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 7]

♪ Chinese Opera ♪

The southern opera troupes are indeed very different from those in the north.

Yes. The singing, lyrics and melody are all great.

I've never seen the whole performance.

Why would the two of them end up like this?

This "Autumn River" (from "The Jade Hairpin") is about the love story between the Taoist nun, Miao Chang,

and the Taoist temple owner's nephew, Pan Sheng.

But their love violated the traditional morals.

So Scholar Pan's family forced him to take the imperial exam in the capital.

In the end, Scholar Pan passed with the highest score

and returned home to marry Miao Chang.

This scene depicts the moment they were forced to separate.

They exchange love tokens and promises by the riverbank.

They are willing to risk everything for love.

Admirable, yet lamentable.

I think there isn't much to see in this opera.

It seems a touching love story,

but about a guy who scored highest on the exam,

then a woman became a high-rank official's wife.

What true love and infatuation?

Isn't it ultimately just splendor and wealth?

These operas are simply stories made by mediocre scholars trying

to satisfy women's fantasies.

Madam Jin is also a woman.

My lord, are you implying something about Madam?

My son was never interested in watching operas.

Yi'er,

I'm sorry you had to watch this with me today amid your busy schedule.

Mother, that's not what I meant.

The master is talking! How can you interrupt?

This napkin is dirty.

Go wash it clean.

Yes.

My lord, are you satisfied with my work?

Barely.

(Traditional Chinese opera or Xiqu is a form of musical theater.)

(It combined various art forms, reaching maturity in the Song Dynasty.)

Good show.

Yi'er,

then I shall return home first.

Mother.

Madam, take care.

Please send my regards to your parents.

Mother, take care.

Brother Liang, are you done mocking us today?

I will serve you another day, my lord.

Don't be so smug.

[The Calling Crane Building]

[The Calling Crane Building]

I was wondering why he looked so shocked today.

Lucky that you thought of that.

You knew he had a hand wound so you soaked the napkin in liquor.

Why let him disturb our opera watching?

I still haven't asked you.

What was your favorite part of the opera today?

"Tears fill my eyes when I look at Autumn River."

"I fear to look at that lonely sail."

Hearing it makes you sad.

My favorite line Miao Chang said to Scholar Pan at the riverbank:

"In my heart is no difference."

"I am too busy to complain."

"I only fear you'll have a change of heart,"

"chase another lady and surprisingly get married."

When two people are separated,

a commitment ensures the relationship lasts.

Right?

Qin Xuan,

do you have anything to tell me?

Qiu Yan,

after we return today, I'm afraid I can't meet you again.

Because I'm planning to go...

- Are you okay? - I'm fine.

You are being targeted. Hurry, go a different route.

Someone blocks the road ahead.

Why do they go that way?

Dare you stop Duke of Ying Manor's carriage?

Forgive us, Young Man. We seek our family's Miss.

Who are you?

- Stop! - Hurry!

Hang in there. Woven Raincoat Alley is just ahead.

Yes.

Qiu Yan, are you okay?

I sprained my ankle.

I'll help you up.

Stop! Over there.

What's going on?

Meeting a man in private is extremely improper.

You sure bring honor to your family (sarcasm).

Qiu Family Elder, you misunderstood.

Miss Qiu Yan and I just went to watch an opera today.

We didn't do anything disgraceful.

Where did a wild man like you come from?

I'm disciplining our family's Miss.

You have no right to give excuses.

A single man and woman meeting outside in private,

what propriety can there be?

Someone, tie up this shameless girl!

Stop!

I'm Heir of Duke of Ying Manor. How insolent!

Ungrateful fool!

He is Duke of Ying's son.

What are you doing here?

- What's going on? - Kneel!

I saw Second Miss go meet a man in private; I came to stop a scandal.

But I really didn't know he is Heir of Duke of Ying Manor.

Sister, Brother-in-law, Qiu Family's fault is not disciplining her properly.

You did such an indecent thing!

Are you...

Do you want me to die of anger?

Xuan'er, tell us.

What really happened today?

Sister, Brother-in-law,

Xuan'er was always obedient.

Our girl is spoiled and wild.

Today, clearly, Second Miss tried to seduce Young Master Qin.

Young Master of Duke of Ying Manor isn't someone you can degrade.

- It's not like that. - Xuan'er,

I know you are caring and kindhearted,

but you must not be fooled or used by others.

Tell me.

This girl tried to seduce you today, right?

What do we wait for? Why do you still defend him?

My lord.

Qin Xuan, are you okay?

Qin Xuan.

You shouldn't hit him.

Today, it-

Father,

I actually asked Qiu Yan out today.

She was deceived by me.

Xuan'er, do you want us to die of anger?

Enough!

I tell you.

I don't care how this matter started today.

Clear it up with her right here before us.

Now, you two can never see each other anymore!

Xuan'er.

Father,

I fancy Miss Qiu Yan.

I see only her. She's the only one in my heart.

I will marry her.

What?

- You... - My lord.

You...

My lord! My lord...

Do you know what you're saying?

My lord.

I do know.

Qiu Yan,

I originally wanted to serve in the Imperial Guard

and propose to you after I received honor.

I didn't speak earlier in order not to raise false hope.

Now this has suddenly happened,

Qiu Yan,

in my life, I won't marry anyone but you.

Come here!

Drag this ungrateful fool back to the manor!

Hurry and break them apart!

- Xuan'er. - Quick!

- Wait for me! Wait for me! - Go, go.

- Don't be angry. - Look at them.

How could Miss Qiu Yan mess at a crucial moment?

She didn't sprain her ankle earlier or later,

but she did it just now.

Our effort went to waste.

No, it didn't.

You really underestimate Miss Yan.

You're not saying anything.

You make it seem we wrongly accused you.

I'm being silent.

First, I know leaving the manor privately

breaks our house rules.

Second, I chose Qin Xuan myself.

It was wrong to meet Qin Xuan, but I don't regret it.

I wasn't wronged at all. Father, you can punish me.

You really think I won't hit you?

I...

You are a lady.

Your marriage was annulled; so be it.

You even... you even secretly went out with Qin Xuan.

Did you really think we'd let you marry Qin Xuan if you did this?

Stop dreaming!

Madam Qin is in Old Madam's room right now.

She made it very clear.

She won't let you marry into their family.

Qin Xuan said he would marry me.

I believe him.

He says he'll marry you, and you just believe him?

Since ancient times, marriage

is decided by the parents and confirmed by the matchmaker.

Does it matter if he said it?

My first marriage was arranged, but the second is up to me.

I obeyed my parents and agreed to marry into He Family.

But how did that end?

Yan'er,

what happened with He Family is my fault.

But you can't just

let yourself be dishonorable due to that, right?

I don't get it.

A man is called ambitious when he plans for his future.

What is so shameful if I plan for my future?

What a preposterous argument! You're causing trouble.

Kneel in front of our ancestors and reflect on yourself.

Madam Qin, don't worry.

Even if you didn't come today,

our Qiu Family would not tolerate a girl with this behavior.

Then I'll leave it to you.

Old Madam Qiu, you don't need to see me out.

[Hall of Elegant Minds]

Third Daughter-in-law.

I'm here, I'm here.

The relative you mentioned before,

is he still looking to purchase another lady?

Now this has happened,

I fear they will reduce the dowry.

Are you still viewing money right now?

We'll thank Heaven if we rid this unlucky girl, even if sooner.

Send her away in a few days.

Old Madam, we will go in first.

Hold on.

Third and Fourth Daughters-in-law, you two go in first.

[Hall of Elegant Minds]

You two, kneel!

What great plans you made. You only cared to vent your anger.

You don't care about Qiu Family's reputation anymore!

Ancestor,

I also worried about losing our dignity. In a rush, I...

Enough!

You may fool others with your words, but not me!

She's our family's Miss.

How dare you discipline her on public streets?

She is at fault for secretly meeting a man outside,

but you two are much more despicable destroying Qiu Family's reputation!

Lady Maid Xu, pass on my words.

First Madam and Madam Kou are each fined six months' pay.

If this happens again, I won't let them off!

Yes.

[Hall of Elegant Minds]

[Qiu Manor]

Second Sister.

Is it you?

You scared me.

Second Sister,

- does it hurt? - No, I went numb from kneeling.

Father said no one can visit me.

You should hurry back.

Otherwise, if you're seen, you'll be punished, too.

Hurry and go. Go.

Go! Hurry and go.

Second Sister,

I told your location to Madam Kou.

What?

Why?

It's...

You met a man secretly.

First, that's inappropriate.

This isn't right.

If you did it due to etiquette,

you would tell Old Madam.

How does Madam Kou

have a right to control Second Chamber's etiquette?

Since you knew if you told Old Madam,

she'd just lecture me and ground me two weeks.

But if you tell Madam Kou,

she would use this chance to set me up!

Qiu Min,

I know you dislike me.

But I always thought we could get along peacefully.

Do you hate me this much?

Do you like Qin Xuan?

I-I...

Since when?

That day Noble Consort Guo granted us the plaque.

Congratulations on receiving a plaque from Noble Consort Guo.

Thank you very much.

Do you still remember Xuan'er?

Xuan'er.

Hurry and greet Second Madam.

Greetings, Second Madam.

Xuan'er became so tall now.

Madam Qin, you are very lucky.

This is Min'er, Qiu Min.

You met as children. Do you remember?

Min'er, hurry and greet Madam Qin.

Greetings, Madam Qin.

Greetings, Cousin Qin Xuan.

Greetings to you too, Cousin Min.

You hid it so well.

I didn't know at all.

You were all fixated on winning Cousin Qin's heart.

How would you notice my feelings?

Then you could have told me.

So what if I had told you?

Would you let me have Cousin Qin?

No.

But at least we could use our own skills

to compete fairly.

How do I compete with you?

I'm not clever or quick-witted as you.

Even Mother likes you more.

Just because you fear losing, don't you try?

You only dare hide in the dark, playing dirty tricks and tattling.

Now you even act miserable as if you're the victim!

Anyway, it's my fault.

Scold me if you want.

Do you think due to your apology, I should be magnanimous and forgive you?

What do you want to do then?

Will you tell Mother?

If it wasn't for her...

I won't forgive you if you do this again!

What do we do about Liang Yi now?

If you like Qin Xuan and not him, hurry and tell our parents.

Lord Liang is highly regarded by the Emperor.

Our family can't afford to offend him.

I...

I can't make things hard for our parents.

Clearly, you lack any potential.

You fear to admit the one you like, won't reject him you dislike!

Enough!

Why are you always so mean to me?

I can't stand it when you act miserable!

Second Sister, I know you look down on me.

But we all have our own paths.

I don't need you to manage my life!

I also wish that I was the one kneeling here, fighting for my love.

But I can't do it.

Master, the men we sent said that all banks in the capital

found the same form of fake notes.

This note, whether it's the seal, pattern, or secret code,

looks exactly the same as the genuine.

We can only recognize the fakes when we find matching ones at the bank.

How many have been found in total?

Did you calculate?

As a conservative estimate, there are more than two million.

"Two million"?

If all these were submitted simultaneously, no banks in the capital

would even last a day.

Yes, if the banks collapsed, the people would surely panic.

Prices would rise uncontrollably.

This is a huge task for the Firewood Office.

Master, there's one more thing.

The Ministry of Revenue just sent a report

that fake notes are among those collected from influential families.

It's the Qiu family. [Dingrong Account Banknote, 201]

Miss. Miss.

- Here's the thing you wanted. - Lady Maid Dong.

Thank you, Lady Maid Dong.

Before she left, Second Madam told me to listen to your instructions.

Did the letter get delivered?

I spent half a day watching Duke of Ying Manor's entrance.

They said Young Master Qin was grounded by Master Qin.

Bei Xue couldn't even meet him.

Is Qin Xuan okay?

- I don't know. - Eldest Sister, Eldest Sister.

- When I went there... - Are we really going in?

What's there to be scared of?

Scared... What if that girl goes crazy and starts hitting us?

She wouldn't dare do that in front of our ancestors.

If you're scared, then don't go.

Are you going or not?

I'll... go.

I've waited so long just to get back at her today.

Eldest Sister, look at her!

Sh-She is being disrespectful, Eldest Sister!

I'll go and call someone.

Hold on. Hold on.

By the time you call someone, she'd certainly have gotten up.

Then she will say we're accusing her again.

Get down from there!

We can't act recklessly before ancestral tablets.

She's lying there so we can't go near her.

Qiu Yan, I know you are listening.

No matter how you try to outsmart us,

there's no way to change your situation now.

Old Madam has already spoken.

You will be sold as a concubine to Third Aunt's relative.

You'll be married in three days.

What concubine?

She will just be a courtesan (prostitute).

That's a family of merchants.

I heard his concubines must serve high-rank officials and noblemen,

playing instruments and singing.

Once officials have enough fun, the ladies are gifted to others.

Second Sister, you sure have a bright future ahead.

Eldest Sister, let's just go for now.

Let's go.

[Dingrong Account Banknote, 201]

[Dingrong Account Banknote, 201]

If these fake notes were really submitted,

Qiu Family would die without a burial site (tragic ending).

Lord Liang, you helped rebuild our Qiu Family.

I am most grateful.

Lord Qiu, you're a government official known for integrity.

I always admired that.

I don't wish to see plotting against an honest man like you.

That's why I'm here to inform you.

If you say so, then I'll be honest.

Lord Liang personally came to save us from such a crisis.

How can Qiu Family repay your immense kindness?

Does Lord Qiu think I only do something if I can benefit from it?

I wouldn't dare.

Lord Qiu, you are right about me.

But I'm afraid you'll have to accept this favor.

As for what I want, you will find out soon enough.

Second Miss.

Master gave his order. No one can exit the side door.

- We must tighten security. - Yes.

Watch the side entrance.

- None can enter or exit. - Yes.

What are you doing here?

Why are you sneaking around?

Old Madam wants to sell me off.

I'll be sent away in three days.

I must get out of here.

I see.

Then I won't disturb you.

My lord! My lord! Lord Liang, Lord Liang.

It seems unlikely I can leave by myself.

Can you aid me?

Let's just say I'm begging you.

You brought this on yourself.

Isn't this what you asked for?

- Why are you begging me? - What do you mean?

What do I mean?

You fell purposely a few days ago, didn't you?

I didn't say anything since Qin Xuan was smitten with you.

He wouldn't believe what I said.

But don't assume no one knows your little tricks.

You risked asking Qin Xuan out since you wanted confirmation from him.

But who knew I would ruin your plan?

When your family set a trap, you purposely fell to beat them at their own game.

Qin Xuan had no choice but to vow publicly.

Am I right?

Yes.

You're clever.

You should have foreseen this.

Of course. Of course. Of course.

But I had no other choice.

With my background, Duke of Ying Family wouldn't suggest a proposal.

And Qin Xuan seemed hesitant before this.

My family puts pressure on me while my legitimate mother is absent.

Instead of waiting, doing nothing,

I may as well take initiative.

Qin Xuan took an oath in public. Of course, his parents would be angry.

But of course, they also know where I stand in Qin Xuan's heart.

If Qin Xuan acknowledges me, the better my odds are over time.

Lord Liang,

there has clearly been a lot of bad blood between us.

But you and Qin Xuan are like brothers.

For his sake, don't hold grudges.

Save me this once.

My lord, you are a magnanimous person.

Don't hold the past against me.

I know you look coldhearted but are actually warmhearted, loyal, and just.

Enough, enough, enough.

Lead the way.

Thank you, my lord.

Such eloquence when you have something to gain.

I absolutely can't let one like you be with Qin Xuan.

Liang Yi...

Watch her closely.

Without my order, no one can let her out.

Yes!

Open the door!

Let me out!

Open the door! Open it!

Open the door! Hey!

Open the door!

Second Miss, I suggest saving your energy.

The family is all worried about the fake bank notes.

Who has time to be bothered by you?

"Fake bank notes"?

What fake bank notes?

What did I do wrong?

How could there be fake bank notes in the family's fund?

Old Madam.

Old Madam, you trusted me to manage the household.

I have no excuse for such a grave mistake.

Please punish me.

Eldest Sister-in-law, it's no time to blame anyone.

The donation will end in a few days.

Most important right now is to hurry and replace the missing 3,000 taels

due to the fake notes.

Enough, enough. Hurry and get up.

What can kneeling accomplish?

But where do we find 3,000 taels in such a short amount of time?

My wife and I have some emergency savings.

There may be 500 to 600 taels.

For the remainder, maybe I can borrow from Third and Fourth Brother.

Then we can at least get through this crisis.

Third and Fourth Brother still owe money to the family's public account.

One is a supervisor at Imperial College.

He uses the family's public account for everything.

Another is a drunkard and gambler.

He must support his son's travel and education.

Even if they could give some money, it won't be much.

Right now in the capital, every influential family must pledge a donation.

No one will have extra silver.

Seems we can only sell our land.

Mother,

the land is inherited from generations.

We must not sell it.

I will bear the sin of selling our ancestors' land.

In the future, I won't be buried in the ancestral tomb.

Mother!

We can't do that, Mother.

But what else can we do?

Old Madam!

Bad news, Old Madam.

Second Miss refuses to eat.

She said she'd rather die at home than get married.

- I will go look. - Stop!

I will go.

There isn't one person in this household I don't need to worry about!

Second Miss,

Old Madam is here to see you.

I heard you want to die.

Yes, even if you accept their money,

they will only receive a corpse.

When that happens, they will surely come asking for compensation.

All right. I will grant your wish.

If you die, I can report to Madam Qin that her job is done.

I never thought that

Qiu Family descended from scholars is this spineless.

They do all Qin Family says.

I cherish those who are useful to Qiu Family.

But I can't offend Duke of Ying Manor just for your sake.

Little Yan, don't blame me for being heartless.

Right now, Qiu Family is having troubled times.

I can no longer take care of you.

Old Madam, do you worry over fake bank notes?

You are quite well-informed.

So what if it's true?

You can't find enough money to fix the 3,000-tael deficit.

You may sell the ancestral land

and bear a prodigal (wasteful) reputation.

Maybe I can help you with that.

You?

Fake notes didn't appear in the family's account for no reason.

If we find the culprit of the fake notes, we will have the 3,000 taels.

It's easy for you to say.

The donation time will soon end.

We have no time for you to investigate.

Three days are enough to find the truth of the fake notes.

If I fail after three days, you can still sell me away.

Then I won't cry, make a scene, or end my life.

I will let our family accept the betrothal gift.

But I have a condition.

If I get the 3,000 taels back for Qiu Family,

I will decide my marriage from now on.

No one in the family can interfere.

All right.

Qing Dai, Second Chamber is being too arrogant!

When did it become your right to search Third Chamber's rooms?

The entire household must be searched.

Nobody is an exception.

I didn't know it was Lady Maid Xu.

Search Fourth Chamber's rooms too.

Yes.

Bad news. Lady Maid Xu and Qing Dai brought people to search Third Chamber's rooms.

Second Brother, what does this mean?

You secretly sent Lady Maid Xu to search our rooms while we are eating?

Are you really treating us like thieves?

What's going on?

Are they even searching rooms?

Uncles and Aunts,

First Madam and I checked the family's public account.

The First, Third and Fourth Chambers

all borrowed money from the family's public account and returned it.

Now that fake notes were found in the family's public account,

we do this since we fear to wrongly accuse you.

How was it?

We found a note in the manor that looks exactly like the fake note.

Whose room did you find it in?

It was found in Young Master Rong's room.

Kneel!

What's going on?

Will you still not own up to the facts?

I just went to the kitchen to get some western candied fruit for Sister He Xiang to eat.

How would I know there was a silver note in the jar?

Get what?

This is clearly stealing.

My lord.

H-He was just being gluttonous and made a mistake.

To everyone here, Rong'er is still young.

Please forgive him.

Since he is bold enough to steal,

switching the fake notes wouldn't be a surprise either.

I really didn't know there was a bank note in the jar!

If I knew, I would have spent it long ago.

- Shut up! - You-

How dare you argue back?

Second Brother, we're catching a thief.

Now you've been caught red-handed,

what else is there to say?

Say... s-say what?

W-We all thought S-Second Chamber was virtuous;

th-they never b-borrowed from the family's public account.

I never thought who h-harmed Qiu Family w-would be Qiu Rong.

Technically, we shouldn't put it that way.

But those who know will say Rong'er was just mischievous.

Those who don't know,

may think Second Chamber tried to cheat another 3,000 taels of the family account.

Sister-in-law.

If I'm that kind of person,

I, Qiu Yi, won't be tolerated in this world.

Second Brother, please discipline him by our house rules, with proper punishment or beatings.

Otherwise, you can't convince the public.

- Family rules. - Father.

- My lord. - Father.

Rong'er is still young. Leave out the beating.

That's right, that's right.

First Madam might tolerate this, but I can't.

Second Brother, you must give us an explanation.

Fine.

I will go and get Old Madam.

That's right.

We could have just sold the land,

but Second Chamber messed things up.

We want to see what Old Madam has to say.

Hold on.

Old Madam just went to rest.

Why bother her over something so trivial?

All of you are right.

He should be punished for his mistakes.

Qiu Rong, let me ask you.

Did you swap the fake notes for the real ones?

Qiu Yan,

don't act all high and mighty here.

You're just seeking chances to get back at me, right?

Let me tell you.

Even Father can't bear to hit me.

What are you doing?

He's your biological brother!

The house rules are unbiased!

Madam, if you wish to get beaten too, keep defending him.

What are you doing?

My lord!

Enough.

My lord!

Make her stop!

My lord.

My lord!

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.]