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 12]

So the fake silver notes [Qiu Manor]

could only be

from Third Uncle's personal stash.

Of course, Third Uncle also sees the big picture.

Which is why he agreed to put on this act with me.

N-no.

A-A-Absolutely not.

You want to s-sweep the floor with my dignity before that many people.

Y-You're publicly taking revenge on a private matter.

Third Uncle, you're right. I'm doing exactly that.

During the live burial matter, you wholeheartedly wanted me to die.

Now, leverage against you has finally fallen into my hands.

Of course, I won't let go of such a good chance.

Y-Y-You...

If you must, blame yourself for doing wrong

and letting me catch you by the tail.

No matter if you're willing to cooperate,

I won't hide your Wanyan House visit for you.

You can't save your reputation no matter what you do.

Third Uncle, you brought the fake silver notes into the manor.

Even if another swapped the silver notes in time,

if we can't find that person, only you can be questioned.

Third Uncle, after thousands of books,

surely it's untrue that you can't understand this principle!

I made Third Uncle mention the medicine to lure the snake out of the hole,

to make Lady Maid Xu reveal herself.

As for the medicine, it's just ordinary well water.

What?

Lady Maid Xu, if Wanyan House really had such a medicine,

why would I need to painstakingly search with a jade pendant?

But it was urgent, and you had no time to think.

Even if you were suspicious, you wouldn't risk exposure

to gamble with it.

Old Madam, these were the silver notes found in Lady Maid Xu's room.

Madam Xu, what else can you say now things are at this point?

Nothing.

I'll just listen to Master's punishment.

"Nothing"?

Madam Xu, we had mutual liking many years as master and servant.

Why would you do such a thing to the Qiu family?

Old Madam,

I have always remembered

your kindness to me.

Just a word from you,

and my life is yours.

But Second Master...

caused the death of my only son!

I...

He did evil so he must pay the retribution!

As for implicating the entire Qiu family,

I couldn't care so much about that.

Xu Song...

- That's... He brought it upon himself. - Nonsense!

If you didn't frame him back then,

would he have died around age twenty and left me behind?

That's not right.

Didn't your son die due to an accident?

As masters,

whatever you say goes.

Since you and I have been friends for so many years as master and servant,

I'll listen if you're willing to tell me.

Old Madam,

it's fate.

I've served you all my life.

But in the end, I did something that betrayed my own master.

It's all fate.

You won't tell when you have a chance.

Fine.

Take her to the backyard.

Report this to the authorities tomorrow morning!

Yes.

Second Son,

hand the silver notes to the Ministry of Revenue tomorrow morning.

Bring the donation issue to an end.

Yes, Mother.

Second Master, these items were found searching Madam Xu's room.

- Leave now. - Yes.

Are you still worried about Madam Xu and Xu Song's issue?

These are Xu Song's old belongings.

He could have risen to become extraordinary.

Eight years ago,

I saw he worked hard and loved to read.

So I wanted to give him a chance.

I used my connections to recommend him to Imperial Academy.

I didn't expect that after half a year,

the Imperial Academy registrar would tell me that Xu Song

cheated in the exam.

According to rules, he should be expelled.

But Xu Song said

his classmates colluded with the registrar to bully him.

But you didn't believe Xu Song.

All Imperial Academy students come from prominent families.

It would be impossible for all to unite and frame a commoner like him.

It's unreasonable.

I'm an impartial official for many years.

I won't disregard my principles for a subordinate.

Well, after Xu Song left Imperial Academy,

I originally thought he'd turn a new leaf,

but I didn't expect

that he'd let himself sink down.

Father, these books were clearly torn up and glued back together.

You just said Xu Song was a hard worker who loved reading.

How could someone who loved reading bear to let books become damaged?

Every Imperial Academy student is from a prestigious family.

But Xu Song

was just a subordinate.

In a place like that, he was undoubtedly the odd one.

It's human nature to stick together and discriminate against outsiders.

The more diligent and outstanding Xu Song was, the more they hated him.

Those people would only believe that

Xu Song didn't know his place,

a crazy person foolishly relying on studying hard

to change his background.

Our country was established over a hundred years.

If even imperial students worship the rich and trample the poor like this,

how can they recommend virtuous, talented people to the imperial court?

You were born into an aristocratic family.

All in your life went smoothly. Naturally, you've seen happy faces.

Worshiping the rich and trampling the poor happens regardless of status.

You just can't see it, that's all.

Yan'er, you're indeed attentive.

You could deduce Xu Song's situation back then, by using an old book.

When Rong'er was bored, he would pick on me for fun.

His biggest pleasure was tearing my books.

I glued them as Xu Song did.

I've neglected my household.

Yan'er, if anything like this happens again, tell me.

I'll stand up for you.

It's all in the past.

Yan'er, it's getting late.

Get some rest.

Leave us.

Yes.

Second Master, you've come.

I didn't dote on you for nothing.

About Xu Song,

it happened because I blamed him wrongly.

Second Master.

Lady Maid Xu,

I feel guilty toward Xu Song and you.

Song'er, did you hear that?

Did you hear that?

But why did you...

Why did you only find out now?

It's already too late.

It's too late!

With thousands of your apologies,

my Song'er still can't come back.

He treated you as a huge benefactor

and worshiped you like a Bodhisattva.

But why didn't you...

Why didn't you listen to him explain?

Before he died, he still asked me

why you gave him hope, but then personally destroyed it.

Now, are you apologizing?

My Song'er can never come back again!

I won't forgive you.

My Song'er absolutely won't forgive you, either.

Lady Maid Xu,

I didn't come here to beg for your forgiveness.

I won't follow up if you hate me or frame me.

However,

you shouldn't have implicated my Qiu family.

Go back to your hometown tomorrow.

Don't ever show yourself in front of the Qiu family again.

Second Master,

it's seven o'clock now.

Mosquitoes abound in summer.

Did the little maids light the incense in Old Madam's room yet?

Brother Yi,

after I leave, you must take good care of Old Madam.

Look at you.

Did you grow that head on your shoulders for no reason?

How could you brew Emei Snow Bud with boiling water?

Did she fail again?

After Madam Xu left, Old Madam has been unhappy.

She'll nitpick at anyone who serves her.

Let's not get involved.

Old Madam, it's my fault for not teaching her well.

Didn't this maid do just fine under Madam Xu?

How come she got bad after going to you?

Yes, yes, yes.

Old Madam, I recently heard some gossip from servants.

I figured I shouldn't hide it from you.

Quickly now.

At such a time, how could you put on airs?

Move!

Go in!

Old Madam, please show mercy.

For the sake of...

For the sake of your years-long relationship as grandmother to Di'er,

show some mercy!

I'm begging you, Old Madam.

Old Madam.

Do you still have the nerve to say this?

Our Qiu family can never tolerate this.

Either take your own life

and our Qiu family will still acknowledge you as our daughter-in-law,

or tomorrow you get a divorce letter and leave by yourself.

Old Madam, if you hadn't...

If you hadn't encouraged your son to divorce me,

why would I do something like this?

The first seven grounds of divorce is failure to bear an heir.

You failed to bear a son.

That's your fate.

I can't bear a son, right?

Why don't you ask your promiscuous, precious son

if he's the one unable to birth a son?

Someone! Drag her away!

Yes!

Who would dare?

Old Lady, don't belittle others so much.

I long figured such a day would come.

All these years,

I collected shameful scandals of the Qiu family.

If you plan to drive me to death,

don't blame me for exposing it all out!

Hilarious.

What kinds of shameful scandals could our Qiu family possibly have?

Old Madam,

the secret of the second house

is one you've protected over ten years.

How did you forget about it now?

If I expose this matter,

even if all Qiu Family were executed and your property seized,

it would still be a light punishment.

Qiu Min,

did you tell Old Madam about Fourth Aunt?

I didn't initiate to tell her.

I don't know where Old Madam got the information.

If you decided not to speak, what could they do to you?

I already told you this matter's consequences.

Sister, I also wanted to hide it,

but when Old Madam started asking,

I couldn't hide it anymore.

Third Young Miss!

Remember, I'll always be your Fourth Aunt in this family.

How could Old Madam let her go?

Old Madam watched Qiu Di grow up.

Maybe Old Madam counted herself as his grandmother.

It's fine if nothing happens.

Miss, why still sneak out after solving the case?

We're done for if the family finds out.

That's only if Father formally orders I can't leave the manor.

He forgot to order it; he can't blame me.

I heard "The Crime Investigations of Lu" book is out.

The cases' ups and downs pull people in.

I must buy it today.

Or I'll have to ask someone to copy it again.

Miss, look!

A really pretty paper kite is over there.

Qing Dai, wait for me here.

All right.

Lord Liang, what a coincidence.

Song Jin, leave us.

Lord Liang, my...

I heard you found the thief in Qiu Manor.

Are you complimenting me?

It's sarcasm.

I figured.

How could the almighty Lord Liang lower himself to praise another?

I'm here to ask if you found a way to unlock this shackle.

Not yet.

I looked at this shackle the past couple days.

The more it appears a bracelet.

You and I each have one.

If people see it, they'll think it's a betrothal item.

It'll be hard to explain then.

Lord Liang, won't you marry my sister?

What if she misunderstands-

Qiu Min lives at Qiu Manor all day.

How would she see it?

Do you fear Qin Xuan will misunderstand?

I'm doing this for your sake.

She's here.

Are you here to see Ping'er off?

Just think I'm here for tea.

How was she sentenced?

She'll be exiled to Yazhou.

This is your last chance.

Lord Liang, quickly tell her the truth about her father.

Otherwise, she'll hate you for life.

What are you looking at? Move quickly!

Someone once told me if one didn't even hate anymore,

it meant they gave up completely.

Ping'er was able to live on because of her hate.

Just let her continue hating.

At a place like Yazhou,

hate can keep her alive and well.

But what use is hating?

If you don't go home, is there anywhere else you can go?

You say hate is useless.

But I'll still hate.

If we don't even have hate anymore, it means giving up completely.

Miss, why do you look so absent-minded after the teahouse?

It turns out he always remembered.

What did you say, Miss?

All right. Let's hurry to the bookstore.

Yes.

- Boss. - Miss, will you buy books?

Boss, has "The Crime Investigations of Lu" arrived yet?

My apologies. An important customer came just now

and pre-ordered all my shop's investigative scripts.

"The Crime Investigations of Lu" set is among them.

Then can you let me read two chapters before you deliver them?

Just two chapters, one chapter is fine, too. One chapter.

Miss, the customer still waits for me to pack his orders.

I'm sorry.

Boss, since he's here, can you let me in

to ask him to make an exception for me?

If he totally refuses, I'll give up.

Well...

All right then.

I heard you bought the whole collection of "The Crime Investigations of Lu."

It's my fortune to have the same hobby as you.

It's just I was half a step late.

I wonder could you lend it to me a short while?

I don't mean to forcibly take what you enjoy.

I just...

Since we have the same hobby, I'm sure you

can understand how I feel painstakingly awaiting updates.

It's fine if you allow me to read the chapter list.

I know it's abrupt and preposterous,

but please help me since we have the same hobby.

They say, "Wait by a tree for a rabbit to come" (farmer waited daily for a rabbit to kill itself so he need not hunt).

My case can be called "waiting by a tree for you."

Was it you?

Why didn't you say something?

You made me rack my brains how to ask and beg.

It's rare to hear you beg me.

Of course, I wanted to hear it longer.

Here.

I bought these for you anyway.

Qing Dai. Qing Dai. Qing Dai!

I'm coming.

Money.

What are you doing?

Even siblings must be clear with money.

I still must pay you.

I bought every investigative book in this store.

This is not enough.

I...

I get a monthly allowance. I can save it.

However much I collect is what I can read from you.

I went to every city bookshop the past few days.

I wanted to collect all investigative books in the world.

I want to build a book collection for you.

So you can stay in it a whole day and not be bored.

I can't accept a reward I didn't earn.

How can I repay such a big gift?

You should accept this money.

I don't want you to repay me.

If you insist on paying,

will you repay me with the rest of your life?

Do you still worry I have no say at home?

Don't worry. In future, be it imperial exam or the military,

I'll work to get an official position.

I'll make them have no say again.

If all fails, I'll just cut ties with my family.

I can understand your parents' prejudice against me.

In their eyes, I brought death to my husband

and had my marriage annulled.

It takes time to accept this.

Anyway, Old Madam promised I can decide my own wedding.

There is no need to rush our matter.

I don't want to ruin your relationship with your family.

I even less want to see

you do things you don't like for me.

Take these home and read them.

Qing Dai, let's return to the manor.

Qing Dai!

I still have to pay you.

Someone once told me if one didn't even hate anymore,

it meant they gave up completely.

Why am I thinking about him?

People say I brought death on my husband, and I must die for him.

Then let me dare ask you, Lord Liang.

What happens if a man brings death on his wife?

When a man's wife dies,

if he doesn't remarry to have heirs, he is called unfilial.

It's the same scenario, just different genders,

yet the result is so different.

But why should women be disdained as if they were duckweed?

I want this one.

Do you want me to play a servant boy?

You just want to order me around again.

Lord Liang wants to reenact the Calling Crane Building scene.

Lord Liang, remember we're in a collaboration now.

Song Jin, how is it?

Lord Liang.

I was finally able to climb out of He Feng's coffin.

I haven't really lived yet.

But must I die in this coffin? I refuse to accept that.

Since I finally can live,

I'll live well every day as best I can.

I'll make those, who wanted me to die, see that my life

is more precious than they think.

She has no shame.

[Flowering Morning and Moonlight Evening] [Imperial Workshop]

Greetings, Your Highness.

May I know why you've summoned me?

You've always done a good job at the Ministry of Public Works.

Now, you're overseeing His Majesty's immortal temple construction.

His Majesty complimented you yesterday.

It's our duty to be loyal to the imperial court.

I know you have a daughter by the name of Qiu Min.

She is already marrying age.

At my birthday banquet, I met your concubine's daughter, Qiu Yan.

She's resourceful and quick-witted.

I'm very fond of her.

Your wife can even raise a concubine's daughter this well.

Then your legitimate daughter must be even more exceptional.

Now, Marquis Wei Yuan, Liang Yi,

likes your legitimate daughter, Qiu Min.

I want to be his matchmaker.

I wonder what you think about this, Lord Qiu.

[Liang Manor]

- Cui'er. - Young Master.

Get someone to move these down.

Yes.

Mother, you're...

Yi'er.

I went to the palace today.

Her Highness bestowed these specifically for us.

She told me she had talked to the Qiu family about your wedding.

Mother, didn't I say this matter doesn't need rushing?

You agreed to this matter in front of Her Highness.

You keep delaying and delaying. How long will you delay it?

I... I just worry about marrying hurriedly and wasting her time.

You always have excuses.

You were the one who personally picked her.

And the gifts have been given.

If you keep delaying it, don't report to me.

You can personally enter the palace and report to Her Highness.

People, quickly now.

Carry these inside carefully.

Yes.

[Qiu Manor]

How can you call this young and promising?

If Min'er marries him, her life will be worthless.

It'll be bright and sunny when he's pleased,

but it's unpredictable; winds and clouds could suddenly change.

On windy, stormy days, won't he vent it on Min'er?

Wife, but Noble Consort did the matchmaking.

How...

How can I reject her?

Even if she is the Noble Consort,

she still can't force marriage on anyone.

Wife, I'll just be honest.

About the fake silver notes last time,

Marquis Wei Yuan, Liang Yi, kept it under wraps.

At that time, I felt things were not good.

Qiu Min, it's your own choice.

No matter what the future holds, you must face it alone.

You can't blame anyone else.

Even more, you can't say you did it for another's sake.

[Beauty and Elegance]

Father. Mother.

I'll marry him.

Master, I prepared the list.

Girls always like rouge, powders,

perfume pouches, and jewelry.

I plan to get some Firewood Office men to pull carts here.

Master, stop worrying about this.

I'll go to Firewood Office tomorrow.

Even if I turn the warehouse upside down, I'll find the key to unlock this shackle!

Go to Qiu Manor tomorrow and ask Miss Qiu Yan out.

"Ask Miss Qiu Yan out"?

[Firewood Office]

Master, Miss Qiu Yan is here.

Song Jin said you found a craftsman to unlock this shackle.

Do you want to unlock it that much?

Don't you want to?

You'll go to my home to propose marriage in a few days.

Won't it cause trouble to leave this on?

Where is the man to unlock this?

It can't be unlocked.

I want to see you about something else.

Follow me.

Where are you taking me?

Here.

[Huaxiang Textile]

Why did you bring me to a fabric shop?

Just go inside.

Won't you tell me? Then I'm leaving.

Wait.

My mom said to pick gifts for Qiu Min to take with the betrothal gifts.

You're her older sister.

Whatever you like, she'll naturally like as well.

Really?

Yes.

Then why didn't you say so earlier?

You never approved of my marriage with Qiu Min.

You opposed me as if I were a thief.

I worried you wouldn't be willing to help me if I told you in advance.

Well, thanks for saying,

but what Min'er likes is far different from what I like.

She likes wearing bright, crimson red

and light, thin fabrics.

Since she was a child, she liked floral patterned fabrics.

Let's pick these few.

My lord, you won't go wrong buying these.

Miss, you sure have extraordinary taste.

These fabric bolts are the valuable ones.

They're exclusively supplied from Jiangnan, unavailable anywhere else.

- I'll have them all. - All right.

You're very easygoing today.

Just days ago, I recall you said as long as you're around,

you won't let me get what I want.

I didn't know your motive for wanting to marry Qiu Min.

But after investigating the case with you,

I found you're not that bad.

I trust you'll surely treat her well since you decided to marry her.

She's also willing to accept your family's proposal.

Then as her sister, what else can I say?

Do you like it?

Yes.

But Min'er wouldn't like it.

This way, please.

Take a look. There are more upstairs.

The designs here are nice.

They look gorgeous enough.

Please come again.

This way, please.

Is this pretty?

I think Min'er would like this.

I'll keep looking.

Try it on.

I don't know if Min'er will like this.

I can't say for sure on the things here.

Min'er has countless jewelry.

Most of them, she will wear a few times then stop.

I can't tell exactly what she likes.

Pretty.

How about we keep looking?

What if Min'er doesn't like this?

These things are different from fabrics.

Let's check out other shops.

You can check upstairs.

There are better ones upstairs.

Master.

Master, the shops delivered the things you wanted.

I had the furniture and decorations sent to the manor for Old Madam's approval.

Bring that to me.

This is for Qiu Yan. Don't mix it with the rest.

- You can leave now. - Yes.

Why is it for Miss Qiu Yan?

Didn't she help me pick gifts for Qiu Min?

It's to thank her.

Master, you've changed.

You've sunk.

Didn't you say Firewood Office has no feelings during investigations?

You said marriage alliance with Qiu Family was political.

Qiu Min's personality didn't matter or what she looked like.

But now, you personally bought gifts,

and also spent much money to please your older sister-in-law.

Why is your behavior like Young Master Qin's?

Am I not handling it as an official matter?

Regardless of sincerity,

since I'm marrying her, shouldn't I handle this with dedication?

Does a relationship built from scheming and plotting not count?

How many men and women's relationships happen naturally?

Why is acting relentlessly for livelihood or ambition praiseworthy,

but when it comes to love, girls must sit by the tree awaiting the rabbit and Heaven's bestowal?

Sister!

I have something to ask you.

Come with me.

Sister, the betrothal gifts Marquis Wei Yuan's manor sent, aside from custom and Noble Consort's gifts,

half of it was specifically for me.

I saw all were to my liking,

but I'm just confused.

How does the Marquis Wei Yuan know what I like?

Liang Yi works at the Firewood Office.

Naturally, he's well-informed.

Then, Sister, when you investigated the case with Lord Liang before,

you had some interactions.

Now, I'm getting married.

I'd like to know what kind of person he really is.

He is...

shrewd and ruthless.

He can turn against you faster than pages of a book.

He'd resort to any means to do things.

But... he's not a bad person.

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.]