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 6]

Ladies and Gentlemen, the folding fan and earring owners who are paired up

will be teammates in the Chuiwan competition's last round.

Wei, we're a team.

I don't want to team up with you. I want to be paired with Qin Xuan.

Qin Xuan, we are on the same team.

In past years, men only competed with women. They were never teamed together.

It's new this year.

I heard Noble Consort wants to choose a wife for Marquis Wei Yuan.

The powerful Marquis Wei Yuan may have his eye on a lady so she authorized this.

God bless my sisters.

Please don't get targeted by that living monster.

Min'er, switch your earrings with mine.

I don't have time to explain. Listen to me. Hurry.

Lord Liang, you're frowning.

It seems you're unwilling to be on the same team as me.

You did something to keep your younger sister away.

Yes.

As Lord Liang wants to take a wife, many noble ladies are in the capital city.

But don't you dare hit on my younger sister!

Who said I wanted to hit on your younger sister?

I thought you were meticulous. Can't you see I don't want you close to Qin Xuan?

And the reason I approached your younger sister was to hit on you.

Lord Liang, are you joking?

Look at me.

Do I look like I'm joking?

Qin Xuan, I'm not good at playing this.

I fear I will hold you back.

It's fine. If we win or lose doesn't matter.

I'll do my best to help you.

Marquis Wei Yuan is lower rank than Duke Ying, but many siblings are in Qin Family.

Qin Xuan is not the eldest son,

absolutely no chance to inherit the title.

By contrast, my marquis title is an actual fact.

So Lord Liang, did you think I had my eye on Qin Xuan's lineage?

Didn't you?

Many well-born ladies surround Qin Xuan.

By contrast, it's easier to pursue me.

I really wanted to pursue you.

I only worry you have a deep bias against me.

As you didn't hold it against me, I appreciate it, of course.

I just wonder what you see in me.

You're good at playing Chuiwan.

What else?

You don't look ugly.

Is that all?

You're smart.

Men and women are on the same team for this match.

The rules: start from the service court; teammates must alternate hitting the ball.

You're allowed to intercept opponents.

Only the team that first gets the ball in the opponent's hole has the right to race to the final hole.

The team that first hits the ball in the final hole will be the winner.

Participants, get ready for your positions.

The match begins now.

Min'er, play it well. We must beat Liang Yi.

You're in the same team as Lord Liang.

I'm not on the same team as that kind of person.

Min'er, keep hitting the ball.

Look, look, look.

Your Miss...

Shut up.

Qiu Min, don't be nervous. You can do this.

Elder Brother Qin, I scored.

You did great.

Good.

Master!

Good!

They scored.

Min'er, you did great!

- Nice! - Nice!

Brother Qin.

It's all right. You have me.

You can do this, Master! You can do this!

Nice!

Full score.

Liang Yi, Marquis Wei Yuan, and Qiu Yan of Qiu Manor win first place.

Great! Nice!

Lord Liang, you've been making fun of me today.

You feigned to approach me.

In fact, you thought I'm a woman of easy virtue.

You're really despicable.

Didn't you keep slandering me before Qiu Min?

Likewise.

Min'er, let's go.

Anyway, you've lost this match.

Remember what you said.

No. I didn't lose.

Didn't Liang personally verify it for me?

Miss Qiu Yan is not unfaithful.

Influence peddling, a hypocrite.

Cunning and shameless.

Marquis Manor has a flower-viewing banquet today.

You two can set out for Marquis Manor together after a rest.

Yes, Madam.

Go on.

As long as Min'er has me around, I'll never let you get your way.

Likewise.

[Marquis Yongming’s Manor]

Do you mean Lord Liang wants to marry me?

Don't mess with him.

He has a bad reputation in the imperial court.

I guess he must have his eye on Qiu Family's lineage.

Father has a low official position,

but he has many friends and pupils.

Joining affinity with the Qiu family is less invisible,

and it can help him get promoted.

You're easygoing so he can readily control you.

How can you be certain this is Lord Liang's intention?

I crossed paths with him because of He Family's matter.

This kind of lackey (fawner) will only consider his own future and benefit.

I can tell what he's planning with just one look.

Actually, all Lord Liang did today was the same

as what you did to Qin Xuan, wasn't it?

Qiu Yan, do you want to marry Qin Xuan?

Yes, I wanted to win his favor.

And I have indeed used tricks.

Do you really like Qin Xuan?

Actually, I only had feelings for him until today.

I'm a person without a future.

As I saw a ray of hope, I wanted to try and take a chance.

But seeing how he treated me today, I think he indeed has...

My issue is unimportant. What matters is Liang Yi...

I'll remember your words.

Qiu Yan, congratulations on finding your beloved.

Madam Kou, how did Chuiwan gathering go?

The maids said Fourth Miss was disqualified for violating the rule.

First Miss was injured.

I haven't heard anything about Third Miss.

Second Miss won the match, stole the show, and is headed for Marquis Yongming's Manor.

How could this happen?

Didn't First Madam meddle in it?

Regardless which Miss steals the show, they all represent Qiu Family.

How could First Madam meddle in it?

Why hasn't Old Madam married this brat off?

We can't blame this on Old Madam.

It's because that brat is cunning.

She drove the matchmaker away last time, and Old Madam was embarrassed.

But I know a guy.

I have a distant relative.

He became rich by doing business a little while ago.

He's looking for concubines spending several thousand taels.

He doesn't mind secondhand goods if he thinks she's pretty.

Second Madam prays at Taiying Temple a few days each month.

As a result, she should leave tomorrow.

After she leaves, let's tell Old Madam about him.

Who in the capital city would dare marry her now?

We do this for her own good.

Sister Mei.

Are you getting better?

Save it.

Sister Mei, I didn't mean to hit you on the field today.

It was due to Qiu Yan...

Does it matter?

Anyway, it was a waste of time to come here because of you.

Sister Mei, I know it's all my fault.

But Sister Mei,

Sister Mei, try to think about it.

Your injury and my punishment, who would be pleased by this?

Qin Xuan comes from a fine family; he's kind and elegant.

Only Sister Mei, who's the first daughter,

could be his companion.

As absolute minimum, I'm an illegitimate daughter,

but at least a lady who hasn't been married.

But Qiu Yan is secondhand goods.

What makes her think she's fit?

Do you want to deal with Qiu Yan?

Are you enjoying the night-blooming cereus (cactus)?

Yes!

They say it's fleeting.

We've never seen how it looks after it blossoms.

The night-blooming cereus is so small. I think it won't blossom.

The night-blooming cereus is pretty, but I think you're prettier.

I wonder if you're interested in accompanying...

Brother Qin.

Brother Qin, you're here!

Brother Qin, you're here.

What are you looking for?

Have you seen Second Miss of Qiu Manor?

Brother Qin, why do you have eyes only for Qiu's Miss?

Why can't you see us?

- Yes. - Right.

You've played with them for so long this morning.

Then you should accompany us now.

Yes, yes.

Brother Qin, let's enjoy the night-blooming cereus.

Young Master Meng, why do you look so depressed?

What's the matter?

I think you've got the wrong guy.

Your Brother Qin is over there.

At this rate, just inviting him to the Chuiwan gathering will do.

Young Master Meng, those ladies have eyes only for Qin Xuan,

but I couldn't forget how great you were on the field.

Are you serious?

[Yan]

Look.

Do you see this word?

Is this Qiu Yan who caused He Family's second son's death?

Young Master Meng, don't get involved with this kind of woman.

Yes.

She rushed to shove this handkerchief in my hand.

Wouldn't I be too heartless if I rejected her?

Elder Sister, I only flattered Young Master Meng with a few words,

and he did whatever I said.

Thanks for your quick handy work.

In just a moment, you embroidered the handkerchief with a name.

Your idea was good.

I guess the handkerchief rumor is all over the garden now.

Yes. If my face wasn't swollen, I would walk out there and look.

Qin Xuan,

you came at the right time.

Help me examine it.

Is this a character of bliss or a curse?

Young Master Meng, I was looking for my handkerchief.

I thought someone picked it up; I see you found it.

Thank you.

What do you mean by your handkerchief?

Clearly, Qiu Yan handed it to me.

To be honest with you,

I've fallen for a famous actress in Six Flowers Troupe,

Miss Yan Xiang.

So I asked someone to embroider this handkerchief with the character of "Yan."

Besides, you said Miss Qiu Yan gave this to you;

has anyone seen this?

No.

Young Master Meng, even if you want to prove you're popular,

you can't just use my handkerchief for your gift from Miss.

Qin Xuan, you mean this is your handkerchief?

Do you have proof?

We're friends.

If you're jealous, you can just tell me.

I can prove it!

This handkerchief belongs to Qin Xuan.

I've seen him use it before.

Miss, something has happened!

Young Master of Earl Yongyi Manor took an unknown handkerchief

and said it was a gift from you.

Young Master Qin was about to get into a fight with him.

Mei and Ying just won't give up.

- Where is Qin Xuan? - Let me take you there.

What?

They were right here just now.

Are you here for Qin Xuan?

It's none of your concern.

Would it be if I know where he is?

It's inconvenient for him

and Meng Yu to talk in Marquis Yongming's Manor so they exited.

Don't you believe it?

Then you could just wait.

You wait here. I'll be right back.

Please.

Where is Qin Xuan?

Why?

Stop the boat!

Boatman, stop the boat!

Stop yelling.

Qin Xuan will be back in his house when we pull over.

I fell into your trap due to my carelessness.

Liang Yi, you keep obstructing Qin Xuan and me,

as I don't let you approach Min'er.

You're so despicable!

You're too self-righteous.

You couldn't stop me even if I wanted to marry Qiu Min.

Besides, I don't think you'll treat Qin Xuan sincerely.

If I'm true to Qin Xuan or not, you're in no position to judge me!

About He Feng, I let you mess around He Family.

I pitied your suffering in an accident.

But you should keep your nose clean now you're home.

Who knows if you use affection as a lever to make bets on everyone?

If you hope to find a rich husband, you can seduce anyone

except for Qin Xuan.

He is my best friend.

I won't just sit by and watch.

Lord Liang, do you mean the rumor of Young Master Meng and me?

Believe it or not,

I've never seduced Young Master Meng.

You're self-righteous in front of me.

But you've been exposed.

Meng Yu told me in person that you gave him this handkerchief.

The character Yan is embroidered on it.

This handkerchief is not mine.

Ask yourself.

As Qin Xuan and Meng Yu are friends,

if I wanted to date two men,

and gave Meng Yu this to seduce him,

I would hide it from public view.

Why would I embroider the handkerchief with my name?

Even if I was silly enough

to give Meng Yu a handkerchief with my name,

it was stitched using the boundary method.

I hate needlework the most.

It's impossible for me to sew such delicate stitches.

Lord Liang, investigate it if you don't believe me.

So you're saying Meng Yu framed you?

Why would he frame you for no reason?

I only met Meng Yu today.

He certainly has no reason to do that.

But my family member has a reason.

If I'm not mistaken,

only fourth daughter, Ying, uses boundary method in Qiu Manor.

You can ask about it.

Goodbye. [Marquis Yongming's Manor]

Cousin Min,

are you going home?

Where is your elder sister?

Qing Dai said Miss Xue wanted to talk to Qiu Yan.

So she'll go back later.

I see.

I'll just wait for her.

Brother Qin, are you not going back?

I haven't seen Qiu Yan since Chuiwan ended.

I think I should say goodbye to her in person before I leave.

You go back first. Aunt is waiting for you.

Fine. Even if you have no relationship with Meng Yu,

about all you did to Qin Xuan in the Chuiwan gathering,

have I misjudged you?

The tricks you used, although Qin Xuan couldn't notice them,

I saw it all clearly.

Lord Liang, as you saw it all clearly,

isn't it because you're the same kind of person?

Compared to your ruthless means

to win over He Family to achieve your goal,

my little tricks are less evil than yours.

But I never used love to scheme against others.

Isn't it still love, even if I get it using tricks?

How could every relationship fall into place?

There are many professions in the world,

painstaking effort and hard work are needed in all professions.

Tricks are also being used in the imperial exam, verses and poetry.

Why is it praiseworthy to use for a living,

to pursue goals and fame?

But why must women sit around and wait for a godsend

when it comes to a relationship?

Lord Liang, do you wait for criminals

to grow a conscience when you interrogate them?

In your opinion, falling into place

and a match made in heaven don't exist in the world.

I believe there's love at first sight

in this world.

It's just that

I don't think I could have that kind of luck.

Do you know my grandmother wants

to marry me off to a dying old man

as his concubine after this business?

If I don't grab this chance, I'll be trapped

in a richly ornamental cage to become a dependent person

who competes with those concubines the rest of my life.

In your eyes, I'm a social climber.

In others' eyes, I'm a broken woman who got rejected.

Qin Xuan is the only one who treats me as a person.

He respects and understands me.

Between him and an old complete stranger,

who would you choose?

Or maybe Lord Liang thinks I must accept my fate.

You said that I wasn't sincere.

May I ask Lord Liang if you're really sincere to my younger sister?

Goodbye.

[Marquis Yongming's Manor]

- Take care. - Take care. Goodbye.

Take care.

- We'll head back first. - See you.

Qing Dai.

Miss, what took you so long?

The people in the garden have been dismissed.

First Madam has taken the ladies back.

It's complicated.

Is there no one else in this garden?

They have all left.

Then let's just go back.

Qiu Yan.

Qin Xuan.

You haven't gone home yet?

I wished to see you before leaving.

I've been looking for you.

The handkerchief that Meng Yu had...

Say no more.

Follow me.

I noticed this night-blooming cereus during the day.

They said it won't blossom today.

But I think anything can be achieved with a will.

Do you think it'll blossom tonight?

Qin Xuan, don't you want to hear my side of the handkerchief matter?

I know.

There's nothing between you and Meng Yu.

I was angry when he ruined your reputation in public.

Don't worry. I'll believe in you no matter what the rumor.

Qiu Yan, I realize you're in a harder situation

than before,

but the hard times will pass.

When I was little, Madam Liu favored my younger brother.

She scolded and beat me due to him.

At that time, I told myself

that all will be fine when I grow up.

But now that I've grown up,

nothing gets better.

The master from Taiying Temple told me

that all in this world happens for a reason;

bliss and curses interconnect.

The harder one's life in the past,

one will be compensated in future.

Nonsense.

This is the reality.

Not to mention me,

just like Master Zhao and Miss Yue Ying.

The grievances they suffered weren't set right.

Do bliss and curse interconnect?

It's just to comfort people.

Actually, I thought such words were funny at first.

But ever since I met you,

I increasingly want Master's saying to come true.

Actually, Master Zhao

and Miss Yue Ying are safe.

Really?

You sent someone to take care of them?

Kind of, I can't say much.

Anyway, they're still locked in jail, but safe.

Qin Xuan, I'm starting to believe what that master said.

It's blooming!

It really bloomed.

It takes a long time to blossom,

but the time will come.

[Qiu Manor]

This time, I'll stay at Taiying Temple a little longer.

You two have to listen to Master.

Don't leave the second chamber unless it's essential.

Yes.

Mother, you must take care of yourself.

Min'er, go help Xiu Yu.

I informed Madam Dong from the East Side Door.

During this period,

just go to her if you want to exchange a letter with Qin Xuan.

I understand, Mother.

Mother, get in the carriage.

Okay.

Careful, Mother.

Okay.

[Sincere]

Miss,

Madam Dong handed this to me.

[To Qiu Yan]

[I heard you like to read legal case novels.]

[This is the latest chapter of Donghu Grievance Collection.]

It hasn't been printed so I copied it by hand.

I hope you don't mind.

[Donghu Grievance Collection]

[The planting of night-blooming cereus ends well; it's lucky to see it blossoms.]

[Qiu Yan]

[Qin Manor]

Madam, Master is back.

My lord.

Xuan'er.

Father.

I saw you've been going out lately.

Do you have eyes for a lady?

Whoever you have eyes for, there's only one rule.

Do not do something obscene and immoral.

My lord, don't you know what kind of person Xuan'er is?

But I think Minister Xue's daughter is a fine lady.

Mother, I have no intention of finding a wife.

Father, I want to train

at Imperial Guards Camp in the capital city suburb.

You used to reject us when we asked you to go there.

Why the sudden change?

Right.

It's not a place for fun.

You'll have to live in the wilderness no matter who you are.

Don't be silly.

Mother, Father, I didn't decide on a whim.

At the dynasty's beginning,

my ancestors and Emperor Wu built the dynasty.

Thus, Duke of Ying Manor was established.

I'm your child; as the Qin Family descendant,

how can I stay home doing nothing in the prime of life?

I wish to get ahead to win honor for you.

Father, I hope you agree.

It's good that you're ambitious.

I'll sign you up for it later.

Thank you, Father.

I haven't used it for a while; it's rusty.

Take it to the blacksmith.

Yes.

Master, will you really serve in camp at the capital suburb?

Qiu Yan is a lady of distinct parentage.

If I want to convince Father and Mother, I must gain more power.

At least I'll have a job if I go to the camp.

And if I receive credit, I can propose to Qiu Yan by then.

So Father and Mother can say nothing more.

I see.

No wonder you didn't answer when Master asked if you had eyes

for a lady.

If I told him that, he would oppose me.

There would be no turning back.

That was good thinking, Master

I'm envious of Liang Yi

because he has a job with trust from the palace.

He can make his own decisions.

Xia Zheng Ji, official of Ministry of Revenue, greets Your Majesty.

Liang Yi, inspector of Firewood Office, greets Your Majesty.

As usual, the Ministry of Revenue

has allocated 300,000 taels for your Majesty's birthday next month.

Your Majesty, the magic pill has been developed.

As is customary.

I've always wanted to build three more temples at the imperial park

for the people to pray.

It'll cost over a million taels to build three temples.

The Ministry of Revenue couldn't afford that much.

Your Majesty, I have an idea.

It can share your burden and won't cost much.

The clan associations in the capital should donate to share

the cost of temple building.

Okay.

The Ministry of Revenue should create a decree.

You can't do that.

Lord Liang's idea would put clans and scholars on low priority.

Your Majesty, please reconsider it.

By the way, Liang Yi, what are you going to report?

Xiang Zheng Ji, the official of the Ministry of Revenue,

embezzled public funds which total several thousand taels.

Firewood Office has identified it.

It's left for your decision.

I...

I'm innocent!

Search Xia Zheng Ji's house.

Let's go, hurry! [Xia Manor]

Go, hurry!

Stand over there!

Stand still!

Stand still over there!

Go!

Master, we finished checking the assets.

There are 123 pieces of pure gold jewelry,

30 strings of pearls, nine strings of gems, 231 pieces of jade,

90 pieces of leather goods, 500 pure gold taels,

5,300 silver taels, and 14,000 taels.

You could make the annual income

of the Ministry of Revenue if you put more effort into it.

Confiscate gold, silver, and jade.

Hand the taels to Ministry of Works

in His Majesty's temple-building fund.

Master, there's one more thing.

Upon inspecting 14,000 taels,

11,000 taels are forged (copied).

These taels were collected from all over.

I'm unaware of it, I'm serious!

Take him to Firewood Office and interrogate.

Yes.

[Xia Manor]

Firewood Office searched Xia Manor all last night.

Old Madam Xia fainted as she saw the

Firewood Office search the house.

She hasn't woken up yet.

I guess the donation is unavoidable.

Jiang, how much should our family donate by right?

Five thousand taels.

Just pay it with the public account.

Hand the account book to Lady Maid Xu later.

Let her handle this.

Yes, Lady Maid Xu worked with you many years.

She will conduct it impartially.

The barns have just reported on the heavy flooding.

Now that we must donate money,

spending is higher than the income.

We must scrimp from now on,

unlike before.

Old Madam, we don't suffer from a complete lack of income.

My distant relative I mentioned to you last time

is willing to pay even more

as he knows it's a Qiu Family lady.

Stop thinking about this.

Yan is a brazen girl, but she never made any serious mistake.

Yet you're already talking

about selling her to the merchant as a concubine.

You'll be ashamed to meet the second chamber.

Even I can't face her father.

As Old Madam has spoken, it seems this method won't work.

You don't understand what Old Madam said.

Selling her was inexcusable as she didn't make any serious mistake.

What if she makes mistakes?

What mistake could she make?

How would I know that?

Speaking of which, I have no grudge with Yan,

and I don't lack money so I'm not involved in it.

Many things you exchanged with Young Master Qin.

Yet you still refuse to say it to him.

Why is that?

A man and woman's relationship is like chess.

One who first pours out feelings has a loss of sovereignty.

I'll never confess before he does.

But I heard

the first chamber talk in the garden today.

Qin Family is seeking a wife for Young Master Qin.

Many people have eyes on a talent like him.

Miss, you shouldn't miss out.

You're right.

It's best not to miss it.

I must quickly find a way to make Qin Xuan say it first.

[Calling Crane Building]

[The orphan girl becomes a nun, breaking her vows to meet the scholar.]

♪ Master Pan ♪ [Today's title: Autumn River]

♪ Master Pan ♪

♪ Master Pan ♪

It seems more interesting to listen to the opera out here.

As long as you like it, Mother.

Hualin Troupe is from Yuezhou.

They rarely come to the capital city.

You're used to hearing North Opera.

You should hear South Opera this time.

Okay.

This way, please.

Master, look.

She dates a man at the public theater.

She is indeed unscrupulous.

Customers, please enjoy.

Master Qin, Miss Qiu, my master and Madam Jin are in the balcony.

As you're here, they invite you upstairs to enjoy the opera.

[The orphan girl becomes a nun, breaking her vows to meet the scholar.]

[Today's title: Autumn River]

[With superior skills, he takes first place.]

Master.

Qin Xuan, are you here to enjoy the new opera?

Greeting to Madam Jin.

It's been a while.

Is your mother doing well?

She felt a little sick a while back.

She feels better these few days.

Come, sit down.

Sit down and talk.

Is this your new servant?

Why is she so ignorant?

The master enjoys the opera.

How could she sit here?

Is she some kind of a young lady?

So you're in disguise and secretly dating.

Qin Xuan, you committed a terrible crime.

Lord Liang, you're absolutely right.

Sorry to violate the rules as it's my first visit to Duke Ying Manor.

Yi'er, have some sense of propriety.

Qin Xuan doesn't look like an immature child who jokes around.

Come, have a seat.

It's fine you don't know the rules,

if you're willing to learn.

Most important for a servant is to be observant.

You should know what your master wants at a glance.

First Madam, First Madam.

The second chamber's girl and Qin Xuan are secretly dating at Calling Crane Building's opera.

- Really? - Yes.

My subordinates saw them together.

That's very bold of her.

Who let her out?

Quickly send someone to bring her back.

First Madam, will you let go

this great chance just like that?

First Madam, consider.

If we only bring her back, perhaps she will accuse us of framing her

as she is eloquent.

But if we send someone to catch her with Qin Xuan,

we'll have proof she violated family rules.

By then, she'll be at your disposal.

But if we catch them in public,

won't this embarrass Qin Family also?

Anyway, our daughters couldn't marry into Duke Ying Manor.

What gives Yan ability to approach this rich family?

Now our family is short of money.

Even Madam Qin will thank you for disciplining her child.

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 ♫