going!

Let me go!

Release him!

Release me!

Release him!

Defying your elders

and uttering such disgraceful words.

Apologize!

I will not!

Will you admit your fault?

Will you...?

Jinglan, just apologize! Jinglan!

[The memorial tablet of Mrs. Yang]

Your mother would be so happy

if she knew you had returned.

Had she seen you back then,

she would have been delighted.

After your mother passed away,

I admit

I was stricter with you.

However, so many years have gone by.

Are you still holding a grudge?

If you do not wish to discuss the past,

then let's talk about the present.

Being a brocade officer is no ordinary position.

You must...

Rest assured.

I will not drag the Yang family into anything,

and I hope

the family will not drag me down, either.

Is this

the real reason for your dramatic return?

Why are you so eager

to sever ties with our family?

I do not hold a grudge against you.

However,

I just do not want to have anything more to do with you.

Ah, so that is why!

No wonder he loathes negotiating with me.

It is not you he dislikes.

It is the Yang family he despises.

But who does not?

Why should I abide by the Yang family's rules?

Is weaving brocade that impressive?

I can even brew wine!

People may live without wearing brocade,

but no one can live without wine.

You asked me to taste the wine, but you ended up getting drunk.

I should not have talked to you about the Yang family.

Where are you going? Do not leave!

I am going to make you some hangover remedy.

I do not need it...!

I am fine!

Wait...

Slow down...

I am fine!

Slow down!

You need to stop drinking.

Yingying!

Yaoting!

Mr. Ji, you are here.

Ms. Yu.

Yaoting, why are you here?

I have come to take you home.

Perfect timing!

Come. Let us sit and have a drink.

Yaoting,

go and make a hangover remedy for Yu.

I need to coax her to sleep before I can leave.

All right.

Yingying,

what do you think I should call my new wine?

What about

Amber Glow?

How about it?

The World's Best Wine!

The World's Best Wine?

I would not dare boast that much.

Mr. Yang,

the tavern is close.

Come back another day.

The door is open,

and there are people here.

What is this?

You are allowed to drink here,

but I am not?

We are taking care of someone who has had too much.

Who is drunk?

I am not drunk!

Not at all!

Sit...

Everyone, sit.

I will get more wine for us.

Ms. Yu?

Ms. Yu!

Mr. Ji,

you have had too much.

I...

Your brother is drunk without a sip of wine.

Wait for me.

I will fetch the wine. Wait for me!

I am

in a foul mood tonight.

Let us do this.

Pretend we do not know each other,

forget the past,

and treat this as a chance meeting.

Will you sit and share a drink with me?

Very well.

Mr. Yang,

my sister was impulsive.

How could we dare drink alongside you?

We kindly ask for your forgiveness.

I apologize.

I spent too much time outside,

so I am unaccustomed to the city's rules.

Let us do this.

I will take some wine and leave.

Leave?

Where do you think you are going?

She is an unmarried young lady,

so it is improper for her to share a drink with you at this hour.

But I can do it.

Who is not a wanderer at heart?

Will you drink?

Have a seat!

We'll drink the wanderer's brew!

Cheers!

Do you remember

the time we were punished and made to kneel in the ancestral hall?

I would rather not.

It is best to forget.

Not even good wine can keep your mouth shut.

Yaoting,

I envy them.

Yingying...

I know I am a woman.

Living in Yizhou means

I must follow reason

and obey the rules.

It is not about what I want to do.

Slow down.

But drinking like this will not solve anything, either.

Can you still drink or not?

I am so happy.

Here!

Two pots of wine and two pots of soup.

You may not sniff them, nor touch them.

Pick one at random.

It is all up to luck.

Do you dare to...

wager?

Too much ginger.

Not enough salt.

I will fix it next time.

What are you doing?

Who said we would stop at just one pot?

The greed of man knows no bound.

Why is this still the same hangover remedy?

The wisdom of the tavern owner knows no bounds.

How else could we ensure

you drink the remedy?

Receptive.

And crafty.

A sly merchant, indeed!

Crafty and re...?

Receptive.

Yaoting,

I have thought of a way to sell the surplus silk!

I cannot do this anymore.

The Zhao family's silk

is beyond useless!

And there is so much of it!

Look at me.

Are my eyelids glued shut?

Take a look.

All right.

Snap out of it, will you?

There was not much to begin with.

Once we finish this, there will be...!

There will only be a little left!

I do not need you to fan me.

Stop blocking the light, will you?

All right. I will move to the side.

Sang Shisi!

Do not touch my silk!

Stay away from her!

I...

I will pick it up!

Yingying, I finished the embroidery.

As expected of you, Pin.

You're quick and flawless.

As expected, Mr. Ji,

your weaving is perfectly balanced,

smooth, and refined.

What a fine brocade!

This month, I will add ten qian to your pay.

I appreciate it, Mr. Wang.

Hold on.

What is this?

How am I supposed to sell this?

You are sitting near Mr. Ji,

and yet you cannot seem to learn anything from him!

Mr. Wang,

I...

Listen carefully,

all of you.

The previous order was delayed.

Thus, each of you will have two qian docked from your pay this month.

In this workshop, rewards and penalties are clear.

The skilled earn more.

If you improve

your weaving,

you will earn what you deserve.

Mr. Ji, you indeed weave beautifully.

We should learn from him.

Indeed.

Once I finish my batch, I will teach you.

Showing off, are you?

Before you came,

Mr. Wang never complained about our work.

You just have to stand out,

don't you?

Father,

do I lack talent for weaving brocade?

Talent?

I do not have much of that, either.

But what I rely on are these simple words.

Diligence makes up for lack of talent.

As long as you put your heart into something you love,

you will not only succeed,

but you will also excel.

[Ji]

Seven times pulling, eight times tugging.

What is this?

What are you doing?

If you are here to stir up trouble again,

do not bother coming to work at the Wang family's shop!

Go!

Get back to work now!

You are unbelievable!

Mr. Ji, come here.

Mr. Ji,

are you all right?

I am all right.

Mr. Wang,

may I purchase this loom?

It is the one my father used many years ago,

and I would like to have it as a keepsake.

This loom may be broken,

but it is not cheap.

I will gather the money.

Please, grant me this request, Mr. Wang.

Lei Zu Festival,

don floral garments, cross the long embankment,

and bow deeply.

- Slow down! Watch your step! - Seek excellence.

Where is Mr. Yang?

The appointed hour is almost upon us.

Missing the appointed time is a grave offense.

If he is late, it is either deliberate

or he has prepared an excuse.

You seem to know him well.

Know your enemy,

and you will never lose a battle.

Where is Mr. Sang?

I sent him to hire porters for the ceremony work.

Everyone has their role,

and he needs to do something.

Mr. Zhao is here!

He is looking at you.

Mrs. Yang, what a blessing you have.

Your eldest son remains Brocade Master,

and your third son has become the brocade officer.

To have a pair of outstanding talents in one family

is truly an object of envy.

The two sons of the Zhao family

are equally remarkable.

Mr. Zhao Senior, you must feel blessed as well.

We, the ordinary folk, cannot compare.

Your eldest son will compete in the Brocade Weaving Competition,

while your third son will judge.

The Yang family stands unrivaled

in Yizhou's brocade industry.

My eldest son's Brocade Master title

comes from the recognition of Shu's artisans.

My third son's appointment as brocade officer

is an honor from the imperial court.

The Yang family owes its success today

to your support and the fairness of the court.

Therefore,

be it my eldest or my third,

they will always win hearts with reason

and act with fairness and integrity.

What do you think?

Naturally, the matter of right and wrong

is plain for all to see.

If you two

have the time to argue,

perhaps you should send someone to look for him.

The appointed hour is approaching quickly.

If we anger Lei Zu,

no one will beget good fortune.

The brocade officer has arrived!

The first incense offering is an important occasion.

Why are you late?

Missing the appointed hour

is a grave disrespect to Lei Zu!

Is this how

the Yang family addresses an officer of my stature?

Is it me who disrespects Lei Zu,

or is it you who disrespects me?

The auspicious hour has arrived!

All must remain solemn and reverent.

People,

bring the basin and cloth.

Brocade officer, Brocade Master, wash your hands and calm your mind.

This one!

Miss, someone asked me to deliver this to you.

Thank you.

If you do not want your brother jailed,

return home immediately.

♪Fallen petals, scattered on the ground♪

♪Love awakes, but it fades before it grows♪

♪Like dust in the creek, it slips away♪

♪Time just spins, tearing at the seams♪

♪I walk through the pain, but I still chase the dream♪

♪The road is ahead, but it feels so unknown♪

♪How can we, so small, fight against this tide?♪

♪Holding on tight, as the ropes pull me inside♪

♪To show that the soaring crimson is mine to own♪

♪Red like a vow, that's burning slow♪

♪Silent red, where all my memories go♪

♪Throw the thread, and let the heartache show♪

♪Drowning in this, can't let it go♪

♪Red like flames, that burn through my soul♪

♪I walk these miles alone, through sleepless nights.♪

♪Love in the wind, alive, it's everywhere we've been♪

♪Red blooms bright, but it dies all alone♪

♪Red like a vow, that's burning slow♪

♪Silent red, where all my memories go♪

♪Throw the thread, and let the heartache show♪

♪Drowning in this, can't let it go♪

♪Red like flames, that burn through my soul♪

♪I walk these miles alone, through sleepless nights.♪

♪Love in the wind, alive, it's everywhere we've been♪

♪Red blooms bright, but it dies all alone♪