Original subtitles

[Flourished Peony]

[Episode 14]

You dare to curse the County Magistrate

to justify your divorce.

You are truly a heroine.

I think that Liu Chang is quite different from his parents.

He knows to apologize and reflect himself,

does not swerve one's principles for wealth.

He is much better than Wang Qing.

His sincerity towards you is genuine.

You could be on the mind of such a gentleman,

I really envy you.

Silly Shengyi, it's not like that if he really cares for me.

He doesn't care what I think and persistently pester me.

This is not sincerity, but selfishness.

Don't envy me on this.

Right, have you sent the invitation to the flower guild?

I went to send it, but the servant didn't accept it,

and said that only the shop owner's personal visit would show sincerity.

I just don't understand.

Our business is going well,

why do we go join the flower guild

and to be looked down?

Each industry has its own rules.

Whether it is stabilizing prices or collecting taxes,

it is all the responsibility of the guild.

And all the flower business in Chang'an is controlled by the flower guild.

If we want our business to go smoothly,

we must join the guild.

Before, we were running a small business

and couldn't catch their attention.

But now,

we have to interact with them.

The guild head has great prestige,

must not be offended.

Previously, Wang Qing had a dispute with the head of the wine guild.

A single word from him nearly caused us to shut down.

Later on, we pleaded multiple times at their door,

only then did we receive his forgiveness.

This is outrageous.

This is the truth. The guild head is the head of this market.

Right. We should

try to keep a low profile and be generous.

If we can successfully join the guild,

our future business could run more smoothly.

[Flower Guild] Fu, remember

to mind your manners.

Understood.

Why are you here again?

I told you to ask your shop owner to come in person.

I am…

I am here to see the guild head, please lead the way.

Mr. Bai, please.

We were here first.

Why do you let them go in first?

They are the shop owners themselves.

And you are three young ladies.

Such negligence, don't you know the rules?

- We are… - I am the shop owner of Huamanzhu.

The two of them opened the shop with me.

All of us run the business.

The three of us are here with sincerity.

Please lead us the way.

[Huamanzhu, Jiang Xiaohua]

Follow me, please.

Thank you.

Let's go.

Master, the lady shop owner of Huamanzhu has been waiting for long,

and her companions are getting impatient.

Guild head, Master, would you like to meet them?

They think of joining the guild only after the shop is opened.

We must curb her arrogance.

Keep refilling with water after they finished the tea.

We'll go see them when it's time.

Don't come anymore.

Yes.

Yuying, let's go once we finish this cup.

Mr. Lv, you're too kind.

She's just a young lady.

Leave her hanging longer and she'll panic.

Then it'll be easier for us to talk about serious matters.

Okay, then we'll do as you say.

I heard your third daughter is betrothed.

Congratulations!

Likewise!

I have to thank the deputy guild head for being the matchmaker.

Yuying, you are not acting fairly.

My Chun's marriage is still not settled.

Any gentleman to recommend?

Mr. Lv, don't be joking.

Your Chun is raised so well,

elegant, gentle and refined.

I think she deserves to marry a top scholar.

Indeed.

Our daughters all learn needlework at the guild head's house.

This handkerchief was embroidered by my third daughter the other day.

Look at this bamboo, so vivid.

Guild head, this was embroidered by my young daughter.

See if it's better than what his third daughter did.

I've heard

that the embroidery skills of your daughter Chun are the best.

Guild head, may we see it?

Right.

Recently I've been busy with a business deal in Jiangnan,

it's been three days since I went home.

It's still not delivered.

Father, you're still coughing, yet still not resting properly.

You are making me worry.

Chun, why are you here?

Greetings.

I'm worried about you,

so I have specially cooked a nourishing ginseng soup.

Take a look.

Father, drink it while it's hot.

Okay.

Chun is really filial.

Chun, we were mentioning you just now

that your embroidery skills are excellent.

Did you bring the newly embroidered handkerchief?

Your father just saw that we all have one,

and he was really envious.

Indeed.

I'm flattered.

All others' embroidery skills are excellent.

She brought it.

Take a look.

T-This is…

Balloon flower and green onion.

You have been coughing recently,

so I've added them to the ginseng soup

to nourish you.

Don't you like it?

Yes.

It's so vivid.

- Good. - Take a look.

Okay.

The shop owners who entered before us

left right away after finishing the job, in less than a quarter.

While, we've waited from morning till dusk.

What does this mean? You did it on purpose, right?

Fu, calm down, have some water.

Mudan, the guild head might not come.

There's no one to pour the water.

Anyone to pour water?

- This child is… - Here he comes.

She's really filial.

Here he comes.

Guild head, Deputy guild head.

Sorry to have kept you waiting.

The flower guild has lots of affairs.

We are all grateful for the two of you taking the time to be here.

The Huamanzhu's business is flourishing.

It's rare for you to come here

yourself.

I've just arrived. Previously, we just ran a small business,

and we were not familiar with the rules.

I've come today to apologize.

Fu.

The flower guild prospers, all thanks to both of you.

I would like to join the flower guild today.

I hope to contribute my part to the guild.

I hope the two of you will agree.

Please take a seat.

Thank you, guild head.

The women usually do business by setting up stalls in the market.

Those who can open shops in the West Market rely on their husbands.

Once you are married,

the shop will have to be sold off.

Why not hand over the shop to the guild to manage today?

We will give you a fair price.

You can work as a floriculturist in the guild's shop,

so your talent won't be wasted.

I have no intention of getting married.

You seem to be about the same age as my daughter.

I guess you might not mean it.

You will have to support your husband, raise children, and respect your in-laws.

It's hard to manage the family affairs well.

We are doing this for your own good.

Once you are married and have children,

you will have no time to take care of the business.

We carefully select shops

qualified to be in the guild.

If you work for few years and then suddenly quit,

it's the guild's reputation that is lost.

After a man gets married and has children,

it does not hinder the operation of the shop.

Even if I do get married one day,

it will not affect the business.

If a man can…

Why are you so stubborn?

Can you do the same as a man?

Doing business is not as simple as you think.

Guild head, our shop involves much.

We still owe money to others now.

To tell you the truth,

we rely on Huamanzhu to make a living.

We hope the two of you will show us some leniency.

Huamanzhu is willing to purchase from the flower farmers and florists

that the flower guild designated

and will definitely abide by the rules.

Since you say so,

the flower guild is not a place without negotiation.

If you want to quiet the debate,

you have

to accept more share than that of the shops opened by men.

Do you accept?

How much of a share do you want?

Fifty-fifty.

Fifty-fifty?

We already have a greedy creditor.

If we split fifty-fifty with you, what can we earn?

You guys are outrageous.

Fu.

Why do women have to pay more than men?

How are we any worse than them?

All of you were born and raised by a woman.

Fu, stop it.

Look, I told you.

Only women and mean people are hard to reason with.

Guild head, you wanted to give them a chance.

Look, how crude and rude!

If such people were to join the guild,

that's beyond imagination.

Who are you calling crude and rude?

It was you who interrupted Mudan first.

Moreover,

why do you care about when we marry and have children?

- Stop it. - Who do you think you are?

You're not my father.

Fu.

Go back.

Fu.

Don't act impulsively.

Guild head, a fifty-fifty share is truly hard for us to accept.

Huamanzhu's business is thriving now.

You surely know this.

Such disdain. Is it just because we are women?

Before, there was no precedent for a lady shop owner to join.

If you join and sit on an equal footing with all the men,

it may be difficult to stop the public debate.

If you really find it difficult,

a forty-sixty share works as well.

I hope you could consider it carefully.

It is already showing you some mercy.

When asking for favors, don't be ungrateful.

I came here with sincerity,

wishing to share honor and disgrace with the guild.

I did not expect

that the guild would have such unreasonable rules,

disdaining us women.

Since then, there is nothing more to discuss.

I take my leave. Let's go.

Don't act on your emotions.

We can't afford to offend the flower guild.

Maybe we should talk to them again.

Although Fu has a bad temper,

her words are reasonable.

Since we already have

a non-negotiable profit-sharing contract,

if the guild oppresses us like this,

then what's the point of running this shop? Let's go.

Lady, I'm not only doing business with you alone.

The flower guild has said

you disrespect to the guild head and defy the industry rules.

If I keep supplying Huamanzhu with fertilizer,

then I can't do business with other shops in the guild.

We'll buy from you in secret,

and the guild will never find out.

This has happened before.

But the guild has eyes and ears everywhere.

And the amount of fertilizer you want is really too much.

You can't hide it from them.

I'm really sorry.

Please leave.

We can transport it at night.

The price is negotiable.

Forget it, Fu, let's go.

The guild is so ruthless,

cutting off all our channels for getting fertilizer.

Mudan, if we buy fertilizer from farther away,

can we apply the fertilizer later?

No, once we miss the optimal fertilizing period,

no matter how we make up for it later,

this batch of flowers won't bloom well.

Then shall we go to the guild

and give in to them?

How can that be?

Sometimes, when a woman shows weakness, she can gain a man's pity.

Let's just bear with it

and get through this difficulty first.

No, if we give in now,

it would only make them look down on us even more.

Do you really want to go for a sixty-forty share?

The guild

is belittling us women in business.

Since we've chosen this path,

we're going to face more difficulties in the future.

Are we to yield and give in every time?

There is a saying, "A moment of patience can prevent a great disaster".

If a moment of patience can bring future stability,

then it's worth it.

The guild treats us this way,

wanting to let us bow down.

If we tolerate them this time,

they will act even more outrageous.

And others will follow suit,

then anyone can bully us.

If we want to earn others' respect,

we must be self-dignified first.

Then the flower fertilizer…

If we can't buy it, let's make it ourselves.

The spent dregs from the pharmacy,

the discarded feathers and manure from the butcher,

and the leftover bones and fish bones from the restaurant.

They are all good materials for making fertilizer.

Let's collect them at a low price,

find a piece of uncultivated wasteland and work hard for some time,

then we will surely make our own fertilizer.

There are always ways out. Let's eat first.

- Let's eat. - Okay.

Dishes are here.

Come on.

♫ The Luo River cleanses the moonlight haze ♫

Be careful.

Don't drop it.

Fu.

Come on.

♫ Let not the secular world constrain ♫

♫ How can they guess with mundane eyes ♫

Take it slow.

Take it slow.

How is it?

- Done. - Done.

- Great! - Done.

Come on.

♫ Reflecting the color of the sky ♫

♫ Never withering ♫

Come on.

My lord.

Stop.

What are you carrying?

Socks and shoes for the children, by Lady He.

Why do you smell so bad?

Thanks to her.

Neither you nor the things are allowed in.

My lord, aren't you curious about what happened to Lady He?

I don't need to ask you,

and you will tell me yourself.

You really know me well.

Lady He refuses to bow to the flower guild,

so she offended the guild head and got banned from buying fertilizer.

Pitiful, a pretty young lady

has to deal with rotten meat and feces all day.

She used to smell of money,

but now it's turned into a foul smell.

Pathetic.

Go take a bath.

Take these shoes and socks out to air them.

Send them to the children after they have been scented.

Yes.

Come in.

I won't go in.

Wait.

Mr. Jiang, I paid my rent monthly

in full without exception.

Your coming here at night seems somewhat improper.

I have knocked on the courtyard door.

But you didn't hear me from inside.

So I had to knock on the house door.

You invited me in yourself, yet I didn't even enter.

I thought it was Shengyi.

Mr. Jiang, what brings you here so late at night?

I've received the shoes and socks you gave to the children.

I'm here to thank you on their behalf.

Additionally, here's a return gift.

No need.

Chuanyu

has to take a bath after he comes here to pick something up.

It's really troublesome.

You got banned from buying the fertilizers. It isn't a big deal.

Tomorrow, go to the guild and say my name.

They will not dare to cause you any trouble.

Thank you, Mr. Jiang.

But I can't owe you any more favors.

Mr. Jiang, your status is special.

If

standing up for an anonymous merchant girl like me

brings you rumors,

I can't bear it.

Besides, I don't want to

make your notorious reputation

even worst.

No matter what situation you encounter, you remain resolute and decisive.

It seems I have judged you right.

I'm leaving.

Next month,

remember to use this bath beans I gave you to take a bath

before coming to the Jiang Mansion to give me the bonus.

Okay, take care, Mr. Jiang.

- Madam, here's yours. Take it. - Thank you.

- Come again next time. - Give it a try.

Take care.

Take a sniff.

Look.

We've also added vine flowers to it.

The deposit for the four pots of Herbaceous Peonies.

We are relying on ourselves without giving in to anyone. It is truly satisfying.

The homemade fertilizer has solved the urgent need,

but it is not a long-term solution.

If this continues,

I'm afraid this shop remains, yet we'll be worn out.

We must find an opportunity

to completely resolve the issue of the fertilizer.

Go get busy.

Check out, please.

Okay.

Someone came to us the other day and ordered Mengdiexiang,

but the delivery location left was not a mansion or a shop,

but a bridge.

We found it weird.

But the visitor was dressed properly,

looking like a maid from a wealthy family, so we didn't pay much attention.

But today when I passed by,

the flower pot was still there.

I thought the buyer had forgotten to take it.

But upon closer inspection,

the flowers were broken off and discarded, and the roots were gone.

Look,

the cut is neat, must have been done with a sharp instrument.

What a pity for these flowers.

Since they bought flowers,

why discard the most expensive parts

and take away the roots instead?

We worry that it's the guild.

Impossible.

They know the value of flowers well, why would they give up the essence?

Could it be that they have some sort of eccentricity?

Today that maid came to buy flowers again,

and the delivery location is unchanged.

Do we sell the flowers to them?

Again?

It depends on who they are.

It's nice that you love it.

There's another one ahead.

Don't keep looking over there, Fu.

Buy one Youshi Hall facial cream,

get one hand cream.

It's a lady.

Could she be the buyer?

Let's wait.

Hold on.

Fu.

In broad daylight, are you trying to rob me?

Did you buy this flower?

Yes, I bought it at Huamanzhu.

This is the proof.

[Huamanzhu, one pot of Mengdiexiang]

Who are you?

I am the shop owner of Huamanzhu.

I saw that you had already destroyed one pot of Herbaceous Peony before.

I really can't bear to see this one damaged by you again,

so I came to stop you.

If I startled you just now, sorry about that.

So you are that lady shop owner.

Do you know how much care it takes to cultivate an Herbaceous Peony

until it blooms?

Since you have already bought it,

why not take good care of it

and break it?

I have my reasons.

I've heard that Guild Head Lv has a daughter,

named Lv Gengchun.

Her age and appearance seem to match hers.

[Lv]

You are the daughter of Guild Head Lv?

[Chen's Tavern] Well, you ban us from buying the fertilizer.

And now you want to ruin our flowers as well?

Tell me, what does your father want you to do here?

My father is totally unaware of everything I've done.

Please don't get me wrong.

Well, I will never cut your flowers again.

Even if you come to buy,

we will not sell them to you anymore.

The guild is forcing us step by step.

We might use this matter.

If the people of the flower guild

find out that Guild Head Lv's daughter is privately ruining Herbaceous Peonies,

his reputation will certainly be damaged.

If he does not want to make a big fuss out of this

and is willing to reconcile with us,

then perhaps the issue of the fertilizer can be resolved.

Trying to run away? Come back.

Stand here.

This really has nothing to do with my father.

You can hit me or scold me.

But please don't tell it to the guild.

I'm begging you.

Fu, let her go.

Well…

Let her go.

Shengyi, give her the money back.

We're not selling anymore. Let her go.

Mudan.

No matter how hostile our relationship with the guild may be,

these are all matters of business.

Family members should not be involved.

Besides, she has paid.

She has right to dispose of the Mengdiexiang.

We are only here to stop her just because we cherish the flowers.

The world is often harsh on women.

If we make this a big deal,

I'm afraid it will become a fuss,

causing her reputation ruined.

You may go.

Thank you.

Mudan, you are so kind-hearted.

Just let her go?

Aren't you afraid of future troubles?

I saw her speaking frankly, with a sincere expression.

She didn't seem like a person with sinister motives.

Perhaps she wasn't lying.

This matter really has nothing to do with the guild.

Then, she simply enjoys destroying Herbaceous Peonies?

They grow flowers on their own.

Why doesn't she cut the flowers from her own garden?

What flower is this?

I've never seen it before.

This is not a flower for appreciation,

but the medicinal herb Gentian.

Lady He.

I'm here to pay Mr. Jiang last month's bonus.

Right now, he…

If he is busy,

I can wait outside. There's no rush.

Come in.

Please, Lady He.

Mr. Jiang.

This is your interest money.

You were always bargaining in the past,

why do you pay this interest money so punctually today?

I really appreciate your kindness to me.

I wouldn't dare owe you money.

Rest assured.

I've burned incense and wiped every coin in here.

There is not the slightest foul smell.

This clearly shows my sincerity to you.

The shop has already opened,

but this interest money is not enough.

It's inevitable to invest more money at the start of a new shop.

But the interest money next month will definitely be much more.

I will surely not fail you.

If you don't trust me, you can check the ledger.

Where every coin you gave me has been spent

is clearly recorded here.

I don't have time to check this.

Just go and reconcile it with the accountant of the Jiang Mansion.

As long as you don't fabricate or conceal anything,

and the interest money each month is more than the last,

then you could run this shop smoothly.

I understand.

It's fine now, you may leave.

I shall take my leave.

Mr. Jiang, the blooming period of the Qiongtai Yulu has ended.

Your Highness, Minister Liu…

What is so urgent?

My lord is still taking his afternoon nap.

Why don't I go and announce it for you?

Suizhi is so close to me.

Zishu is also not an outsider.

Why bother with such formalities?

Your Highness.

Today, the imperial court was in complete turmoil.

Suizhi, you are really in a pleasure,

hiding here at home, toying with flowers and plants.

Court affairs are well dealt with by you.

Nowadays, all departments are endlessly arguing over the imperial examination reforms.

Why would I offer myself as a target?

Zishu?

After our parting in Luoyang, now you enter the Ministry of Revenue.

Your wedding is coming soon, yet I haven't offered you my congratulations.

Zishu.

Suizhi had praised

the magnificent peonies in your old mansion in Luoyang.

It seems that you are old acquaintances.

Whether it's serving as an official or appreciating flowers,

you should all work together and consult with one another.

Yes.

However, the spring is already over.

Suizhi, why would you place

a pot of withered peony in the room?

The servants are being lazy and forgetting to move it out.

Your late wife, Lady He, was the best at caring for peonies.

Zishu, does it remind you of someone when you see the flowers?

This Jiang!

Why does he mention it?

Suizhi, don't be kidding.

That's all in the past.

My former wife was not fond of the zither, chess, calligraphy, or painting,

only liked to care for flowers.

She never quite fit in with the Liu family.

Previously, I had little leisure to appreciate such things.

I'm sorry about her death,

yet she got freed from constraints,

which can be considered a good thing.

Zishu, what a noble statement.

It is rare for Your Highness and Zishu to visit my mansion.

I have a newly hired floriculturist,

who has redecorated the garden.

Why not take a look together?

When it comes to these things, Suizhi is really the master.

I really look forward to it.

Come on.

Zishu, please.

With the old man dead,

the scholars from the Imperial Academy are petitioning one after another,

reviving the proposal to reform the imperial examination

and the selection process for officials by Master Xu.

For the sake of their master-disciple relationship,

His Majesty has softened, and graciously approved it.

However, rest assured.

These scholars of humble backgrounds are like rootless duckweed.

Even if they enter the imperial court, they can't stir up any trouble.

These scholars claim

to change the recruitment ratio between public and private school graduates to six to four,

but completely forget

that the gentry and nobility are the foundation of our country.

Now they want to support those from humble backgrounds,

while also oppress the gentry's sons who attain office through the selection process.

What a reversal of rank and status.

If any trouble occurs,

we couldn't let the late Master Xu rest in peace.

In my opinion, if it's to express condolences,

a ratio of seven to three is already more than enough.

I understand.

As for His Majesty, please rest assured.

There's one more thing.

If there is a suitable Deputy Fourth-Rank official position,

please keep an eye out for Zishu.

Zishu is of virtue and talent.

If you wish to promote him,

there is no need for my help.

Master Xu has just passed away,

and these scholars and censors are constantly making a fuss.

After all, he is my son-in-law.

Why give people cause for gossip?

Zishu's talent will surely be appreciated by His Majesty.

In the future, his promotion will be justifiable and aboveboard.

No one dares to object.

Zishu,

if you were half as smart and sensitive as Suizhi,

then Youzhen wouldn't…

I will take my leave first.

What did you see?

Nothing, I saw nothing.

I didn't see anything.

That's not what you said

after you've passed out.

You said, "Injustice has its source, and debts have their debtors.

To seek revenge, look for the Jiang."

What I said was

"To seek money, look for Mr. Jiang."

No need to pretend anymore.

The night I killed Master Xu,

you were there.

I didn't hurt you because I thought you're tight-lipped.

But today, you can control your mouth when awake,

yet you can't control your sleep-talking.

I still can't keep you.

Mr. Jiang.

I must have been possessed by a ghost just now,

so I spoke without thinking.

Rest assured. If others are by my side,

I will definitely not fall asleep.

I will never reveal this matter to another person.

I am not that ruthless.

I'll leave your body intact.

Any last wishes, speak them now.

Shengyi and the others know nothing of this.

I hope you can let them go.

Okay.

I established Huamanzhu on my own.

And the employees in the shop all rely on it for their livelihood.

I hope you…

I will have Yunniang take over it. Rest assured.

You'd better keep your word.

Otherwise, I will not let you off, even as a ghost.

♫ 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 ♫