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 16]

Did you think your legitimate mother

was the world's most noble, gentle woman?

I bet even in your dreams, you never expected the legitimate mother you saw as noble was having an affair

with a monk behind Master's back.

Nonsense!

I'm not talking nonsense.

You saw that monk, too.

It's Zhen Yan from Mount Taiying.

Your legitimate mother saw him once every month.

Sometimes, she'd say to discuss Buddhist scriptures.

Other times, she said to pray or consecrate something.

Who knows what they were doing?

All I did was follow her to Taiying Temple two or three times,

and I could already notice those two weren't quite right.

My mother passed away and can't defend herself.

So you say this to sully her name, don't you?

Let me ask you then.

Monk Zhen Yan has a jade piece on him.

Have you seen it?

Madam Han had one, too.

It is definitely paired with the one Monk Zhen Yan has.

She usually didn't take it out, but once, I ran into her with it.

She stared at that jade piece, lost in thought.

Greetings, Madam.

Tell me then.

She even had a love object. If this isn't solid proof, what is it?

You're lying.

If what you said were true, you would have tattled to Father long ago.

I'm not an idiot.

We suffered for so many years in Yuezhou,

and we could finally live comfortably in Qiu Manor.

Madam Han treated me very well, and she had no son.

If I tattled to your father and he expelled her in a fit of rage,

then married someone young and pretty

to birth a son, then your younger brother

wouldn't be the only son of Second Branch.

Wouldn't I give myself trouble?

Second Miss.

Yan'er. This time you're back,

don't cause any more trouble.

Old Madam and I will pretend the past matter never happened.

Father, I have a question for you.

What is it this time?

I'm looking for my mother's jade piece.

I wonder if you saw it.

What jade piece?

A half piece with a Qilin engraving.

Your mother did not have a jade piece like that.

Who did you hear this from?

I found this in my mother's room just now.

But why did you say she didn't have such a piece?

Seems it really was you who broke it.

Since you found out long ago the secret this jade piece hides.

I don't understand what you mean.

My mother's jade piece

was the jade other half that Taiying Temple's Monk Zhen Yan

carried.

Thus, you thought Mother and Monk Zhen Yan had an affair.

And you colluded with Old Madam to poison my mother.

Ridiculous!

After you finished suspecting Old Madam, you now suspect me.

Are you only willing to stop

after you suspect all in Qiu Manor?

I don't want to suspect you either,

but it's the only option I can think of!

Only you could convince Old Madam to help you in secret.

And only you

could force that dark poison

down Mother's mouth.

And you waited by her side

and watched her die from poisoning.

I found some red safflower residues

under my mother's bed.

You must have left them when you force-fed my mother poison.

I assume you tried to wipe away your traces,

but you overlooked a few spots below the bed.

Are just a few red safflower residues

and one broken jade

enough for you to accuse your father of poisoning your mother to death?

Of course, I know such things can't confirm you're the killer.

I just wanted to tell you

that if you

suspected

that Mother was consorting with Monk Zhen Yan due to this,

then you wrongly blamed her.

Because in this world,

the person Mother loved most was you.

[I wish for my husband, Qiu Yi, to have his wishes come true and lead a happy, safe life.]

Mother always loved you so deeply,

but Father, because

of two jade pieces, you were sure Mother was unfaithful.

You completely failed Mother's deep love for you.

Father, if you even feel a tad remorseful,

surrender yourself to Feng Capital Prefecture.

Are you done talking?

Father, you still won't believe me.

Then come with me to Taiying Temple; let's confront that Monk Zhen Yan.

Zhen Yan is dead.

Yan'er, I told you not to cause any more trouble after you returned.

But you just won't listen.

Someone!

Yes.

Lock her inside the firewood room.

No one can let her out without my permission.

Yes.

Father, was it really you?

Qiu Yi, was it really you?

Qiu Yi, why wouldn't you trust Mother?

Qiu Yi, was it really you?

How come you refuse to trust even her?

[Memorial Tablet of Beloved Mother in the Qiu Family, Han Ruo Gu]

You came just in time.

Give this to Qiu Yan. Just tell her it's a thank-you gift.

And while you're at it, ask how she's been doing at home.

I can't.

Something huge happened to the Qiu family.

- What happened? - I got news from the Imperial Palace.

His Majesty read a memorandum this morning; afterward, he was furious.

He asked Yuan Lang to confiscate Qiu Family's assets.

By now, Main Administrative Office must be there conducting seizure.

My lord, His Majesty didn't tell Firewood Office about this seizure.

Even we were unaware of it.

Is His Majesty...

Although I don't know what Qiu Family committed,

I am closely linked to them.

His Majesty naturally doesn't trust me.

Lord Liang.

Eunuch Liu.

His Majesty said he wouldn't see anyone today.

Please return.

And allow me to be bold enough to advise you, Lord Liang.

Do not meddle in today's matter.

[Qiu Manor]

My lord, I heard Liang Yi entered Imperial Palace, but His Majesty didn't grant him audience.

Before Liang Yi rose to power, seizing houses was what we did best.

Later, none of you must show mercy.

Let me see if you've gotten better.

Yes.

As per His Majesty's order,

Firewood Office will work with

the Main Administrative Office to seize Qiu Manor.

Eunuch Liu, wait.

Lord Liang, please return.

Thank you for your advice, Eunuch Liu, but can you inform

that I request an audience with Her Highness, the Noble Consort?

This...

Your Highness, what exactly did Qiu Yi do?

The Imperial Harem does not ask about politics.

As the face of the Imperial Harem, how could I know?

However, I heard that this morning,

His Majesty summoned Minister Lin Chang Zhi of the Ministry of Works

to meet with him alone.

Afterward, His Majesty gave an order to confiscate Qiu Family property.

Right. He let Main Administrative Office be in charge of it.

Your Highness, search and seizure of a minister's residence has always been Firewood Office's duty.

Is His Majesty afraid of a potential conflict of interest?

I know your ethics very clearly, of course.

But the one being searched now is the family you're due to marry.

His Majesty doesn't want you involved; it would put you in a difficult position.

This is His Majesty being considerate of you.

You should understand.

Your Highness,

serving His Majesty takes priority over personal sentiment.

As a minister, Qiu Yi was employed by His Majesty, yet he was disloyal.

I'm unwilling to marry into a family like that and their wrongdoing.

I volunteer to withdraw this marriage to Qiu Family,

and I hope Your Highness will help me cancel this engagement.

So I can serve His Majesty with utmost loyalty and attentiveness.

Search everything!

Move!

- Check everything. - Yes.

Mother, have some tea.

Old Madam, Second Master.

Official Yuan of Main Administrative Office came to deliver a royal decree.

Lord Liang from Firewood Office is here, too.

What is the panic for?

Invite them in.

Their huge squads barged in before I could come here to inform you.

Move!

Come with me.

Hurry.

Move!

Move! Hurry!

Stop dallying!

Move!

Move.

Lift me up.

- Hurry. - Come down.

Come down.

Let go of me!

- Come with me. - Come.

Wh-Why capture me? L-Let g-go of me.

- Move. - What are you doing?

- What are you doing? - Come on!

- Move, keep moving. - Give me my silver back.

Go!

Hurry up!

- Let go of me! - Come with me.

Move it!

Hurry up!

- Hurry. - Back off.

Go now.

Go.

Quick.

Hurry. Move.

Come with me.

Hurry up.

There are more here.

Come out now.

- Don't. - Mother!

- Rong'er. - Mother!

Move!

Old Madam Qiu.

The Main Administrative Office and Firewood Office were tasked with seizing the Qiu family.

I hope you can understand.

Old Madam, you sure are someone who has seen it all.

Even now, you remain calm and collected.

Having lived through several decades,

although I've never seen such a display, I surely heard of it.

But today, it's our Qiu family's turn.

Although we have many loose ends here and there,

we worked for the Imperial Court for generations,

acting righteously and standing tall.

Two officials came here today to deliver a royal decree.

As the head of this family, I shall accept it with dignity.

Yan'er.

Why are you here?

Don't keep throwing a tantrum. Something big happened to the family.

Leave with Qiu Min now.

Father, come with us.

I'm a minister. How could I leave?

They are seizing our house.

- Hurry. Leave now. - A seizure?

Search this place!

If you don't go now, it'll be too late. Hurry and go!

- Go! - Father.

Father.

- Hurry up, Min'er. - Come with us.

Go.

Hurry. That way. Go!

Father!

Hurry.

- Hurry up! Leave! - Father.

My lord, as per your request, we purposely left an opening in the second house.

Now, Qiu Min and Qiu Yan have already snuck out.

Send someone to follow them in secret.

Yes.

Brother Liang, what brought you to my house?

Where are the Qiu sisters?

I invited a few poetry friends to this house.

Where could I have met Qiu Yan and Qiu Min?

I merely spoke of the Qiu sisters.

How did you know I meant them?

Search this place.

Stop.

Liang Yi, as I said, the Qiu sisters are not here.

This is the Duke of Ying Manor.

If your Firewood Office wants to act recklessly, shouldn't you reconsider?

Firewood Office is conducting its business.

Qin Xuan, let me give you a kind reminder.

Don't let the Duke of Ying Manor

carry the crime of protecting fugitives due to you.

Search!

Search.

Liang Yi.

Are you done displaying your power?

Move aside.

Move aside!

Liang Yi.

I know you have a duty, but Qiu Yan and Qiu Min are just young women.

Letting them go isn't a big deal, is it?

Do you really no longer care about our past friendship?

You can treat the royal decree as child's play, but I can't.

You know how serious this is, but you're really doing this!

Are you no longer able to tell right from wrong?

The royal decree is the highest law.

- Song Jin. - Carry Young Master Qin away.

You...

Come.

- My lord. - Liang Yi!

- Qiu Yan. - Be gentle!

Qiu Yan!

My lord.

Song Jin.

Let's go.

As per His Majesty's order,

Qiu Yi, Vice Minister of Works, step down due to suspicion of crimes.

All men in his residence will be sent to Main Administrative Office

while all women will be sent to the Royal Academy.

The nature of his crime will only be determined when the investigation ends.

That is all.

You may rise.

My lord!

I am not a son of the Qiu family.

I was kidnapped here by Fourth Madam.

For many years, I was forced to call them my parents.

I utterly despise being part of them.

Please do an investigation, my lord.

- Di'er, what nonsense are you spouting? Come back here! - Qiu Di.

Shut up.

I raised you for eighteen years.

Fourth Madam, our lives are at stake here.

If you care about me even slightly,

please tell them the truth.

Qiu Di, shut up!

You are my son.

You are the son of Fourth Master of Qiu Family.

You are the eldest grandson of Qiu Family!

Qiu Family will be eradicated soon. So stop dragging me down with you!

- Qiu Di. - Will you not say it? Fine! I will.

Father.

No, Qiu Hong.

Your wife originally gave birth to a daughter.

She feared you'd divorce her so she kidnapped me as your son.

That's right. Her daughter is likely being raised

at the wonton stand outside Calling Crane Building.

Please investigate this matter, my lord.

Is what he said all true?

Master.

Master, it's not like that.

- Master, listen to... - When I was brought here,

everyone praised me because I was strong and healthy, not like a newborn baby.

That's because I was one month older than her daughter!

Shut up!

Let go of me!

You dirty wench.

You lied to me so many years!

I...

Look at how I will punish you!

Master...

No need.

Qiu Di.

Madam!

- Madam! - Back off!

Madam!

She killed herself out of shame.

It has nothing to do with me.

Naturally, I will investigate what you said.

Carry her away.

Master.

My lord, Qiu Yi is here.

Qiu Yi.

Where are your two daughters?

Speak now!

- How could you hit someone? - Stop.

Official Qiu is a scholar. He can't take a beating like this.

Besides, Official Qiu and I are colleagues.

I wouldn't ignore a relationship like that.

But His Majesty specified that no family member could be missing.

Please don't make it more difficult, Official Qiu.

Official Yuan.

Even if you beat me to death,

I still wouldn't know.

If you don't tell me, Official Qiu,

you can wait until you arrive at Main Administrative Office to tell.

Two Qiu misses escaped.

Someone must have shirked his duty.

- Jiang Yun. - Yes.

Find out the truth.

Official Yuan.

Qiu Yan and Qiu Min are here.

When did they ever escape?

Yan'er.

As expected, you have great skills and are reliable, Lord Liang.

If I hadn't brought them back, wouldn't you have impeached me before His Majesty

for favoritism and lawbreaking?

Official Qiu has the chance to defend himself in court, but I have nowhere to voice my grievances.

Send the men to Main Administrative Office and the women to Royal Academy. Dismiss the servants.

Yes.

Go.

Hurry up.

Rong'er.

Rong'er.

What are you doing?

Rong'er.

Take them all away.

Go.

Come. Hurry up.

Move.

Rong'er.

Hurry up.

My lord!

[Royal Academy]

We thank the two officials for personally coming here.

How should I deal with these people?

That... Ask Lord Liang.

After all, Lord Liang's future wife is among them.

Official Yuan, you are mistaken.

Before I was told to seize Qiu Family, Noble Consort Guo generously annulled my marriage agreement with Qiu Family.

I have nothing to do with these criminals.

How truly decisive and heartless of you, Lord Liang.

Why would you need boldness or resolve to sever ties with criminals?

It comes so naturally.

In that case, since the Qiu ladies all look so beautiful,

- then... - That is all the more reason to subject them to hard labor.

- Madam Wang. - Liang Yi.

Back when you asked for my sister's hand, you acted so sincerely.

Now, to win over His Majesty, you instantly turned and stepped on us.

I never saw anyone as heartless as you.

You must give my sister an explanation today.

Blame your father for messing it up overnight.

This position was hard to get. Did you think I would let your family drag me down?

I won't hesitate to step on anyone who gets in my way!

What are you laughing at?

I laughed since my scars healed, I forgot the pain, misjudged and wrongly believed in you.

Then I fell the same as Old Uncle Zhao and Yue Ying.

Right.

You remain selfish to ignore morality and friendship for power and riches.

As long as you understand. Song Jin, drag her away!

Lord Liang,

considering our past, please have mercy on Older Sister.

Do you still want to be fed and pampered like a young lady?

It's not your place.

Madam! Show them to the backyard.

Yes.

Hurry and follow.

Let's go.

What is this dilapidated place?

Is it even inhabitable?

It stinks!

It's so dirty. How can we live here?

Careful. You blew up the dust.

Now you're in Royal Academy,

don't view yourselves as goddesses. Hurry and get changed.

Change costumes and become new people.

What are you waiting for? Do you not understand human speech?

Get changed. I don't have time to dally with you.

The clothes are on the floor. Besides, if you don't leave, how do we get changed?

Where are we again?

This is Royal Academy. It's not a convent, all right?

You don't have to cover your bodies up so tightly. Get changed.

Thank you for your advice. How may I address you?

My name is Wang. Wang Shun.

Master Wang, we will rely on your care in the future.

Of course. Pick your clothes up now.

Come, Min'er.

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

- Qiu Ying. - Wait.

What? Do you think I'm dead?

Why did you stretch your leg out so far? Are you a mantis?

Do you want a beating on your first day?

Are you all right, Miss?

I'm fine.

I'm telling you! From now, you're the property of Royal Academy.

If you're bruised or injured, how will I tell the superiors?

Madam Wang is feeling merciful. She's allowing you not to work today.

So be good and stay in the room.

If any causes a scene again, see how I will punish you.

All right. Get changed now.

Let's go.

Min'er, here. This one is clean.

The clothes are so dirty.

The blanket is so dirty.

How should I do this?

We have nothing. How do we do this?

- Second Miss. - For you.

Second Miss, bring me some blankets.

Is this a blanket?

I would rather go to the front yard and be a courtesan. Our image is ruined already, anyway.

It's so dirty.

Fourth Sister, we only have this one blanket.

It's your Second House's fault for dragging us all into this, yet you want to sleep well.

My father was framed.

It doesn't matter.

The point is Second Brother stepped out of line and offended someone.

Second Master is the only family member who's a government official.

We haven't even lived comfortably, but he caused our family to be in shambles and death.

Fourth Sister, you died so pitifully.

- Third Aunt. When my father was here... - Older Sister.

Let it go. Everyone is just upset.

Miss Min, don't pretend to be a good person.

You're why the Firewood Office leader purposely tortures us.

Well, Her Highness arranged that marriage for me.

If you want my opinion, Second Branch is full of curses.

Even Second Aunt died, too.

Indeed, our Second Branch has bad luck.

Sadly, none of you can escape the unluckiness.

We will live, eat, and see each other daily. Maybe you'll die here too.

Enough, say less, Yan'er.

Don't you want us to sleep comfortably tonight?

Fine, none of you even think about sleeping today.

- What are you doing, Yan'er? - None of you will sleep!

You... you've gotten fierce.

In Second House, one was sick, and another was a criminal.

How many times have you almost dragged the whole family with you?

Yes, and you're next, Third Aunt.

- You... - Shut up!

We just became servants. Have you already forgotten how to be an elder?

We're all slaves here.

There are no elders or juniors anymore.

Yes, our Qiu family is having a crisis now,

but we can't lose our pride.

We're in Royal Academy. Our innocence is gone. Why speak of pride?

Fine.

You want to argue and fuss, right?

Then anger me to death first, and you can argue to death!

Won't you clean everything up for me?

Here.

Third Aunt, my legs are numb.

My legs are numb.

I don't even have a pillow.

Neither do I.

Let me lie on it for a bit longer.

- Let me lie on it for a bit longer. - What should we do?

How can I sleep like this?

[Royal Academy]

You're here, Godmother.

I am Madam Wang of Royal Academy.

Call me Madam from now on.

Greetings, Madam.

That girl in the shade.

You'll be carrying water in the backyard from now on.

Get some sunlight.

And that girl who is swatting bugs.

You'll clean the toilet buckets.

There are plenty of flies there for you to swat.

I won't go.

Even my maid never did such dirty things before.

What is this tantrum?

If you won't clean the buckets,

do you expect the officials to die unable to relieve themselves?

Do you still think you're the young lady of Qiu Family?

Let me advise you.

Since you're here,

you must accept your fate.

You spent half your lives living comfortably.

You're already more fortunate than most.

The three of you are obedient.

So you can go wash clothes in the laundry room.

Take care, Madam.

It's settled then.

The three of you will do laundry.

You three, go clean the toilet buckets.

And you two, bring the one in the shade to carry water.

Why are you standing still?

Work now!

Yes.

Where do we wash the clothes?

Are you asking me? Use your eyes.

- Here. - Madam.

[Main Administrative Office]

[Main Administrative Office]

Master.

Your three brothers already told me what you did.

Official Yuan,

did you fabricate all these testimonies to incriminate me?

Check if they are the handwriting of your brothers.

[Qiu Ning]

[Qiu Xian]

[Qiu Hong]

You...

You forced them.

"Forced"?

Your brothers were spoiled for so long.

All of them are spineless.

A few counterfeit silver notes were under Qiu Ning's box.

I just scared him a bit, and he confessed.

Qiu Hong looks like a sturdy man,

but after one flogging, he got on his knees.

My eldest brother wouldn't betray me.

Do you mean the healthy lifestyle one?

I deprived him of sleep one night and the next day, he spouted

a long list of your crimes with tired eyes.

Your brothers all sold you out.

Corruption, embezzlement, abusing your position...

Whatever crime you can think of, they thought of it for you.

Official Yuan.

When did I ever commit these?

I know you're innocent, Official Qiu.

As long as you admit at the public hearing in three days

that you did all crimes under Liang Yi's orders,

I will ensure you are safe and sound.

Or else, considering the crimes' gravity,

your mother and your daughters

won't simply be entering Royal Academy.

Slow down.

Careful.

Just a bit farther.

Done.

Here, this spot.

My hands hurt so much.

Come, Mei'er.

Let's do it together.

Min'er. Hang it properly.

Here.

It's so easy for them to hang clothes over there.

We're just doing this physical work.

Stop complaining.

Hurry and work.

First Madam, I'm tired.

Are you all right?

Miss Yan.

Come, Mei'er.

Our Second House was quite lucky.

Compared to them, our work is so much easier.

Madam Wang.

Madam Wang.

Go back to your work.

Qiu Yan.

Young Master Qin asked me to give you this letter.

I have worked here for more than a decade.

I can count all the loyal gentlemen like him with just my fingers.

Let's not even mention how much he spent.

To ask so many people for favors to find me

surely was difficult.

Read the letter carefully.

[To: Qiu Yan]

At this point, I can give up my family and my filial piety.

Even if I abandon my family, I must get you out of Royal Academy.

[We will go somewhere far away]

[where no one can find us.]

[Wait for me, Qiu Yan.]

In that case, I can get Min'er out of here with me.

If I were you, I would cut ties with Cousin the moment

we entered Royal Academy.

You think it's doing this for him, but it's just hurting him.

But are you not at all worried about burdening Cousin?

Between a man and woman, if it's consensual, it's not a burden.

He knows my current situation.

I don't have to decide for him.

Master, the Main Administrative Office kept

the interrogation of Qiu Family a secret.

Even our informant couldn't find half a clue.

We still don't know what crime Official Qiu committed.

Whatever the crime is, Qiu Family is innocent.

Yuan Lang did this to get me.

As expected, Yuan Lang really was behind the Qiu incident.

We investigated Qiu Yi before.

After being an official, he was very cautious.

He never did anything illegal.

Soon after I arranged marriage to Qiu Family,

the Qiu Manor was seized.

How bizarre.

Yuan Lang always wanted leverage on me.

He couldn't find an opening so he used Qiu Family.

We can't let Main Administrative Office be the only body inspecting this.

Or knowing Yuan Lang, he will surely find something to frame you.

I will enter the palace and request to see Noble Consort now.

With her assistance, maybe I can be the juror in Qiu Yi's case.

Old Madam.

Do you want some water?

Well... Then how about eating some buns?

Doing this is bad for your health.

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.]