Original subtitles

[Flourished Peony]

[Episode 6]

Mudan, I have wronged you.

If you do not agree to the marriage alliance,

we won't get the Zixi pill.

I…

I am really at my wit's end.

Father, there is no need to blame yourself.

As long as my mother can recover,

I am willing to do anything.

I can

have such a daughter.

What more could I ask for?

How good the husband's family is.

This is a family of scholars and officials.

Why is Mudan just

so headstrong?

Please rest assured.

As a woman,

at home, she follows her father.

Once married, she follows the husband.

Since she has married into the Liu family,

regardless of life or death,

she belongs to the Liu family.

This time, she said she wants to divorce.

I'm afraid it's just a temporary fit.

She has never ever mentioned

this to us.

If she truly runs back home,

we shall tie her up

and take her back to the Liu Mansion.

Mr. He,

such incidents occurring

bring shame to both families.

Being able to form a marriage alliance with the family of an official

would provide hope for your son's

future studies and exams.

I advise you

to think carefully for the sake

of your only son.

- Yes. - Yes.

Yes.

I just can't bring myself to believe it.

Mudan is not an ungrateful child.

- How could she…? - Believe it or not,

your daughter talked back to her mother-in-law,

did not attend to her husband,

and brought her divorce dispute to court.

Those are things that everyone knows.

Do you want to side with her

and make a scene in court as well?

- Mr. He. - It's okay.

Merchants have always been lowly.

If a divorce is desired,

I'm afraid your entire family's

spines would be poked through.

That's not what I meant.

Man'er, be good.

Don't cry.

Man'er.

Marriage

is a woman's only destination.

How fine the household of the Liu family is.

I cherish my daughter.

I know it.

Mudan being able to marry into the Liu family

is a great honor.

Naturally, I hope she becomes a virtuous wife

and can properly support her husband and raise her children.

Mudan running away from home at night

is an embarrassment to herself.

Indeed,

it's improper.

After I find her,

I will certainly instruct her well.

Please, don't dwell on past grievances

and treat her well in the future.

Of course.

The Liu family is just deeply concerned.

Please lead the way, Mr. He.

Let's hurry to find her.

Okay.

He Weifang

must not bring disaster

back home again.

Father,

this year, for the sake of my brother's education,

you have been repeatedly asked for money by the Liu family.

Now the business is much worse than before.

This wealth

is the only thing I can

leave behind.

From this moment on,

I can no longer serve you.

I'm unfilial.

The way of life you expect of me

is not what I desire.

Here

will no longer be my home.

♫ 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 ♫

I can't believe it, this is impossible.

This is impossible.

He Weifang is such a strong-willed woman.

Since she has already run away,

why would she jump off a cliff to her death?

You must be lying, right?

Are you lying?

Did you kill her?

Did you kill her?

Tell me, did you do it?

It is absolutely true. How could I deceive you?

We've been searching her all the way,

following the horseshoe prints to the cliff.

Only the horse and this hairpin

were left by the cliff.

My lord, she took secluded and dangerous paths.

Deep woods, heavy fog, and in the dead of night.

It's possible she fell off the cliff by accident.

You ordered it, didn't you?

She has already left.

Wouldn't you let her go?

All for coveting her dowry?

Are you making up these lies against your conscience?

- My lord. - Have you lost your mind?

For a divorced woman,

you slander your own parents.

Slander? Which of my words is slander?

Is it not you who ordered her killed

or is it not about plotting for wealth and murder?

My lord.

Zishu,

Madam He's fall from the cliff really has nothing to do with us.

Although people were sent out before,

it was for your own good,

so that your marriage to the County Princess

would be without worries.

Fine, I'll ask you,

is my marriage to the County Princess

really for me

or is it for your

family glory you covet?

I'm telling you,

I do not agree to this marriage.

If you can bear the shame,

go ahead and tie me up.

Alright.

You have been deviant these days.

You've done everything

dishonoring the clan.

I can't discipline you anymore.

Bring the disciplinary cane.

At worst, beat him to death

to account to Prince Ning and the County Princess.

Okay.

Just hit me.

I'll compensate her

with my life.

Zishu.

My lord, no.

Go.

Yes.

My lord.

Zishu.

My lord, just give in.

She is already dead.

Why should you suffer like this?

I said I will not marry.

My lord.

Bring it here.

Rebel.

Do you really think

I don't have the heart to beat you to death?

My lord.

I have no private affair with the County Princess.

I have already severed my feelings for her.

If a marriage is forced,

it will only wrong her

and even more so, it will wrong myself.

Don't hit him anymore.

My son.

My son.

Regardless of whether you had an affair,

rumors have already spread.

If you don't get married, how will you settle this?

Even if you do not pity

the County Princess's infatuation and honor,

what about yourself?

Carrying such a bad name.

Years of hard study will just go to waste.

Official career, economic benefits, fame, or fortune,

would no longer be within your reach.

This is truly what wrongs you.

What about my heart?

Having lived so far,

when have I ever had things go my way?

From the trivial matters of clothing, food, accommodation, travel,

and social engagements

to significant matters like seeking teachers and education,

dreams, and aspirations,

even getting official ranks and titles,

what position I should take

has been decided by you.

My marriage

has been arranged once.

Now it will be arranged for a second time.

Why?

On what grounds?

Everything we have done,

which isn't for your own good?

Our Liu family has given our all

for the sake

of enabling you to be appointed to a first-rank position

and rise rapidly.

How do you repay us?

My lord.

My lord.

Could a good marriage

cost you your life?

If Prince Ning feels his daughter has been wronged,

he could accuse you of the crime of seduction.

Our entire Liu family

would all be implicated.

Back then, your willfulness and indulgence

led to our Liu family being demoted and sent away from Chang'an.

Now if I do not make the decision for you,

our entire Liu clan

will surely be forced

onto a path of no return.

Zishu has always been stubborn in words but soft at heart.

He is the most filial.

By acting this way, he is giving his consent.

Consented.

Notify the County Magistrate immediately

that Madam He, grief-stricken, fell off a cliff to her death.

Her body was never found.

Send another letter to inform the County Princess.

Quickly bring in the matchmaker.

Bring the betrothal gifts

and set out for Chang'an.

Yes.

Yes.

Sorry to have disturbed you.

I'm passing by.

I shall take my leave.

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

- Waiter, a pot of wine. - Here, take these.

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

Thank you.

♫ 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 ♫

Yulu,

we will soon arrive at the Fragrance Garden.

The Fragrance Garden

was passed from my grandmother to my mother

and from my mother to me.

Mudan, I plan

to leave this garden to you in the future.

The roots of this flower are delicate.

It can only draw limited nutrients.

The buds on this side branch

will only consume nutrients.

Not only will they not bloom,

but the flowers on this main stem

will also be affected.

You are still little.

You will understand when you grow up.

Sometimes a little friction is necessary.

By choosing and letting go,

the flower will bloom more brightly.

It's the same with being a man.

I'm not afraid of the hard work and friction.

When I grow up, I will grow even more beautiful flowers for you to see.

You are really well-behaved.

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

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

Bravo!

Bravo!

Mother,

though the promises of the past cannot be fulfilled,

I will carry on your legacy,

keeping the flowers of the Fragrance Garden blooming endlessly.

They will be known by all.

I will be as you hoped,

fearless in the face of friction and constantly letting go.

I will live a free and joyful life

as He Weifang.

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

[Fragrance Garden]

Coming.

What brings you knocking at the door?

You must be new here.

I am the owner here.

You've got the wrong door.

I haven't been here for a long time.

It's normal that you don't recognize me.

Where is Mr. Gao?

Call Mr. Gao to see me.

There is no Mr. Gao here. If you keep blocking the door,

I'll report to the authorities.

[Fragrance Garden]

May Buddha bless

my beloved daughter Mudan

with peace, good health,

and a bright future ahead.

Mother,

the light of hope you lit

is still shining in my heart.

I will surely make my stand in Chang'an.

With my own two hands,

I will take back the Fragrance Garden.

[Market Opening]

[Market Opening]

[Market Opening]

Soy milk.

Steamed buns.

Steamed buns and sesame cakes.

Fine sesame seeds.

Buy two slaves get one free.

[Recruiting Talents]

Nothing you say will work.

Indeed, it won't work.

Sir, how about this?

I can do the work of two people alone.

- Wages are not a problem. - Hurry along now.

I can really do anything.

Without a household registration, what job can you find? Move along quickly.

I can do anything.

Please reconsider.

Miss, our shop really isn't hiring.

You should look elsewhere.

If the higher-ups find out

we hire an undocumented worker without a household registration,

we would be severely penalized.

You, better hurry along now, go.

Sir, I will find a way to sort out my household registration.

- Would you accommodate me for a few days? - How could that work?

Come back when you have a household registration.

Alright? Go.

If you ever need me,

notify me at any time.

I take my leave.

Don't come back in the future.

You've come, Miss.

Come on, please come inside.

Miss, our shop

really can't hire someone without a household registration.

You should go look at other people's places.

Sir, come and have a look.

Thank you for your efforts.

Masks of exceptional craftsmanship.

Ladies, take a look at the masks.

Take a look, how well made they are.

Masks of exceptional craftsmanship.

Warding off evil and bringing in auspiciousness.

Ritual sacrifices for blessings.

Protecting and ensuring good health.

Hurry and take a look.

Be quick, you all.

Sir, this way.

- Everyone, be careful not to bump into things. - Make way, please.

- Sir, fetch some water. - Coming right up.

Why can men do it

and I cannot?

Thank you very much.

Miss,

what kind of wine would you like?

Please take a seat.

I'm not here to drink.

I was just standing at the door.

It's such a large tavern.

You alone are busy inside and out.

It's truly hard work.

Have you considered

hiring an assistant

like me?

A small family business

doesn't need outsiders. You can go now.

The wages don't really matter.

Madam, I can…

No need to say more.

Please leave quickly.

Miss, please wait.

- On regular days in the tavern, - Thank you.

only Wuniang manages it alone.

It's indeed hard work.

She has no kin in Chang'an.

Nor does she have a household registration.

It's truly not easy.

We definitely want to lend a hand.

Rest assured, I can do any dirty or tiring job.

Our tavern's business is just average.

I'm afraid we can't afford…

With a new face,

business might pick up.

- Why not try it out for a month? - Alright.

Darling, we…

It's settled.

Go on with your business.

My wife is a bit cold by nature. Don't take it to heart.

I won't.

Wuniang was right just now.

Our small business is already tight.

Employing you carries a risk.

As for the wages,

I can only offer thirty percent of what other shops give.

Thirty percent?

Isn't thirty percent

too little?

I have a vacant room in my tavern.

It includes board and lodging.

Apart from me,

I'm afraid no other owner

would dare to hire an undocumented worker.

One dou of rice costs twenty wen.

I only eat two flatbreads a day

plus a bowl of rice porridge.

I also need an extra set of robes for changing.

I can arrange my own accommodation.

Is it possible to convert food and lodging

into cash for me?

This way, every month,

you could give me an additional 150 wen. Would that be acceptable?

You know how to calculate?

I have a slight understanding of literacy.

You can hand over the matters of accounting and bookkeeping

entirely to me.

I will make no mistakes.

If you would sell me this jade abacus,

I can give you 500 wen a month.

I am not selling this.

450 wen a month.

If you agree, I will stay.

If not, so be it.

What if I say

I could arrange the household registration for you?

You and I have met by chance.

Other shop owners, upon hearing of my situation,

dare not hire me.

Why do you

have such good intentions?

I love jade ware the most.

Although your abacus is not considered precious,

it is lustrous and exquisite.

It has greatly won my heart.

I have some connections in the government.

If you would pledge this abacus to me,

I am willing to help you take care of the official matters.

Within one month,

you could have a household registration document processed.

With the household registration,

finding any job

will no longer be difficult.

You are intelligent.

Why cling to an inanimate object?

I can pledge this object to you.

Please draw up a written agreement.

Regarding my wages,

could you settle them with me daily?

No problem.

I'll go get the paper and brush right now.

- Please sit for a while. - Thank you, Sir.

Take care on your way.

This is for this table.

Alright.

Wuniang, there is something in your hair.

You have ash in your hair.

You just earned a bit of money.

As you smashed them, it's all gone.

You don't look like someone who works.

Menial service work is not suitable for you.

Better to go back where you came from.

Don't be an eyesore here anymore.

Deduct the money for these bowls

from my wages.

Wuniang,

I don't understand why you have

such great hostility towards me.

I came here

just to earn a little money to support myself.

I will work even harder,

hoping to eliminate your prejudice against me as soon as possible.

What happened here?

Mudan is clumsy.

She dropped the wine bowls all over the floor.

Purchasing new utensils is yet another major expense.

This woman is simply a loss-maker.

Darling, let her leave the tavern.

I just said

the money for these bowls should be deducted from my wages.

Since Mudan is willing to compensate them,

let's just forget about it.

She commits theft.

This is what I found on her.

When it was busy during the day,

she stolen it from me.

How can you spout nonsense like that?

Why are you always targeting me?

Darling,

this woman is insatiably greedy

and she commits theft.

She will eventually squander the tavern's savings.

She absolutely cannot stay.

- Is this true? - No, it's not.

I kindly took you in

and you repay kindness with enmity.

She clearly bumped into me on purpose just now,

which caused these bowls to shatter on the floor.

I kept silent about it.

Now I'm falsely accused of theft.

I know you may not believe me,

but I haven't told a single lie.

I believe you.

Wuniang,

you are trying to drive Mudan away,

right?

I…

After Mudan came,

business improved a lot.

If you insist on tripping her up,

it's our own business that will suffer.

Don't be so willful in the future.

Mudan, you have been wronged.

You understand the situation.

It will be fine as long as this matter is explained clearly.

Carry on with your work.

What exactly are Wang Qing

and his wife planning?

Forget it, just be more careful.

After I get the household registration,

everything will be negotiable.

All for you.

- Bravo! - Bravo!

- Bravo! - Bravo!

How much is this flower worth?

If you really want to support us,

why not throw some money on stage?

What a bold statement!

We're afraid that throwing gold nuggets up there

might break your head.

Everyone, isn't that so?

Right.

My waist is very flexible.

Sir, you may try to throw one here.

Give it a try.

Okay.

- Nice. - Bravo!

- Bravo! - Bravo!

Come on.

My lord wishes to enjoy the Huxuan dance alone.

Everyone, please come back another day.

You have quite the nerve.

Is this establishment yours?

So if you say leave, I should leave?

I'd like to see who your lord is,

daring to tell me to leave.

Please forgive me, my lord.

I'll leave right away.

Please forgive me, my lord.

Continue the music.

Continue dancing.

You grace us with your presence.

This humble tavern of mine

is greatly honored.

We have private rooms here.

How about

you go to one?

If it's like this,

I really can't do business now.

The private room is cramped and stuffy.

It's certainly not as spacious as here.

My lord wishes

for all the dancing girls to dance for him today.

Others must not disturb.

You are silent.

Are you calculating how much money you can make from me

or are you thinking

how to take my life,

Chu Dalang?

I have important matters to discuss

with the Floral Envoy.

Please leave first.

Darned Jiang,

you have found me today.

It's my incompetence.

If you want to kill me, just do it.

Why does your Integrity Society always say this line?

Even the boss is no exception.

Really boring.

Dabei and the others are late in returning.

Sure enough, you've captured them.

What have you done to them?

I sent them to kill you.

If you want to vent, kill me.

Let them go.

I want to capture the assassin who targeted a court official.

I have brought the official soldiers with me today.

What exactly do you want to do?

In just a few years,

the Integrity Society has grown this strong.

You as a leader do have some ability.

You're loyal to buddies.

You're not afraid of death.

And you can rally people's hearts.

Why not bring your men

and your assets

and come under my command?

Bah!

Wishful thinking.

I will never be the lapdog of a corrupt official like you.

Your impatient nature

really runs in the society.

Whether you are willing,

after you read the letter,

you can make your decision.

[Letter from Dabei]

How could it be possible?

Who could possibly forge Dabei's scrawling handwriting?

If you still don't believe it,

take a trip to Kaiyuan Temple tomorrow.

Dabei will be waiting for you there.

My lord.

Chu Dalang has discussed it with Dabei.

They are willing to join us.

We have recruited a group of like-minded people.

We now have our own informants in the West Market.

In the future, many tasks

will be much easier to handle.

Thank you, my lord.

It is still early in the day.

Are you going next to Huanyun Tower in the East Market

or the nomadic people's tavern in the West Market?

If you go to the same place two days in a row,

others will surely think

you have been charmed

by the alluring Huxuan dance.

It's just a bit more of going around in circles.

It's not very interesting.

And it's so noisy.

Go to Huanyun Tower.

Since you've returned from Luoyang,

you've always been muttering that it's boring.

Is it that you find Chang'an itself uninteresting

or is it the beauties of Chang'an you find dull?

Go drive the carriage.

Sir.

Call on me for such heavy work in the future.

No need, I can do it myself. No need to trouble you.

You've been here for half a month already.

Why do you still act like an outsider?

Yes, I've been here for half a month now.

You promised me about the household registration before.

Has it not been arranged yet?

There have been many refugees recently.

The government offices have been very busy.

It will take a few more days.

For you, a young girl,

making a living in Chang'an is too difficult.

Have you considered switching to an easier way to live?

In the future,

don't call me "Sir" anymore.

Just call me Qing, is that okay?

I will surely treat you well.

Sir, you've had too much to drink today.

I will regard what was said today

as if I never heard it.

If you don't want to be a concubine,

I can sell Wuniang

and take you as my legal wife.

From now on, all the family business here will belong to both of us.

Absolutely impossible.

Let go of me!

You, a person without even a household registration,

what high ground are you pretending to take here?

I really want to see

whether it's your stubbornness

or my fists that are harder.

Stop beating.

I agree.

I beg you, stop beating.

♫ 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 ♫