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 13]

Min'er,

this silver-gilded Ruyi headdress is for you.

Thank you, Mother.

Yan'er,

although you're not engaged yet,

I give this pair of silver, jade, pearl earrings to you.

Thank you, Mother.

These two are

my favorites among my dowries.

When you get married,

I can't keep you company all the time.

Let these two pieces of jewelry accompany you both on my behalf.

Little Three is getting married.

First Madam.

Congratulations, Sister-in-law.

Thank you, thank you.

I also want to congratulate Second Madam and Third Sister.

Thank you, thank you.

These are the dowries prepared for Little Three from our family.

I brought them here to show you.

I appreciate your concern, thank you.

Congratulations, Second Madam.

Madam Kou.

All is going well,

but why are Fourth Sister's eyes red?

She couldn't bear to part with her third sister so she cried.

Sister-in-law, just let me know if you need any help.

- There's no need... Yan'er. - Since First Madam is so kind to offer, we'll take your offer.

As Elder Sister and Fourth Sister are good at embroidery,

why don't you help embroider a wedding dress for Min'er?

I fear we can't as it's less than a month before the marriage.

You were able to use boundary method to embroider "Yan" in a moment.

There's almost a month left.

Such time is more than enough, isn't it?

[Firewood Office]

Lord Liang.

Oh.

Official Qiu will be my father-in-law.

You can just call me Liang Yi.

The reason I came here,

firstly, is to show my appreciation for the betrothal gifts.

Secondly, I have some questions on my mind.

As my daughter is an ordinary girl,

what makes her worthy of your effort?

Do you want to hear the truth or the platitudes?

Of course, I want to hear the truth.

To be honest with you, I investigated your background.

You're an incorruptible man of integrity.

I've led Firewood Office many years.

It's very rare to see someone like you.

Since I chose you as my father-in-law,

I'll just cut to the chase.

Why I put much effort on Qiu Min,

actually, it's since I have my eye on you, Official Qiu.

I hold a low level position with no power in the imperial court.

Although my family is a baron,

my elder brother inherits the title.

You do hold a low level position,

but your father was Chief of Imperial College.

His students and former colleagues are in our world.

Even if your father passed away, the world's scholars

will more or less show some respect to Qiu Family.

Those are just casual acquaintances.

It's clear and light as water.

If you need us to do things, with Qiu Family's small reputation,

I fear it won't be useful to you.

I don't expect you to order those people around.

I don't need anything from them either.

I just need you to help me select talents.

Recommend those useful to me.

Selecting talents is made by

Ministry of Civil Service Affairs and Imperial College.

Lord Liang, I fear you're asking the wrong one.

In my opinion, compared to Northern Liang,

we, Dashuo, have three big weaknesses.

We have superfluous troops, unnecessary expenses, and incompetent officials.

Now Northern Liang eyes us and the vagrants have been rebelling.

Many incompetent, corrupt officials are in the court.

If there's another invasion,

we, Dashuo, may lose the right to deal

and ally with Northern Liang.

Firewood Office eliminating those people was deliberate on your part?

Most of them deserved it.

The reason I eliminated them is surely since I need a group

who are capable and dare handle those positions.

Selecting talents isn't my strength.

Men in Ministry of Civil Service Affairs are untrustworthy.

You're the only one I can seek help from.

Then from the military,

you sought out General He.

Since you ask, there's no need to hide it from you.

Yes.

Lord Liang, you're a precocious and wily man.

I'm fully aware of it today.

I think you've planned for this since that day

when you mediated my family affairs.

If you subtract people removed by Firewood Office this past year or so,

what can you see?

Most were from Ministry of Works, Ministry of War, and Ministry of Revenue.

They are all wealthy ministries.

It's the only part you can see.

Look.

Xia Zheng Ji from Ministry of Revenue, whom he removed, [Xia Zheng Ji]

his deputy was top scholar in sixteenth year of Chengzhao,

without promotion for many years. [Vice Minister of Ministry of Revenue, Yuan Ji]

Once Xia Zheng Ji left, this top scholar could rightly take Xia Zheng Ji's place.

So you're saying Liang Yi was bribed by this man? [Vice Minister of Ministry of Revenue, Yuan Ji]

Liang Yi doesn't care about such little money.

His true purpose

is likely to secretly control imperial administration.

"Secretly control imperial administration"?

Look.

Why would Liang Yi marry Qiu Family's daughter? [Qiu Rong, Qiu Yan, Qiu Min]

[Qiu Rong, Qiu Yan, Qiu Min]

It'd be a joke if you said he fell for Qiu Family's Third Miss. [Qiu Min]

He isn't one who indulges in romantic relationships.

Although Qiu Family is a humble family, they accumulated deep resources.

Qiu Yi's father had students all over the world. [Vice Minister, Ministry of Public Works, Qiu Yi]

It's the main reason Liang Yi has his eye on Qiu Family.

Once Qiu Family and Liang Yi join forces,

one will be responsible to select talents,

and the other will eliminate obstacles.

Within a few years,

he'd be able to secretly control the imperial administration.

It seems you think we must rid Qiu Family no matter what.

I can't sit and watch the imperial government

fall into the hands of that villain, Liang Yi.

[Taiying Temple]

Aunt Qiu. Cousin Min.

Qiu Yan, what a coincidence.

Young Master Qin, are you going to the temple, too?

Today is the fifteenth.

So I want my family's safety amulets from the temple.

I didn't expect I'd meet you all here.

It is fated.

Why don't you travel with us?

Then I'll respectfully accept.

Xiu Yu, you all can wait outside the gates.

Yes, Madam.

Bei Xue, you wait here.

Yes, Master.

Why are you here?

I've copied the new chapter of "The Crime Investigations of Lu."

I thought you must be in a rush to read it so I brought it to you.

When we enter the temple, you go and pray with Aunt first.

I'll wait for you at the Sutra Chamber.

Master, I searched the storage room.

I finally found the key before your marriage.

You finally can take off that annoying eyesore.

I'll ask someone to send the key to Qiu Manor after that.

So Miss Qiu Yan can take it off, too.

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

Won't it cause trouble to leave this on?

They're praying at Taiying Temple today.

I'll take it to her.

My lord, your true intention is not to send the key,

but to see Miss Qiu Min, right?

[Profound Truth of Heaven]

Amitabha.

This is Master Zhen Yan from Taiying Temple.

I got your amulets ever since childhood from him.

I made your daughters' amulets many years,

but this is the first time I meet them.

As the Qiu family's wedding is soon,

I think it must be the good karma you've accumulated for years

as you sincerely learn Buddhism.

Your daughter will be safe and happy after getting married.

Thank you for your kind words, Master.

My lord, that street vendor looks very suspicious.

He's from Main Administrative Office.

He follows us since early on.

A street vendor carries daily goods in early morning.

But he can still carry standing straight.

That Yuan Lang isn't willing to let us go for even a moment.

I'll go and size up the situation.

Now I must act like I'm preoccupied with the marriage

and pray and worship Buddha at the temple.

How could there not be an audience?

But it's okay for you to see how many people there are.

Yes.

My lord, so you think I'm an eyesore now?

[Sutra Chamber]

Cousin Min.

[Sutra Chamber]

Cousin Qin.

Are you here to read the scriptures?

I've been plunged into a gloomy mood lately.

Maybe reading scriptures could help relieve it a bit.

Your wedding is around the corner; why would you feel gloomy?

There's something within reach but I can't get,

nor do I have power to fight for it.

I can't learn to let it go either.

Why are you here?

You can come here, but I can't?

I didn't expect you'd be so obsessed with Min'er.

You used to always plan for it.

Now you're justifiably engaged to her,

yet you can't change secretly pestering her.

You spout off even in this holy place.

Can't I be here to pray and worship Buddha?

I...

I have something to tell you.

Follow me.

Why must you say it up here?

I brought you here to enjoy the view.

My mother said

an extraordinary spectacle is here after rain in early summer.

It's nothing special.

I have something to give you.

Look!

I didn't lie to you.

By the way, don't you have something to tell me?

What is it?

Every time we meet, we bicker and never spare each other.

But for He Family matters and the fake notes,

I should thank you

for all your help.

I thought it was some serious matter.

These mean nothing to you, but you saved me from my predicament.

You could care less about it, but I must say thank you.

It scares me even more as you solemnly thank me.

I thought you would pull a prank on me.

Then I'm afraid you'll be frightened later.

There's one more thing I must thank you for.

Six years ago,

you saved a girl from a group of bandits

on the capital city outskirts.

You didn't leave your name back then.

You only left a folding fan.

She can read the name of the fan's owner now.

And she wants to say

thank you.

♫ Winter clouds and light skies ♫

Before the bandits came, my mother escaped with my younger brother.

I watched her escape.

I called out to her.

I kept calling her, but she never looked back at me once.

I hate my mother and little brother.

I detest myself even more.

Why weren't I born as a son?

But what's the point of hating them?

If you don't return home, is there another place you can go?

It's a big world; anywhere is fine!

♫ The fresh breeze is slightly cold ♫

♫ The person in the mirror wipes away heavy makeup ♫

♫ Recalling memories of separation ♫

When did you recognize me?

That day when you rescued me from He Family,

we went to the Lantern Festival in the capital city.

You wrote on the sky lantern,

"The Solitary Moral One."

♫ 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 ♫

Since you already knew then, why say it only now?

I was disappointed to find you just used me,

and disheartened so I wouldn't admit I recognized you.

Because I needed to use you to investigate the truth.

General He is a much-accomplished veteran and well-respected.

He and his son wouldn't listen to my words,

but after today, all has changed.

Don't assume to be smart.

With a little literacy, you view yourself highly.

You think you can read people. How funny!

I never was a pure agent of justice.

I saved you because you were useful!

♫ Separated by thousands of mountains and oceans ♫

♫ Waiting for the full moon ♫

♫ Just to meet the beautiful lady again ♫

In these six years, I hoped that one day,

I could meet you again.

So I can tell you I know the folding fan's every word now.

And now I can do accounts and house chores.

I'm no longer the little girl with nowhere to go.

♫ Even if everything becomes silent ♫

Now we've resolved all our misunderstandings,

my wish is fulfilled as I can tell you this now.

Moreover, we are relatives now.

I truly wish you and Min'er live happily ever after.

I gave you my blessing.

It's a two-way street; shouldn't you wish me something, too?

I wish you

find your loved one sooner.

I'll leave first.

You... Didn't you say you wanted to give me something?

I did have a gift for you,

but I suddenly realized I forgot to bring it.

It's all right.

I finally told you this.

I'll leave now then.

Go and find Min'er now.

Elder Sister.

Did you finish talking with Qin Xuan?

I...

He asked to meet me at Sutra Chamber.

I was looking for him, and I saw you two talking.

You...

Did you hear it all?

Be grateful I'm the one who heard it instead of someone else.

Do you know Liang Yi also came here today?

He must have come here to see you.

I understand he's not the one you love.

But since you chose this path, don't challenge his bottom line.

I didn't interrupt you two since I wanted to give you a chance

to finish what you wished to say.

After marrying into Liang Manor,

stop hesitating with lingering feelings.

Otherwise, Qiu Family can't protect you.

They won't protect you either.

Don't worry, Elder Sister.

My lingering dream is over today.

Cousin Qin looks particularly happy.

I don't know what methods you've used.

But since you can make him happy now,

I hope you make him happy the rest of his life.

I'll think of you

every time I see this jade pendant.

[Xuan and Yan will be together, Xuan]

[Qin Xuan]

When I started reading, I vowed

to read whatever men read.

Oh?

Because when I was young, I promised someone.

A childhood friend?

My benefactor,

like you.

Where have we met before?

My lord, never.

Before entering court for Noble Consort's birthday,

we had never met.

Master, I've investigated it.

The street vendor is all alone.

Master, why do you look so depressed?

It turns out I'm the blockhead.

She appeared right before me, but I didn't recognize her.

Then I'll leave first.

Let's go.

Let's go, Min'er.

She seems to be on your mind.

You've fallen for her.

[I've prepared a wedding dinner. I'll wait for your arrival, General He.]

♫ 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 ♫

♫ I remember your promise ♫

♫ I am willing to wait a lifetime for you ♫

Master!

Madam sent this over.

She asked you to quickly try it on.

So she can fix what doesn't fit.

Go and tell Mother it fits me well.

Master, your wedding is around the corner.

Why do I get the feeling you're unhappy?

Why do I feel you don't have enough work to do?

You've been guessing all day long.

Just go.

Carefully hold onto the ladder. Be careful!

Be careful, slow down.

Okay.

Madam.

What are these?

- Put them in Third Miss' room. - Yes.

Be careful.

Madam! Madam!

- Madam! Someone come and help! - Someone, help!

- Madam! - Madam!

- Madam, what's wrong with you? - Madam! Madam! Madam!

Is Physician Li here?

I sent someone to the staging post to pick him up with our fastest horse.

He'll be here today.

Miss, you haven't slept for several days.

- Let me serve her. - There's no need.

What's wrong?

Speak up.

Mother just took the medicine and slept.

First Madam and Third Madam are here to visit her.

So Mother had to get changed to chat with them.

Consulting the physician and attending to relatives,

I see her coughing seriously,

yet she must change four or five times a day.

Why didn't you kick them out?

What's the point in crying?

They... they meant well by visiting her.

I... I'm also the younger generation.

You're still young.

If anything happens to you, what's the point of living

a life like this?

Third Master got this ginseng in Liao Dong a few years ago.

It's the best for making tonic soup.

Fourth Brother asked me for this many times, but I didn't give it to him.

I appreciate your concern.

The physician said why there was blood in her phlegm

was heat interior stagnation.

Ginseng is too nutritious; wouldn't this worsen her situation?

Third Aunt, take it back.

Yan'er, your third aunt means well.

Yes, we know nothing of pharmacology.

No matter what, it's a good item.

The physician said Mother needs rest.

If First and Third Aunt were really concerned for Mother,

you shouldn't come and disturb her.

Yan'er!

She's just worried about you.

Then we'll head back first.

Just get some rest.

Okay.

Yan'er,

do you know what you did wrong?

How are they doing it for your good?

They did it for themselves

so they could have Second Branch's favor in future.

Some relationships

we must maintain.

If you can't even be a bit soft to your family,

how are you supposed to live

after getting married?

I'll live my life as it will be.

I'll be nice to those who treat me well.

If someone bullies me, I'll return the favor.

Let's see who is tougher.

Those who gossip behind my back,

I'll just pretend it didn't happen

if they don't do it to my face.

You're smart and clever.

You're not afraid and you don't pick fights.

That's very good.

But do you know

things that are overly tough can break easily?

You don't know how to act weak,

but only how to act tough.

It'll seem you've won, but you'll also hit your head and bleed (hurt yourself).

Mother, are you ashamed of me?

Look at Min'er.

Although

she's too weak,

sometimes the weak can overcome the strong.

I originally thought

I could wait until you all get married.

But the heavens can't go against time.

Your future

will depend on yourself.

I worry about you.

Mother, it's normal for humans to get sick.

You have a headache and fever once in a while.

How can you recover if you keep thinking this way?

It's my body.

I know it well.

There are some words

that if I don't say now,

I won't get the chance.

My whole life,

I'm someone's wife

and mother.

I initially didn't have any regrets.

I just can't feel at ease for you and Min'er.

The medicine gets cold. I'll go and heat it.

Yan'er,

I know you're listening.

Your dad is an educated man.

No matter the family affairs,

Min'er is too weak.

Now, the Second Branch

will be left in your care.

I can't promise you.

I can't bear to take care of this family, either.

Physician Li, hurry!

Physician Li, I beg you to please save Mother.

Miss, don't panic. I'll try all I can.

Min'er.

Physician Li, what exactly is her condition?

Your wife suffers from infectious disease.

All leave this room right now!

From now, no one is allowed to enter without my permission, understand?

- Get out. Hurry! - Okay.

Hurry, hurry! Quickly get out! Go!

- Hurry! - My lord, hurry.

Misses, please.

Quickly get out!

Close the door.

Mother hasn't gone out since she came back from Mount Taiying.

How could she get an infectious disease?

Father, I think you should send someone to Mount Taiying.

If someone is ill there,

you must quickly notify the imperial court

to prevent spread of disease.

We can't protect ourselves, yet you mind other's business.

In my opinion, once this infectious disease spreads,

we'll be first to meet our doom.

What nonsense are you saying?

My lord, this child is insensible and ineloquent.

But it does make sense.

The infectious disease seems ferocious.

Why don't I take Rong'er and the girls

to stay in the courtyard a few days?

That's all we can do now.

I don't want to go.

Physician Li said we're not allowed to go in.

What's the point of staying here?

Is there no other work to help her?

Decoct medicine, prepare food,

I won't be at ease if it's left to others to do it.

You're afraid Rong'er will get infected.

You don't have to take me.

I must say.

I'm your biological mother.

I'm doing it for your own good.

My mother is sick. I won't go anywhere.

You...

Sister.

Madam, why don't you take Rong'er first?

Sister and I will stay here a few more days.

Little Min, I must say that your sister

is stubborn. I'll just leave her be.

But your body is weak.

If anything happens to you, how do I explain to Old Madam?

Mother! Since my sisters aren't willing to leave, just let them be.

Anyway, I'm leaving.

Master, this is medicine the Duke of Ying Manor's Young Master Qin sent.

Sister.

[Qiu Manor]

Miss, eat something and take a break.

Just let me do it.

Where is Min'er?

Keep an eye on it.

Yes.

(Prayer for Mother's health)

Mother waits for us to take care of her.

Yet you hid here for peace and quiet.

I'm copying scriptures to pray for Mother.

As long as I'm sincere, I'm sure they'll keep Mother safe.

If these were useful, how would there any seriously ill?

Only medicine and food can cure the disease,

not some strange power or deity!

We seek physicians and medicine in the whole capital city.

The medicine she takes is more than food she eats.

Yet her condition grows more serious.

Physician Li said Mother can't even drink water now.

Didn't you say Physician Li is a miracle doctor?

If even he can't heal Mother, what else can I do?

I have faith in ancestral gods.

As long as I'm sincere, they won't lie to me.

Dear Ancestors,

if you can really keep Mother safe,

I, Qiu Yan, am willing to stay unmarried forever

to serve you ancestors.

Is Physician Li not around?

He freshened up to meet Master.

Is my mother doing well? Hey!

This infectious disease is no joke.

No one is allowed

to enter Second Branch's yard before Madam Han's belongings are cleaned.

Also, the incense fragrance,

every branch's mistress should pay more attention to it.

As a precaution, Old Three, Old Four,

go prepare the things for a funeral.

Just keep everything simple.

Wait.

My mother is still alive.

Instead of finding ways to treat her, Old Madam

prepares for a funeral.

Little Yan, you're young and don't understand.

Discussing a patient's funeral is to counteract her bad luck.

First Aunt, don't shut me up with fancy words. I heard it all.

How is this a discussion?

You're giving up on her!

Yan'er, the adults are discussing.

What are you doing here? Just go back.

I don't want to.

Second Brother, why don't you try my method?

Fourth Brother, stop messing around.

Li, Li.

Even Physician Li has no other way.

How could we count on a charlatan's remedy?

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.]