Original subtitles

[Flourished Peony]

[Episode 8]

What will it take for you to let her go?

Give me ten guan.

I'll write the divorce deed now.

Okay, I give you ten guan.

I require the separation scroll from you.

Okay.

Wuniang. Wuniang.

Wait for me.

Ms. Yun,

I pledge this jade to you

in exchange for a loan of ten guan.

Interest is charged according to your rules.

Is that okay?

Making a living is difficult for you.

While you still want to fund others.

You said before that…

It's a gift from my deceased mother.

I won't forsake it

unless it's a dire necessity.

Please forgive me.

Did you think it through?

Wang Qing is a brute.

If Wuniang is taken back by him,

she will be beaten to death.

This jade is left to you by your mother.

You can't pawn it.

No matter how precious the jade is,

it's not as important as a human life.

My mother's spirit in heaven surely won't blame me.

Ms. Yun,

I pledge this jade to you personally.

When I've saved up enough money,

I'll buy it back.

Is that okay?

I'd like to lend you money.

No need for interest.

You're generous and charitable.

I'm truly grateful.

While rules must be followed.

Take it.

Ms. Yun.

Take it.

Wait.

You're done.

It's time for Ms. Yun

to count her losses.

Everything in Huanyun Tower costs a fortune.

Strangers cause trouble and damage things.

Ms. Yun,

you must make him pay for it.

I was so busy that I forgot it.

Thanks for the reminder, my lord.

Wang Qing,

the peony you trampled is called Zhu Yan.

It's worth at least

1,000 wen a plant.

The Ze Lan is worth

at least 800 wen.

How can these flowers be so expensive?

You can't fool me.

Just check the market,

and you'll know their prices.

Who'd deceive you?

Even if you report to the authorities,

it would result in more, not less.

All these trampled items

cost at least 20 guan.

There's not enough money in it to cover it.

Ten guan short.

Ms. Yun, how do you get him

to pay the rest of the money?

That's impudent.

You're plotting to take my money.

You're not allowed to fool around here.

Since you have no money.

It doesn't matter.

Punch you once to make up for one guan.

After ten punches, it's considered that you're done paying for it.

You are bullying by power.

Paying debts is a natural duty.

Whom have I bullied?

My skin is tender.

The matter of hitting…

Chuanyu.

Yes.

Chuanyu,

haven't you eaten?

Your punch lacks strength.

Ms. Yun, why do you imitate her?

Do you want to be a living Buddha?

My lord, do you know?

This is the righteousness and friendship among women.

Wuniang,

are you okay?

I originally had some worries.

However, watching you thrive

in this crummy place,

I fear nothing.

The absence of liberty

is the scariest thing.

Come on.

Have some.

Wuniang, look.

Such a beautiful sunset.

The splendid sunset

bathes both the resplendent palaces of the royal nobility

and the crumbling ruins

of the common people.

Therefore,

at this moment,

we're just like them.

At this time in the past,

I was always busy,

and never thought to look up.

Mudan,

you are like the twilight that illuminates me.

You, too.

You were so afraid of Wang Qing,

but you kept reminding me to leave.

You knew you'd be beaten

for helping me escape,

but you held the bucket for me.

Wuniang,

you are braver and kinder

than you think.

It's because you saved me

that I can save you today.

Don't cry. It's all in the past.

It's over now.

We've known each other for a long time.

You've never told me

your full name.

Since I was born,

my mother has only called me Wu.

I don't have a formal name.

Can you give me one?

Sure.

Today is your new beginning.

You should have a good name

as a lucky sign.

Wait for me.

I hope you can

achieve success in everything

and live a worry-free life.

How about we call you…

[Sheng]

Sheng.

[Yi]

Yi.

Shengyi.

Qin Shengyi, how about it?

Although I'm

illiterate,

it means achieving success in everything…

Qin Shengyi…

I like it very much.

Shengyi.

Qin Shengyi.

Qin Shengyi.

[Shengyi] Shengyi.

Shengyi.

During the time I was looking for a job,

I either ran into walls

or bad people like Wang Qing.

If we want to settle down,

we must be the owner.

This is so that we won't get our wages docked and framed.

Apart from making wine and cooking,

I have no other skills.

We are women.

Can we make it?

My lady, would you like to buy flowers?

Graceful and vibrant flowers.

We'll see.

Remember to come back and buy one.

- Alright. - Flowers.

Look, what's wrong with women?

What men can do

we can do as well.

You don't even know that you're the one

who runs Wang Qing's tavern.

You are so capable.

I also have skills.

Something I'm very good at doing

is raising flowers.

Chang'an is so big with numerous chances.

Sooner or later, we'll have our own business.

However, now we have nothing.

So we need to find more jobs,

and earn more money.

By October, if we have saved enough capital,

we can buy a batch of peony seedlings.

And then we can run our own shop.

In these months, I should learn to plant and raise flowers.

Its purple peony

blooms so beautifully.

Is this a renowned variety?

This is Ningyan Purple. It's worth at least 1,000 wen.

That's so expensive.

Shall we ask them

if they are hiring?

They can take

such good care of the renowned peony.

There must be no shortage of good gardeners.

Check that one out.

This flower is also pretty.

We've almost toured the entire flower market.

You complimented several peonies, too.

But why don't you recommend yourself?

They keep their peonies so well.

Why hire more to help them?

Let's look more.

Check that one out and play it by ear.

Okay.

Ladies, my flowers are the cheapest

in the whole flower market.

You two are so lucky.

We can get it. How much for one plant?

50 wen.

50 wen?

But why are your flowers

so much smaller than the others?

All the flowers of this variety look like this.

My lady, you can buy

some budding plants.

When you get back, you plant them in your yard

and wait for them to bloom.

A garden full of bright colors

can be enjoyed for a whole season.

Stop coaxing me.

They're dwarf peonies, aren't they?

With short stems and roots,

they must be very hard to keep.

At least half of these buds won't bloom.

Even the few that do bloom,

they're just as broken

and shriveled as this.

My lady, you're so knowledgeable,

but you still ask me.

I'm afraid you don't buy it for your own use.

My lady, how about this?

If you buy a lot,

we can negotiate.

I run a pastry shop.

I want to buy some cheap peonies

to borrow their fragrance and color.

Where did you dig them up?

If I were to buy them every ten days,

can you supply them?

Of course, I can.

I picked these flowers from the Qingliang Mountain in the outskirt.

It's not far from the city.

However,

the mountain road is rough and steep.

Not many flower farmers go there to pick.

I'm the only one

who can pick dwarf peonies.

Ladies, how many plants would you like?

We shall go back and discuss it.

We'll come back after we've discussed it.

Alright. My lady, don't forget.

Be sure to buy from me.

The flowers at that place earlier

were poorly maintained.

Why didn't you ask if they were hiring,

instead of prying into his affairs

by asking where the flowers were dug from?

That man doesn't look like a proper florist at first glance.

Likely a mountain-dependent farmer.

He sells whatever he digs.

He won't be running this business forever.

My original idea is

to save up enough capital first.

I didn't think we'd have this good chance today.

Shengyi,

as of today,

we have to start being the owner.

The dwarf peony is not worth 50 wen here.

But I have a way.

I can raise it better,

and sell it for a higher price.

In this flower market,

apart from his place,

no one else sells this flower.

Isn't it just giving us

the opportunity to make a big profit?

The peony naturally grows in the mountain.

If we dig it up to sell,

no capital is required at all.

This really is a highly profitable business.

It's not that simple.

The buds of this flower are small

and unattractive.

We need to acquire fertilizer

to grow the buds

so that every bud will bloom.

Ordinary households don't have large courtyards.

If they grow plants themselves,

it's troublesome and hard to feed.

However, this flower has short roots,

which is suitable for potting.

Therefore, it's cheap

and saves space.

That's good.

But we can't even feed ourselves.

How to purchase flower fertilizer and pots?

Maybe we should work

for a few months first

and save up some capital.

The dwarf peony blooming period is limited.

The business opportunity is hard to come by.

If we don't seize it now,

we'll have to wait for next year.

I've come up with

a shortcut to making money.

We can have a try.

Mr. Jiang, I have

a surefire deal that can't lose.

Care to hear?

Not interested.

This is a highly profitable business.

Just take a look.

If you invest 100 guan,

after two months,

100 guan will turn into 1,000 guan.

If this business expands,

1,000 guan will eventually be

many pieces of golden pie.

It's merely the pie in the sky.

Just bring me the 19 pots of flowers you owe me.

If the business of potted peonies takes off,

I'll make a fortune every day.

I can also pay back quickly

the flowers I owe you.

Just take a look.

I can talk big, too.

You're just dreaming

without any basis.

Find someone else to trick.

I won't see you out.

I'm not lying. Mr. Jiang, just take a look…

Mr. Jiang. God of Wealth Jiang.

Mr. Jiang, would you like to take another look?

Chuanyu is also here.

Jiang Xiaohua,

I changed your name

because I want you to be a new person

and become more simple.

Instead of showing gratitude for my help,

you're trying to swindle me

and leave me with nothing.

That's not acceptable.

I want to make money with my benefactor.

It's simply an act of gratitude.

I'm in debt to you, but it doesn't mean

you should have a biased view

of my skills and capabilities.

As an old saying goes, a single spark can start a prairie fire.

Every good business

needs capital, right?

Please take a look.

You really treat this place as your own home.

You've gotten bolder.

Excuse me.

Mr. Jiang, do you remember?

We had an agreement at that time.

Today, I originally intended to

take care of the Qiongtai Yulu.

It's been very rainy recently.

This house has good ventilation.

But it lacks sufficient light.

It's better to move it to the Jiang's Mansion,

and then settle it

in a south-facing room.

In this way, when your aunt comes to visit,

she can see this flower in full bloom.

While charming playboys are slipping through windows to meet their lovers,

you're captivated by a flower.

You're a true flower devotee.

I slip through the window not just for the flower,

but for this.

The price of this peony is high.

Those who can afford it are all rich.

The ordinary households in Chang'an

don't have the habit of buying peonies.

What Chuanyu said

is just the business opportunity for low-priced peonies.

The people of Chang'an

always envy the peony's splendor.

They can see but cannot afford it.

There's no land for people to plant.

The dwarf peony I want to sell

grows in the wilderness, and the plant is exquisite.

If it's made into a good and inexpensive potted plant,

it will be very popular.

Such a low-cost

and high-profit chance given by heaven,

could you bear to miss it?

Peonies have a blooming season.

Once spring passes,

the so-called business opportunity will be gone.

I intend to take advantage of this spring

to make a good profit and save money.

As for the blooming season,

the beauty of the four seasons is endless.

When peonies are out of season, I can still sell other flowers.

Mr. Jiang, you know my skills.

I certainly won't let you lose money.

Your business relies on volume.

You only have one pair of hands.

How can you manage it all?

Not to mention

where can you find so many dwarf peonies?

Whether it's ten, a hundred,

or a thousand plants,

as long as it makes money to make a living,

I alone can do the work of ten people.

Besides, I have help now.

Wild dwarf peonies

can be found all over the Qingliang Mountain.

If you don't believe me,

tomorrow I'll go to the mountain to pick flowers.

Qingliang Mountain is steep and lofty.

As a woman untrained in martial arts,

you can't make it up there.

Just a mountain.

Why can't I get up there?

When you see the flowers,

you will be reassured.

And then we can sign the contract.

With a clap, a vow is cast.

With a word, a promise is made.

Done.

Do you need my help?

No need.

♫ The Luo River cleanses the moonlight haze ♫

♫ Flowing into a scorching long river ♫

♫ A jade-like face not yet indulged in mundane pleasures ♫

♫ Youth sets its own wandering path ♫

♫ Let not the secular world constrain ♫

♫ How can they guess with mundane eyes ♫

♫ Smiling as the storm stir the dust ♫

♫ Flowers should bloom proudly ♫

♫ Reflecting the color of the sky ♫

♫ Never withering ♫

♫ Do not fail the varied fragrance ♫

Go.

Your Highness.

Your Highness, what fine archery!

The arrow pierced the eye,

but left the eagle unharmed.

It's the crossbow that's good.

The arrow flies a hundred paces

with perfect precision.

With a Master Archery Camp in the army

armed with such might,

our nation

will be impervious to external attacks.

Your Highness, a word from you today

can ensure the peace of our borders for a century.

However,

this year's military expenditure has already exceeded the budget.

If a new Master Archery Camp is established,

I'm afraid it will mean supporting dozens more officials.

For the sake of the state,

I will request the Emperor

to open the state treasury.

Those who can command the Master Archery Camp

are all talented and must not be neglected.

Bestow upon them

the title of Master Archery Lieutenant,

a fifth-grade military rank.

I've always valued talent.

I'll choose candidates soon,

and report them to you.

Internal selection of officials.

I'm afraid the officials will disagree.

Your Highness.

Floral Envoy.

Whether selecting talents or great tools,

I've never feared criticism from them.

Otherwise, how could you

take over the Ministry of Defense?

You can have this eagle for amusement.

Your Highness.

Thank you, Your Highness.

The eagle is so fierce.

But if it were to lose its eyes,

it would be nothing more than a floundering beast.

You only need to ensure

that the eyes of the army are the eyes of His Highness.

All armies submit to His Highness.

His Highness has everything under control.

Suizhi,

Imperial Academy is a place for lecturing.

Xu Zuping is the Emperor's tutor.

Don't cause trouble again.

The memorials complaining about you

are piled higher than a horse.

It's unjust.

I took a leave of absence to deliver a gift for the Emperor.

How could that be mischief?

Old man Xu is still considered a national scholar?

More like a stubborn piece of elm wood.

The more his students

impeach me,

the more the Emperor dislikes governing.

His Highness assists in managing the court.

The officials are like bows and crossbows in his hands.

Those who make the bows and crossbows

should know the master's

direction and goals.

Jiang Changyang said I couldn't climb the mountain.

If there's no way, I'll make one myself.

I just climbed up.

That's right.

I heard the Emperor has retrieved

all the records and memorials of this year

from the Ministry of Revenue.

It's good that the Emperor is concerned about people's livelihood.

But there are too many memorials to read at once.

As his elder brother,

I truly worry about his health.

Just this year's memorials wouldn't be enough.

The Emperor might want all three years' worth.

Ever since he suffered from a migraine,

he can't go to the Imperial Garden to stroll and play ball.

He can't stand it.

So he played in his bedroom by building

a goal out of the old memorials.

Without my close attention,

the imperial jade seal

could have been shattered into fragments.

Is that so?

This is nothing.

Tomorrow, I'll let the Ministry of Works

build a new palace

dedicated to strolling and playing ball.

My younger brother has been weak

and ill since childhood.

He should exercise more.

Suizhi,

Youzhen often praises you.

She said you are expert at all games.

You must serve diligently

to make the Emperor happy.

Of course.

It's a pity about my daughter.

Having recently become a widow, she's been mired in melancholy.

She's in dire need of

a companion as amusing as you.

Just right.

You've known each other since childhood and have compatible temperaments.

Your Highness,

it's Liu Chang from Luoyang who has been well-acquainted

with the County Princess since childhood

and has compatible temperaments.

Everyone knows

the County Princess has deep feelings for him.

How could I slip them up?

Long absent from the saddle and bow.

Last time I was here, I saw a doe,

which was quite adorable.

Today,

I'm determined to bag it and bring it home.

Suizhi,

your parents died early.

I have always treated you like my son.

There are things

I have to take care of.

You've reached the age

to marry and have children.

What's wrong with Youzhen?

In terms of character and appearance,

she far surpasses other noble ladies.

What still dissatisfies you with her?

The County Princess stands out.

I naturally appreciate her.

However,

I'm accustomed to independence.

I have peculiar tastes.

If you're fond of

the singers from the Yuefu or the performers from the Pear Garden,

you could take them as concubines.

Ever since I became the Floral Envoy,

the courtesans, both fair and skilled,

have become all too familiar to me.

As for the noble ladies,

they're haughty and refined.

I'm just a commoner with some money.

We're both tired of each other.

Suizhi,

for years, you've wandered the realms of joy,

and never spoken of marriage or offspring.

I'm really curious.

What kind of woman

could win your favor?

If I were truly to get married,

I'd have to find someone who has the same taste.

Though not required to excel in many skills,

she must cherish wealth as if it were life itself.

Life

should be about living well

and enjoying every moment.

You don't trust me?

Are you spouting nonsense at me?

Sincerity in every word.

I favor those

with a fierce tongue

and a rebellious spirit.

The more she defies convention,

the more she can astonish you.

In my mansion, there are few people.

If she could be quite a character,

and in her leisure, curse or strike me with a few blows,

wouldn't that be lively?

A shrew of the sort

you speak of

would surely remain unwed.

Suizhi,

in seeking a wife, virtue is key.

Don't let a fleeting joy

sway your choice.

In my opinion…

I seem to

have found the doe.

The plant is small

with delicate and fine roots.

Luckily, it's intact.

Look at that…

Why do I feel like I've shot someone?

Intruding the forbidden zone

of the royal hunt,

they deserve whatever happens to them.

Someone!

Wait.

She appears as

a charming young lady.

I must witness

this serendipitous encounter.

Beauty.

Beauty.

Beauty, what's wrong with you?

Beauty.

You've crossed the line.

To depart unscathed,

you must tread lightly.

I'm ignorant.

I was picking flowers and came here by mistake.

I bumped into my lords.

I seek forgiveness.

Since she is alive,

we can send her to Jingzhao Administration for disposition.

Mr. Jiang, don't let the lowly person

ruin the mood of the hunt.

Young lady, don't be afraid.

I hurt you by mistake.

I am truly sorry.

Where are you injured?

Let me take a look.

I feel a momentary palpitation

and dizziness.

I…

Beauty.

The beauty has fainted.

Someone!

Where is the camp tent?

Someone!

Someone!

County Princess used to love riding horses.

Why didn't you go hunting

with His Highness today?

If you don't go,

we can't go either.

It's a pity we won't see the spring colors

of Qingliang Mountain.

I think you two

are not regretting the missed spring scenery.

You're regretting not seeing the talented scholars

from the aristocracy at the hunting ground.

We are humble.

His Highness himself will choose a son-in-law for you.

You can choose from a wide range of men.

It is heard that the Liu family from Luoyang

has eagerly sent

the betrothal and auspicious gifts.

It is truly enviable.

County Princess,

if this is a wedding approaching,

why do you have a worried expression?

Does Your Highness not approve of this marriage?

Does he

still like Jiang Changyang?

My father knows that Jiang Changyang

is a vagabond with no great aspirations.

What he values is just

that he is the confidant of the Emperor.

However,

my heart, not a stone, cannot be so easily swayed.

This time

no matter how my father threatens,

I will not compromise.

I just

saw Jiang Changyang's carriage

heading to Qingliang Mountain.

I'm afraid His Highness

will take advantage of this hunting day to propose for you.

Biyu.

I'll ready the carriage now.

When the carriage slowly arrives at Qingliang Mountain,

he's got a deal.

Bring me the fastest horse in the mansion.

Yes.

Your Highness intends to bestow a marriage,

which is a great joy.

However, I am deeply engrossed in pleasure and my mind is unsettled.

If I were to truly marry,

it would not only restrict myself

but also wrong the County Princess Ji'an

and fail to honor Your Highness's kindness.

Without a wife or children,

you are like a rootless duckweed.

While it may seem free,

it is actually lonely and without support.

Your Highness is absolutely right.

All that I have achieved today

is thanks to your nurturing and care.

Prince Ning's Mansion is my root.

How could I forget?

Keeper Chen, the confidant of you,

has always entrusted you with his son, Chen Zhang,

to find an official position for him in Chang'an.

However, Chen Zhang

failed in the imperial examinations,

and behaves absurdly.

Your Highness intends to promote him,

but must also take into account

your reputation.

Suizhi,

are you going to help me?

Of course.

On that day, I seized the moment

when the Emperor

was in great spirits playing ball

and mentioned it casually.

The Emperor has consented,

appointing Chen Zhang as a warehouse keeper in Luoyang.

By staying away from Chang'an,

it effectively mutes the officials

and also satisfies your desire

to cherish talent.

Mr. Chen

is quite clever.

He entrusts the right person.

The warehouse keeper

is not a high-ranking position,

but it can govern

taxes and tributes,

granaries and land.

Suizhi, you have been diligent.

Yet I have been shallow.

I almost sympathized with a greedy and cunning official trader.

Suizhi,

today's hunting didn't bring full satisfaction.

You didn't hunt the doe.

I have indeed hunted a leopard.

Can't let you come for nothing.

I give it to you as a gift.

Your Highness, the County Princess has arrived.

County Princess?

Today, I have hunted a beauty

and received a reward from Your Highness.

Indeed, the harvest is plentiful.

The injured beauty

can't leave me.

I won't disturb your conversation

with the County Princess.

Jiang Changyang

is truly clever and insightful.

What a pity about Youzhen.

She is so disappointing.

Stop pretending.

You were eavesdropping, weren't you?

It seems you're concerned about the County Princess's marriage.

Why not catch up with her?

Lower your voice.

She hasn't even gone up the mountain yet.

You're so scared.

You today

used me as an excuse to get away.

You don't thank me,

but you're being sarcastic.

There's a hunt in Qingliang Mountain today.

Why did you not tell me?

I told you not to come.

Yet you insisted on coming.

Why should I bother to embarrass myself?

If I can climb up,

you can use me as an excuse to leave.

If I can't,

and then you can push off the deal.

Your mental abacus is so noisy.

Even the owner of the Zhang's noodle shop in Luoyang can hear it.

Thank goodness you didn't meet

any dangerous beasts,

or I'd be the one held responsible.

You guys have already shot

all the beasts.

There's nothing left for me to do.

In the past, there was Tao Qian

who wouldn't bow for five pecks of rice.

Today,

there's the Floral Envoy

who pledges allegiance for a leopard.

It seems the Floral Envoy

not only enjoys appreciating flowers,

but also likes taming beasts.

Superficial.

♫ In endless Chang'an, the zither's melody distant ♫

♫ Plum and willow trees bask in the sunshine, as splendor returns with the year ♫

♫ Copper palace battlements, songs and dances, glass goblets ♫

♫ Idle clouds and duckweed, a thousand flowers burst forth ♫

♫ Time passes gracefully, affairs settle like fading smoke ♫

♫ Let the years go by, carried by the wind to early desires ♫

♫ If the heart is like water, the bloom is ever-present ♫

♫ Still cherish the moon of my hometown, to meet for long ♫

♫ The distant night sky strewn with stars, reflecting the lovely moon ♫

♫ The peony's magnificent beauty fills the fragrant garden ♫

♫ With a heart as my lantern, I don't mind the distant mountain paths ♫

♫ The flute's sound, a fleeting life's wishes fulfilled ♫

♫ Time passes gracefully, affairs settle like fading smoke ♫

♫ Let the years go by, carried by the wind to early desires ♫

♫ If the heart is like water, the bloom is ever-present ♫

♫ Still cherish the moon of my hometown, to meet for long ♫