Original subtitles

[The Autumn Ballad]

Timing and Subtitles by 🍂 The Autumn Ballad 🍁 Team @viki.com

♫ Winter clouds and light skies, the geese fly through leaving a trail of sorrow ♫

♫ I lean against the window and look into the distance ♫

♫ Near the deserted West River, I hear you singing ♫

♫ Every time our eyes meet, the longing is still there ♫

♫ Separated by thousands of mountains and oceans, waiting for the full moon ♫

♫ Just to meet the beautiful lady again ♫

♫ Going through three lifetimes with you while smiling behind the pearl bead curtain ♫

♫ In this life, I will not let you down ♫

♫ I will fly over the lands together with you ♫

♫ Even if everything becomes silent ♫

♫ In this life, I will not let you down ♫

♫ I will fly over the lands together with you ♫

♫ Even if everything becomes silent ♫

[The Autumn Ballad]

[Episode 2]

What is going on?

How dare she!

- Such audacity. - Yes.

Such audacity!

How dare you make a mockery of Her Highness!

The Qiu Family must be crazy.

How dare they enter the palace with a stupid rock as a gift?

Qiu Yan, is there a deeper meaning to this rock of yours?

Your Highness, this is your representation in my heart.

Such audacity!

How dare you offend Her Highness this way?

Your Highness, please forgive her ignorance.

Finish your thought.

Since I was young, I have heard the story of Your Highness from my mother.

When she told me I was coming to the palace,

I searched every place of interest,

to find the mystical rock that represents Your Highness.

According to Your Highness' womanly teachings, (Instructions for Inner Quarters: historical manuscript)

seeking no wealth or adornment builds moral character.

Your Highness, that is why

I believe your dignified, natural appearance is a solid rock.

Also according to Your Highness' teachings,

being quietly reserved is a woman's moral nature.

As this rock's essence represents serenity,

men typify Heaven, women the Earth.

A rock symbolizes women,

as we endure life's storms and rain in silence.

You are a clever girl.

What... reward would you like?

Your Highness, if you would reward me, please grant me a wish.

My father is fortunate to serve His Majesty.

I wish to join the palace and fulfill my father's loyal duty.

Oh.

Then do you wish to serve under me?

Your Highness, I obey your every word.

Your Highness, if I can gain knowledge while by your side,

I will have no regrets in life.

You may wait for my order when you return.

- Thank you, Your Highness. - Thank you, Your Highness.

Madam Zhou will present her gift now.

It's impossible for the gift to vanish with no reason.

Mother, I fear someone on good terms with He Family

hid it purposely.

Many ears are in the palace.

We will talk when we get home.

Why did this family prepare two gifts?

This gift is prepared by Madam Han,

wife of Qiu Yi, the Ministry of Public Works Vice Minister.

The one next to it was made by Qiu Yan, eldest daughter of Qiu Yi.

"Qiu Yan"?

Is she General He's daughter-in-law

who is supposed to become a nun?

Qiu Yi's eldest daughter...

That should be correct.

It looks like

a scene of Her Highness enjoying the view

with His Majesty at Lantern Festival; it's sewed in front.

[Womanly Teachings]

On the back are "Womanly Teachings" that Her Highness wrote.

By replacing ink with stitches,

she embroidered its entirety on the back.

She wants to show that she's knowledgeable

and good at embroidery altogether.

Settings and objects are well-arranged.

Clearly, she has skill of an artisan.

It's astonishing how her gift

shows all the skills that a female official

would need to have.

She's extremely meticulous.

It seems this will be Her Highness' favorite gift today.

Liang Yi, do you have any feuds with

Lady Qiu Yan of Qiu Family?

No.

If so, why did you swap out her gift with a rock?

Your Highness, you knew?

That pitiful young lady

was terrified.

However, she created such a fancy explanation.

It was strenuous on her.

Your Highness,

I did it for a reason.

[Hall of Elegant Minds]

This is an edict from the Noble Consort.

Qiu Family, receive the order.

Her Highness said Second Miss of the family

is an intelligent child.

She is both knowledgeable and ambitious,

but she hopes that Qiu Yan will remember a few words.

Saving chastity after her husband's passing

is like man sacrificing his life for a nation.

It's not only how a woman should be,

but even more Heaven's way.

Qiu Yan is rewarded with a "To Be Moral and Chaste" plaque.

This gift will remind you to preserve your chastity

for your late husband and bring glory to your tribe.

I, Qiu Yan,

will remember Her Highness' teachings.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Thank you, Lord Liang.

Old Madam Qiu, Lord Qiu, I take my leave.

We're very fortunate to receive a plaque from Her Highness.

Relay my instructions.

We shall hold a banquet for three days.

We will show all people of the capital

how dignified the Qiu Family is!

The Qiu Family women are just as dignified.

- Yes. - Yes, Mother.

This is great!

I'm so happy!

Qiu Family can hold our heads high!

You're right!

I have a question for Lord Liang.

Officer! Officer, please save me!

M-My father is dead!

My stepmother will sell me to a slave trader!

Is it you?

That day, you escaped from He Manor, right?

Lying is in your nature indeed.

Lord Liang, when you swapped out my gift

for a rock at Her Highness' birthday celebration,

were you being dignified and honest?

Oh?

What proof do you have?

None.

How dare you question me then?

It's a very disrespectful wrong

to swap out Her Highness' gift!

Ordinary people lack guts to do that!

One who knew Her Highness won't punish him

would dare such a brazen act.

Lord Liang, I heard that your mother, Madam Jin,

was once Her Highness' personal maid

and has a special bond with Her Highness.

That day,

inspector of tributes and gifts in the imperial harem

happened to be you, my lord.

Why would I do that?

Lord Liang, you were my situation's mediator.

If I enter the palace, it would ruin your arrangements,

and you couldn't explain yourself to He Family.

So you wanted to teach me a lesson.

Song Jin, you men may leave now.

I did swap out your gift,

but the reason isn't as complicated as you think.

I simply dislike you.

Since I saved your life, you should know your place.

In order to avoid a nun's boring days,

you tried to be a know-it-all.

Your clever mouth tried in vain to bewitch Her Highness

into supporting you.

Do you really think you're smart enough

to fool everybody else?

Lord Liang, do you think a poor, mundane life

is all that awaits a nun?

Have you ever seen Jingyun Convent yourself?

Do you know what life they lead in that place?

The Jingyun Convent nuns are described as withered.

They die before the age of 30.

I never wanted to deceive Her Highness.

But for you to make me a nun and remain a widow

for a man I didn't even know is unfair!

As you say, is it unfair to all Jingyun Convent nuns?

Precisely!

They said I jinxed my husband to his death;

thus, I should die for him.

However, Lord Liang, let me ask you.

What should happen if a man jinxed his wife to death?

If a man doesn't hurriedly remarry after losing his wife,

he is unfilial for not keeping the bloodline intact.

The same matter has drastically opposite endings

merely because of gender!

Why are women as valueless as common duckweed?

You might be right about that,

but do you know serving in the palace is very risky?

All lives are subject to His Majesty's will.

They might even be worth less than duckweed.

If you become a nun, at least you can live in peace.

Once I enter the palace, even if I must live in fear daily,

that path I chose!

Whether I survive depends on my capability!

Far better than wasting my life

among lamps and Buddha statues.

You, who speaks without thinking,

will be reduced to ashes within three days in the palace.

They'll pour your ashes on peonies in the Imperial Garden.

Do you understand?

Oh...

Let me give you some advice.

Appraise your own capability.

Only by strengthening yourself can you change the rules.

[Qiu Manor]

[To Be Moral and Chaste] (literally, pine and bamboo, like strong morals; remain as a chaste widow)

[Hall of Elegant Minds]

Master, the banquet held at Qiu Manor is quite lively.

[Qin Xuan, Heir to Duke of Ying]

Master?

Master, it's so lively over there.

Why is she drinking mournfully over there?

"The outer rainbow is beautifully graceful by dispersing." (Double rainbow: outer is pale and female, inner is male)

"The Luan bird expands its wings and soars." (Chinese poem, "Travel Afar")

If you don't go home, do you have a place to go?

The world is vast. Anywhere is fine.

Do you have any money?

Can you read?

Do you know how to do calculations?

If you wish to leave your home,

you must learn how to survive first, understood?

I can read all the words on here now,

but I still can't escape my situation.

Tell me, was he a liar?

Whose family does this lady belong to?

How dare you steal wine to drink?

Where is this vagabond from, who didn't stay in the front hall?

Put down my wine or else I'll shout.

Don't you dare shout.

If you attract those people here and they see all this wine,

what will you do?

Hurry and return our wine.

Fine, I'll return it to you.

- My lady. - Return it to us!

I'll return it to you for a kiss.

- Come and get it. - Return it now!

Brother Meng?

I couldn't find you just now.

So you were here.

I came for a breath of air.

Brother Meng, now I know why you wouldn't drink with us.

So you hid from us since you couldn't hold your liquor.

Who said so?

Qin Xuan, look.

The Qiu Family maids

are quite interesting. Let's have fun together!

Bei Xue.

Young Master Meng.

Go out front and tell them that Meng can't hold his liquor.

He admits defeat for a girl's sake.

- Who said so? I-I-I... I can hold my liquor well! - Young Master Meng.

- We have some fine wine down there. - Just you wait!

- Let's go. - Listen, I can hold my liquor perfectly well!

- Don't you think I'm right? - Young Master Meng, watch your step.

Ladies.

That person is Young Master of Earl of Yongyi Manor.

His name is Meng Yu. He's known for being boisterous.

Were you two frightened of his demeanor?

If you hadn't appeared, he would be the one frightened.

Who are you?

I'm Qin Xuan of Duke of Ying Manor.

As the front hall is too noisy, I came to hide from the din.

I didn't expect to encounter you two here.

Miss, may I know your name?

This is our miss.

She's the second lady of Qiu Family.

So you're my younger cousin.

Why didn't I know I had an elder cousin like you?

The first madam of your residence, Jiang, is my aunt.

Her daughter, Qiu Mei, is my elder cousin.

You're younger than Qiu Mei. Naturally, you're my younger cousin.

You two aren't blood related.

Two months ago, my family moved here from Suzhou.

As I think about it, I haven't seen them for 5-6 years.

It's natural for you not to know me, but I do know you.

Do you know me?

The front hall banquet celebrates Her Highness rewarding you with a plaque.

Naturally, I've heard about you.

What have you heard about me?

Although you're at the peak of your youth,

you're loyal and filial.

That is truly impressive.

Why don't you do me a favor?

It's more practical than being impressed.

Please give me your order.

It's pointless to drink by myself.

Finish all this wine with me.

Here.

[Qiu Manor]

Cousin, almost all guests have returned home.

You should stop drinking.

I won't be able to drink again after I go to Jingyun Convent.

Today, I'm going to drink to my heart's content.

Cousin, I know you're troubled, but...

Why should I be troubled?

I don't need to join my late husband in death now. Why would I be unhappy?

I was just thinking

that if a woman

doesn't want to live for her husband's sake,

her parents, siblings, children,

and wants to live only for her own sake,

is that such a heinous crime?

If I must say, the world is divided into two parts,

like Yin and Yang, men and women; we have no choice.

But the saints said husbands are their wives' guides.

They also said men are obligated to remarry;

women cannot find a second husband.

Clearly, there's a difference!

We see the saints' teachings are misleading.

Look.

Did you see how lively the front hall was?

To sacrifice an unimportant daughter

in exchange for Her Highness' plaque and family glory,

surely it's a good deal for any family out there, right?

Cousin, have you unfulfilled wishes before being a nun?

Maybe I can do something for you.

All right!

Then just

give me a kiss.

What?

I don't even know how intimacy with a man feels,

yet I must become a nun.

Why must I carry such a false reputation?

- That... - What's the matter?

Are you scared?

Cousin, you mustn't do this!

This concerns your reputation!

All right, all right.

I appreciate the offer.

Besides, you should stop calling me Cousin.

You sound like a Chinese opera actor.

Just call me Qiu Yan.

Yan as in "beauty (yan ran)."

Qiu Yan.

"A smile so beautiful, the flowers are ashamed" ("A Twig of Plum Blossom" poem from Song dynasty).

Great name.

Originally, it was supposed to be the Yan as in "kitchen smoke (chuī yān)."

Back when Madam Liu gave birth to me

and found out I'm a girl, she wasn't willing to raise me.

She left me to survive on my own in the woodshed,

but I didn't die although I starved for three days.

Madam Liu thought

she can't avoid her destiny.

Thus she randomly gave me the name Yan.

After when I joined the residence, Second Madam thought my name was unlucky.

That's how my name was changed.

Wang Wei once said,

"Lone smoke rises off the vast desert; a round sun sets on the long river.”

Even a puff of smoke will reach the blue sky one day.

As long as you don't give up, things will surely change.

That is a piece of great advice.

On that note, I shall offer you another toast.

Since I can't share your burden, I shall drink with you.

Cheers!

Qing Dai,

you can have them.

I'll ask Second Madam for a favor.

I'll ask her to release you.

Miss, are you abandoning me?

Are you silly?

I'll be a nun. Why follow me?

I don't fear being a nun.

Miss, I'll follow wherever you go.

Nonsense.

If you disobey me, I'll ask Mother to sell you.

Yan'er.

I heard that life in the Jingyun Convent is tough.

You can take these silver teals with you.

Thank you, Mother.

But you should keep the silver taels.

You can take anything you like from my chamber.

Silly Child.

Do you think I'm here to see you off just to take your things?

I'll accept the money.

Second Lady, Second Madam calls you immediately.

Mother.

Yan'er.

The east gate isn't locked.

There's a blue carriage outside the gate.

The Taiying Temple abbot is a friend of mine.

Hide there awhile before you devise your next move.

Here are money and garments.

- Qing Dai, you must keep them safe. - Yes.

Mother, are you telling me to escape?

We must send you to He Manor in two days.

It'll be too late for you to escape by then.

But if I leave right now,

how will you explain to Father and Old Madam?

Don't worry.

Old Madam dotes on me.

Hurry and leave. It'll be too late if someone else sees you.

- Mother! - Hurry and go!

Mother!

You're still young.

You must express your pain when it hurts.

I want to read. [Mysterious Cases from Dashuo]

Do you like to read books? [Mysterious Cases from Dashuo]

From now on, tell me what you want to read.

I'll think of a way for you.

Yan'er, get up!

Mother.

All right. Time to leave.

Yan'er, hurry and go.

- Go! - Mother!

- Just go! Go now! - Qing Dai, let's go.

Hurry!

Hurry!

Second Sister!

Where are you going?

Mother wants me to buy something from the west market

for my parents-in-law.

Then why aren't you taking the family's carriage?

It's under maintenance.

Elder Sister,

you could always lie with a straight face.

If I didn't eavesdrop on your conversation with Mother,

I would've been deceived by you again.

This is very sudden. I've no time to explain it to you.

When the trouble is over, I will surely return here.

"When the trouble is over"?

If you leave, He Family will surely come and ask for you.

By then our family can't live in peace.

How would the trouble be over?

Do you want me to stay?

I want you to leave Qiu family, to leave my mother most of all.

But if you leave now,

have you thought what will happen to Mother?

She dotes on you so much.

She constantly worries for you.

She helped you when you wanted to withdraw the marriage.

She helped plan when you wanted to enter the palace.

Now, she allows you to escape,

and she must handle your aftermath.

Yet

have you ever considered my mother?

- Have you considered our family? - I know you think I'm selfish.

You've thought that since we were young.

You can hate me if you want.

Elder Sister.

I don't hate you.

Take care of Father and Mother for me.

Miss, we have finally left the city.

I dreamed of this day countless times.

Going away from my house, never turning back. [Chastity]

Going somewhere far away where no one recognizes me. [Chastity]

To live not for Madam Liu's sake,

not for Father's sake, not for anyone else,

but live solely for my sake.

But Min'er,

why aren't you hating me?

I decided to become the most selfish, heartless person in the world.

You should hate me for this.

[Qiu Manor]

You only know to cry.

Tell us! Where did Qiu Yan go?

My lord! My dear Old Madam!

I really do not know.

You did a great job teaching your daughter (sarcasm).

Escaping for herself, not caring for her family one bit.

From what I see, you and your daughter are here to jinx our family.

Yan'er follows Second Madam daily.

She was never close to me!

I really don't know where she went!

Madam Liu, are you trying to push the blame on Mother?

It's my fault for not disciplining her enough.

Mother, please forgive Madam Liu.

Please punish me instead.

What's the use in punishing you?

Let's forget about our conflict with He Family for now.

If we go against the imperial edict, we will be punished.

Old Madam!

Second Master, He Manor sent someone to notify us

that Second Lady reached He Manor safely.

[Endless Happiness]

When Feng'er passed, you were unwilling to keep your chastity.

Why are you suddenly changing your mind?

Her Highness has issued an edict and rewarded me with a plaque.

She showed me grace and power.

I don't presume to disobey her.

Since that's the case, why did you return alone?

I alone should bear responsibility for my life.

I do not want to implicate my parents.

That father of yours has offended me numerous times!

It's my fault for being obsessed with the vain world.

I've implicated my parents and family.

I dare not disobey you.

I only hope that you can let the past be

and reconcile with my family.

My lord, since she has the heart to right her wrongs, why don't we...

She can stay for now.

After Feng'er's mourning is over,

I'll send her to Jingyun Convent myself!

Thank you for your kindness.

Chun Xing, serve the Young Madam well.

Don't neglect her needs.

Yes.

Young Madam, please follow me.

Min'er, be honest with me.

Did you see Yan'er

before she left the residence?

I...

I did try to persuade Elder Sister,

but I didn't expect this to...

How could you do that?

Do you know what kind of place Jingyun Convent is?

If she goes there, she must stay for the rest of her life!

If Elder Sister didn't return to He Manor today,

Mother, how did you plan to resolve the situation?

I don't need a child like you to meddle.

Mother, have you ever pondered

if Elder Sister leaves us, my reputation is implicated as well.

Mother, only she is in your heart.

There's no place for me at all!

Min'er, how could you think that?

I know.

I'm inferior compared with Elder Sister.

I'm not as smart or bold. Even more, I'm not as likeable!

But Mother, I'm your biological daughter!

Min'er! Min'er!

[In remembrance]

I, Qiu Yan, the lowly survivor, [In remembrance]

have caused Husband He to pass.

No amount of deaths shall absolve me of my sin.

Husband He, I don't ask for forgiveness.

From today onward, I will copy mantras and practice Buddhism to deliver your soul to the afterworld.

I hope Husband He can achieve Nirvana soon.

Lord Liang, please.

Chun Xing, light an incense stick for Lord Liang.

Lord Liang,

why are you here?

My condolences, Young Madam.

Uncle He and He Feng's elder brother

have made huge contributions to the imperial court.

It's my duty to mourn him.

Lord Liang is here to mourn Feng'er on account of his respect for me.

Hurry and greet Lord Liang.

Greetings, Lord Liang.

Lord Liang.

Uncle He,

I'd like to stay several days to keep vigil by his coffin

and contribute what I can.

Uncle He, I hope you grant me this.

Lord Liang, I appreciate your offer.

Then I will thank you

on my unlucky son's behalf.

Chun Xing.

Hurry and arrange accommodation for Lord Liang.

Lord Liang.

[In remembrance]

[He Manor]

Young Master Qin, please.

Master.

Uncle He, Aunt He, sorry for the late arrival.

Your father, Duke of Ying, already sent representatives here.

You do not need to be troubled to make another trip.

Uncle He, you may not know, Brother He and I were once classmates in Suzhou.

We were close friends.

When Father was here to mourn him, I was sick.

Now I have fully recovered,

I think I must mourn him as well.

Follow me.

Master.

Young Master Qin of Duke Ying Manor is here.

Qin Xuan, it's been a while.

Liang Yi? Why are you here?

Uncle He has been grieving greatly the past few days.

I'm here to accompany him.

Chun Xing, light the incense sticks.

Brother Liang, I didn't expect to see you here.

I didn't expect to see you here, either.

Why have I never heard of your bond with He Feng?

Why is it that I don't know how close you are to He Family?

Young Master Qin.

Brother He,

we became friends through poetry and literature talks.

I thought I had plenty of time to learn from you.

I didn't expect our farewell in Suzhou to be our last meeting.

[However, the white jade building in the sky is ready for the dead.]

I'm willing to imitate the legend of Yu Boya and Zhong Ziqi.

Today onward, my brush is sealed.

I will not write a single word.

If I break my vow,

I shall suffer the same fate as this brush.

Uncle He, Aunt He, I've ordered my servants to prepare [In remembrance]

some Suzhou snacks for Brother He.

You're very considerate.

Thank you.

Chun Xing, put them up.

Yes, Madam.

This must be Young Madam.

Qiu Yan, this is Young Master Qin of Duke Ying Manor.

Greetings, Young Master Qin.

Uncle He, I wish to keep vigil over Brother He's coffin for the night.

Uncle He, I hope you can grant me this wish.

- This... - Brother Qin, you're a loyal man.

I also keep vigil over his coffin tonight.

Why don't you let me keep you company?

Lord Liang, you have been here all day.

Now, you want to keep his coffin vigil at night.

My in-laws will surely feel sorry if you do.

She's right. I appreciate your intention.

But Lord Liang, you still need to lead the Firewood Office.

You mustn't overexert yourself due to my son.

- That's right. - Uncle.

Honestly speaking, Qin Xuan and I were playmates as children.

It's been a while since we met. I want to catch up with him tonight.

Today is when his soul returns to visit.

Lord Liang, I do think it's unsuitable for you to be here.

Young Madam, it seems you don't wish to see me tonight.

Young Madam, are you hiding something from me?

I wasn't supposed to say this,

but for Husband He's sake,

I've no choice but to offend you.

All know that Lord Liang is head of Firewood Office.

I heard that many people died in that place,

and that place was haunted.

Lord Liang, if you're here,

I fear your presence may scare Husband He away.

Lord Liang, please try to understand.

This...

My lord,

this concerns the spirits. It's better to be safe than sorry.

This...

Uncle He, Madam He, Young Madam has a point.

Brother Qin, I'll leave the task to you then.

Lord Liang, please rest in the guestroom.

[In remembrance]

[In remembrance]

Bei Xue, do you hear a cat? [Hall of Insight]

[One may not have accomplished all that he wished.]

This is bad! Where did this stray cat come from?

A black cat is an ill omen! Hurry and chase it away!

Someone! Catch the cat!

- Where did it go? - It's over there!

- There's another one there! - There's one over here!

Come! Over here!

Over there!

- There's another one over here! - Over here!

- It's over there! - Over there!

- It's over there! - There's another one here!

Over there!

There's another one over there!

There's another one over here!

- There's one over there! - Come here! The offering table!

Protect the offerings!

- Over there! - It's over there!

- Over there! - Catch it!

There's one over here!

It's on the offering table again!

Be careful!

What should we do? These offerings were meant for Husband He.

Hurry! Get us another set!

If not, it'll bring him bad luck!

Hurry and notify the kitchen!

- You should go! - I don't know where the kitchen is!

- Why are you still standing there? - Follow me!

- Hurry! - Hurry!

Over there!

The cat is over here!

- There's another one over there! - It's outside!

- Hurry! - Catch it!

- Hurry! - Over there! Catch it!

Don't run! [Hall of Insight]

Will you really not write anymore?

If I didn't say so, how would I persuade General He?

Timing and Subtitles by 🍂 The Autumn Ballad 🍁 Team @viki.com

♫ The roof's eave blocks the moon, letting through only a shimmer ♫

♪ Your sweet smile warms my heart ♪

♫ As if the night haze were a silk garment ♫

♫ Only your appearance can bring color to the silk ♫

♫ Looking in your direction ♫

♫ All the images flood my mind ♫

♫ As I trace your eyebrows ♫

♫ I am willing to wait a lifetime for you ♫

♫ The roof's eave blocks the moon, letting through only a shimmer ♫

♫ Your sweet smile warms my heart ♫

♫ As if the night haze were a silk garment ♫

♫ Only your appearance can bring color to the silk ♫

♫ Seeing loved ones parting ways ♫

♫ I hope the story goes your way ♫

♫ I remember your promise ♫

♫ I am willing to wait a lifetime for you ♫

[Produced by Quhe Film Pictures Production (Beijing) Co., Ltd.]

[Produced by Shanghai Tencent Penguin Film Culture Communication Co., Ltd.]