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 19]

Sorry.

I know...

you like me.

You told me before that

I'm the most important person to you.

But sorry,

you're not the most important person to me.

I seduced you back then because I needed you to save me.

You have no idea

how much effort I put in for you.

That time I was caught after watching the opera,

it was all intentional.

I dragged you into this pirate ship (predicament).

And now,

my boat

can no longer hold you.

I still have many, many people I must hold.

I still have many, many important things to do.

♫ Winter clouds and light skies, the geese fly through leaving a trail of sorrow ♫

Qin Xuan, you're so kind to me.

♫ I lean against the window ♫

I can't repay your kindness in this lifetime.

♫ Where is the broken, mournful flute sound ♫

Min'er was right. She said I'm a

selfish person who uses other people's feelings.

I am selfish and indifferent.

Qin Xuan, do you hate me a lot?

In this world, other than my mother, everyone hates me.

I've always brought misfortune. A dragging oil bottle (child from a different marriage).

♫ Recalling memories of separation ♫

♫ The moonlight colors our clothes ♫

Qiu Yan. You're tired.

I'll help you back to your room to rest. Let's go.

♫ 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 ♫

Sister? ♫ I will fly over the lands together with you ♫

♫ Even if everything becomes silent ♫

Qiu Yan. Come.

Qiu Min.

Sister.

Help your sister back to her room. She's tired.

Okay.

I'm not done drinking yet. No one can leave.

It's fine. I'll take care of her.

- I'm not done yet. You're not allowed to leave. - Let's go, Sister.

I didn't have enough to drink yet.

Madam Wang.

Lord Liang, do you need something?

For a whole month, don't let Qiu Yan serve other clients.

[Ding Rong Banknote, 100 taels]

I understand, my lord.

I will make sure Miss Qiu isn't overworked.

I'm heading out.

Master, Master!

I just went to the bookstore to get your storybooks

and heard that Miss Qiu Yan has already started entertaining customers.

I even heard Lord Liang spent a fortune to book Miss Qiu Yan.

Master, will you ask Lord Liang about this?

Master?

Forget it.

Qiu Yan must have been forced to entertain customers.

Liang Yi probably booked her

to preserve her innocence.

Master, do you trust Lord Liang that much?

Liang Yi would never take advantage of someone.

Qiu Yan was forced to entertain guests. Liang Yi booked her

to ensure no one could sully her. This must be it!

Liang Yi has an ounce of conscience;

he didn't just abandon the Qui family.

I hate only myself.

Qui Yan endures deep water and scorching fire (suffering),

yet I can't help her!

Master.

Sister, you're awake. Eat something.

Min'er.

I was drunk yesterday.

Did I say something I shouldn't have?

No, you didn't.

That's good then.

Madam Wang just congratulated us

and said Lord Liang gave a 100-tael silver note to book your schedule.

Should I offer my congratulations just like Madam Wang did?

What do you mean?

You drank with Lord Liang last night and got all cozy with him.

I saw everything.

It's been a few days, and you already pushed Cousin to the back of your mind.

You were never sad about him. You never cried once.

Do you serve Qin in the morning, Chu in the evening (switch fast)?

I already broke off with Qin Xuan,

just like you and Lord Liang.

What? Must I spend every day crying for him?

Yes. I originally thought you cut ties with Qin Xuan to avoid implicating him.

I thought you began entertaining guests for everyone's livelihood

as a last resort.

Lord Liang booked you to protect your innocence,

but that was not what I saw yesterday!

- Yesterday, it was becau- - If you say it was for show,

there was clearly no one else there.

I entertain guests. Isn't drinking and having fun normal?

Yes. Your methods are great indeed.

One night of drinking and you made Lord Liang fully book you.

But have you thought about how Cousin will feel when he hears?

You always just think about yourself.

Now that you can't use Cousin, you instantly kick him aside!

- Now you covet Lord Liang's power and position. - As you say,

I've always planned only for myself.

This is not your first day knowing me.

I want to climb the social ladder.

I'm doing that with Liang Yi, and I did it with Qin Xuan.

- Are you happy now? - You...

Cousin doesn't deserve it.

[Firewood Office]

Wood supplier, Hu Wan.

You should know why I invited you here.

Lord Liang, you want to ask about Qiu Yi's case, right?

Yes.

My lord, you should know very well that I will not say a single word.

If you torture me, I'm afraid

Official Yuan will not let you off the hook.

Who said I will interrogate you with torture?

This silver needle is thin as a hair.

It leaves no trace once inserted in your body.

This spot is Gaohuang (acupuncture point).

Protected by the ribs are the lungs underneath them.

As long as I insert this silver needle into your lungs,

the poison on it will make your lungs shrink slowly.

In three days, your lungs

will be only as big as a fist,

actually, a baby's fist.

For three days, you'll look normal,

but you can only watch yourself slowly suffocate.

Have you ever seen someone drowning?

You will be like that.

I'll confess! I'll confess everything.

Record it.

Imperial Court wants to build a temple.

Minister Lin Chang Zhi in Ministry of Works came to me to purchase wood.

At the time, I solicited bribes and gave Official Lin all the money.

Thus, I could supply only mediocre wood.

Who knew during construction

that Official Qiu discovered incorrect wood?

He asked to check the ledger.

The situation would be exposed.

Then Official Yuan said as long as we two testified against Official Qiu

for embezzlement,

he would have a way to hide the bribes in Qiu Manor.

If Qiu Yi got incriminated, Lin Chang Zhi and I

would go unscathed (unharmed).

Enjoy the meal, my lord.

Have a safe trip, my lord.

Madam.

When will Miss Shi be done?

She promised to teach me how to sing. I'm waiting for her.

A Ministry of Works official has a banquet.

He was really generous with his money. She won't be done until daybreak.

Which Ministry of Works official?

Lin Chang Zhi, Official Lin.

Your father's criminal charge right now

is embezzling money His Majesty allocated for Immortal Temple's construction.

The imperial merchant, Hu Wan, will testify.

But in recent investigation, a memorandum to impeach your father

was submitted by Ministry of Works' Lin Chang Zhi.

He has a close relationship with Hu Wan.

Madam.

I would like to gain some experience with Miss Shi.

Could you introduce me?

You're booked by Lord Liang.

This isn't appropriate.

It's fine. Lord Liang isn't here today. How would he find out?

Even if he finds out, he...

won't have the heart to scold me harshly.

Hu Wan, this rascal,

persistently begged me to thank you with this dinner, Official Yuan.

He'd pay the cost.

Who knew he would disappear?

Firewood Office summoned him.

Of course, he can't come.

Then what should we do now?

What? Do you not trust Hu Wan?

Hu Wan is spineless.

At Firewood Office, wouldn't he spill all the beans and confess everything?

If he starts a prairie fire, sea water will put it out (one starts trouble; another fixes it).

I'm waiting for him to confess it all.

All right. Enough talking.

Drink.

My lords, sorry for the disruption.

Didn't I say not to disturb us?

I heard Madam say two very eloquent officials were here tonight.

I am not talented.

Mao Sui (offered service to King of Chu) volunteers himself to serve you.

Can just anyone ask to serve us now?

We already have Miss Shi with us.

Leave, leave, leave.

Official Lin.

How can you talk maliciously to a lady throwing herself in your arms?

Yan'er, please come in.

Brother Lin, don't you recognize Miss Yan'er?

She just arrived here

so she's not fully trained to play music or sing.

Speaking of this, she is your old friend's descendant.

Who?

Eldest daughter of Qiu Yi, Official Qui Yi.

I have heard about your father.

It's a shame.

If you need any food or clothing here, just tell me.

Yan'er, hurry and offer Official Lin a drink.

Uncle Lin, as my father's colleague

you're half my elder already.

What uncle? Call me "Brother."

Call me "Brother."

Since you volunteered to serve me, make sure I'm satisfied.

Isn't that right?

Come.

Drink more.

Official Lin, excuse us.

Official Lin, what fun is it just to drink?

Why not tell me an interesting story of Immortal Temple construction in Forbidden Garden?

If it proves to be a fun tale, I will drink more with you.

That's easy.

Every sentence I say,

you drink a cup.

Sure.

That's a promise.

His Majesty's Immortal Temple is extremely sophisticated.

Just the wood in the main hall

required top-grade cedar logs from Mount Yungui.

Such expensive wood,

who supplies it in the capital?

Hu...

I already said many sentences.

You must drink some more now.

Right.

Here, here, here.

Come.

Why are you covering your mouth?

Come. Come.

Lord Liang, we're both colleagues.

We can use our words. Why go straight to violence?

Liang Yi. Lord Liang-

You have no say in this! Get up!

Official Lin.

I booked Qiu Yan.

I would like to ask you. What are you doing?

This girl volunteered to serve me.

It's her fault. What has it to do with me?

- Wait. - Lord Liang.

No.

Have you come for fun, too?

Lord Liang, Miss Qiu Yan did come of her own accord.

The women of Royal Academy are all fickle anyway.

Don't hurt your colleague for a trivial matter like this.

Lord Liang, it really was me.

Come with me.

But, Lord Liang! Lord Liang.

Don't, Lord Liang.

Official Lin, calm down.

Let me serve you.

Xiao Xiao, you're still the most sensible.

Liang Yi! What are you doing?

What am I doing?

You're my person.

Can't I get angry when I see you with other men?

You booked me since I'm Qiu Min's sister; you don't want me to serve others as a courtesan.

When did I become your person?

Who said I booked you for Qiu Min?

Lord Liang, are you infatuated with me?

I see then.

Please don't be angry at me.

They're acting like the real deal.

They left.

Lord Liang.

Your acting during this fit of jealousy seemed so real.

For a moment, even I would run away in terror.

What?

That fit of jealousy wasn't entirely an act.

Do you think Liang Yi put on a show for us just now?

I originally thought Liang Yi took care of Qiu Yan due to Qiu Min.

How concerned he was for Qiu Yan just now;

it seems he really likes her.

He can hide it from others, but not from me.

Why did he ask for Qiu Min's hand then?

Qiu Min is the legal wife's daughter.

In political marriage, a legal wife's child is higher than a concubine's.

However, a man's heart won't distinguish that.

Considering all Liang Yi did, he may seem heartless,

but he was protecting the Qiu women.

He must be doing it for Qiu Yan.

Last time, you said you'd never escape Royal Academy

so you needed a plan for yourself.

You'd rather be a courtesan than a servant forever. Fine!

I'll book you, and I won't skimp on money.

It will be enough for you and other Qiu women to live fine here.

I just want to ask you.

Why did you go serve Lin Chang Zhi and Yuan Lang?

Now I'm wondering.

What have my actions to do with you? Why scold me like this?

Are you content if I say you're Qiu Min's sister?

Furthermore, you know those two ruined your family!

Yet you drink with them! Do you not feel disgusted?

I'm disgusted. Of course, I'm disgusted!

It's precisely because they framed my father

that I volunteered to drink and entertain them.

Did you fish for information about your father from Lin Chang Zhi?

Exactly.

If you didn't rush and ruin my plan, I would have the answer by now!

How foolish. He's infamous as an old fox (cunning).

Can you outwit him?

If you use the honey trap on him,

he'll devour you whole not leaving a crumb!

Then what else could I do?

Should I helplessly watch while they dine and have fun here?

Do I rely on Lord Liang

and be a Royal Academy canary the rest of my life?

I told you I won't neglect your father's case.

But do you know the danger for you to act on your own?

When did you say you'd help Father's case?

After you got drunk last night.

Last night I got drunk...

I can't even recall what I said or did,

let alone what you told me.

Then do you remember

you said you hated me last night?

Here's the signed confession of the merchant, Hu Wan, who testified against your father.

[Hu Wan, May 18, Year 27 of Chengzhao]

Lin Chang Zhi worries that Hu Wan will be captured by Firewood Office

and confess all of Qiu Yi's case to Liang Yi.

Why do you look so calm?

I want Hu Wan to tell Liang Yi everything.

It's even better if he signs his testimony.

I specifically submitted Qiu Family's case to His Majesty

for His Majesty to decide the sentence.

If Liang Yi uses Hu Wan's testimony to appeal for the Qiu family,

he's not just proving me wrong.

What are you doing?

Stay put.

I showed it as proof I've already investigated your father's case.

I'm burning it because it's useless.

His Majesty already reviewed this case.

If we have a retrial, we would be saying His Majesty was wrong,

deceived by treacherous ministers.

His Majesty is concocting an immortality pill.

He ascended the throne young and experienced many obstacles.

He's arrogant. There's no way he can admit he was wrong.

Appealing the case will lead His Majesty to think

I'm covering something up.

Worse, I might be accused of colluding with criminals.

Are you saying submitting evidence can't repeal Qiu Family's sentence,

and you might even be implicated?

All of us would be implicated.

[Royal Academy]

If Liang Yi submits evidence, I will say he bribed Hu Wan.

I will have Hu Wan killed and say Liang Yi did it to erase evidence.

Then whatever he says, Liang Yi can't clear his name in front of His Majesty.

Yuan Lang is truly cunning.

He calculated it perfectly.

But he must have slipped up somewhere.

There is another way.

But we need time in making this decision.

How do I know it's not your excuse to buy more time?

Maybe you just want me to stay at Royal Academy and stop causing more trouble.

Do you still see me like that?

Fine.

Treat it as my buying more time.

All in all, do not let tonight's situation happen again.

Remember, I will visit you again.

Elm wood head (thickheaded). Elm wood head.

You're the elm wood head.

Today I made someone else a wedding dress (to benefit another).

Lord Liang!

Are you leaving?

My lord. My lord. You're so generous.

Today's misunderstanding won't happen tomorrow.

I will come again tomorrow.

Yes, my lord.

My lord!

[Royal Academy]

Min'er.

I heard you caught a cold.

Should I ask Madam to find you a physician?

I'm fine.

Would you like to move into my courtesan house?

The outside room in my courtesan house is empty. It's not disturbed by the main room-

Second Sister.

You may think the courtesan house is bigger, cleaner and grander than this.

But for me, this place is cleaner.

I won't go to such dirty places.

You're sick.

If we stay together, I can take care of you when you're not well.

Truth is I don't feel at ease leaving you in Madam Liu's care when you're sick.

Madam Liu treats me very well.

Don't worry, Sister.

Min'er, I just think that...

Sister.

Must I go to the front courtyard today?

Or can we discuss it?

Of course, we can discuss it.

Then I said I wouldn't go.

You always decide everything for me.

Since you said we could discuss it, I'll tell you clearly.

I would rather be admonished by Madam Liu than walk into those places with my untainted body.

I bought you sugar-pickled rose ointment.

It's good for your health.

[Sugar-Pickled Rose Ointment]

I couldn't drink a lot with you today, my lord.

- But I'll make it up to you next time. - Sure, sure, sure.

Come again, my lord.

Okay.

I'll come again another day.

Lord Liang.

I learned a new song.

I thought when Madam Jin invites me again, I'll have a new song for her.

Since you're already here, why not listen first on Madam Jin's behalf?

Then I'll just accept this courteous invitation.

Lord Liang, look.

I received so many flowers on my shift today.

Who said you could accept flowers from others?

Qiu Yan, are you determined to make my life difficult?

That's not what I meant.

Go ahead and accompany Miss Shi, my lord.

I received so many flowers from customers today.

I'm not short on tips.

Stop right there.

Although you booked me,

according to rules here, I must also perform during my shift.

You don't come visit, and I can't accept flowers from other men.

Aren't you too overbearing?

Then do you want me or the flowers?

They smell so good.

Don't smell them.

Compared to flowers, of course, I want you more.

Lord Liang.

My lord, you can put me down now.

Next time you come, bring some gold accessories as a gift.

Then your act of spoiling Miss Yan will seem more real.

This is...

Last time at Taiying Temple, I said I'd give you a thank-you gift.

Due to various unforeseen circumstances, I never gave it to you.

I know you're thanking me for my advice on the betrothal gift.

Try it on.

It looks good.

Was what you said last time true?

- Do you like it? - Really?

I also heard it from someone else.

- I love it. - Isn't that Lord Liang?

As long as it's more expensive than rouge, I adore it.

What a beautiful jade necklace.

- I want one, too. - Let's go.

You sure learn very quickly how to be jealous like other girls at Royal Academy.

Lord Liang, can you please put it on for me?

Done.

Dare I ask, Lord Liang, how I look compared to Miss Shi?

You're as beautiful as a goddess. No one can compare to you.

How could you be so careless when acting?

I could never be a fraction as elegant as Miss Shi.

I know you want to praise me, but you're overdoing it.

I never lie.

Stop talking. She already left.

I can't rely on your acting.

I'll go and ask for some dishes while flaunting this jade necklace you gave me.

That way, everyone can think how much you adore me.

See you.

Thanks to Little Yan, we could leave the rear court and no longer do dirty chores.

As someone who went through this, heed my advice.

Don't always go against Shi Xiao Xiao.

Eldest Sister-in-law is right.

If one day Lord Liang doesn't visit you anymore, she'll throw stones at you after you fall.

Right. We'll spend the rest of our lives here.

We have to live with her.

Don't be like fire and water (mutual antagonism).

I didn't provoke her.

I always treat her with all my respect.

She's the one who wants to compete.

Don't worry. I won't let her make our lives worse.

First Aunt, is Min'er feeling better now?

She hasn't gotten better.

But Madam Liu takes care of her in the rear court.

Her condition didn't worsen.

When I visit her, she won't talk to me.

Please take good care of her, First Aunt.

You know how unreliable Madam Liu is.

Rest assured.

You just lie around all day and won't work.

Do you think you're still the Qiu family young miss?

Madam Liu, I really feel uncomfortable.

"Uncomfortable"?

Then do I feel comfortable?

My back is all sore from work,

unlike you who pretends to be sick.

My daughter works hard to earn in the front courtyard, but all her money goes to a bottomless pit like you.

You won't work and think only about your reputation.

I...

I brought charcoal two days ago. How is it all gone?

Get up. Get up.

Get coal from the firewood room.

Madam Liu, I am really unwell.

C-Can I get it for you tomorrow?

Tomorrow, will you not feel like a princess anymore?

Hurry up. Stop finding excuses to be lazy.

I'll go now.

Be quick.

Qiu Min.

Master Wang.

What are you getting?

Madam Liu kept nagging for charcoal.

How cruel of her

to make such dainty hands do hard labor like this.

They feel so much rougher than when you first arrived at Royal Academy.

A beauty like you doing hard labor like this, it must be tough on you.

Where are you going?

M-Master Wang.

W-What are you doing?

What am I doing?

A single man and woman alone in this remote firewood room,

what do you think I want?

Do you possibly think I'll talk about poems and life philosophy?

Your waist is quite thin.

Don't come near me. If you do, I'll scream.

Scream then. Scream loudly.

Right now, all are in the front courtyard.

It's only you and me here.

Even if you scream until your voice cracks, no one can save you.

Why don't you just comply?

Where are you running off to?

Qiu Yan.

You're too evil.

What's the matter?

You brought your two sisters to serve in the front courtyard.

Turns out you had bad intentions.

Eldest Sister, what's going on?

We cleaned Miss Shi's room during the day.

She just got a rash on her body and accused us of sprinkling lily pollen on her bed.

The lily pollen is still on my bed.

I'm allergic to lily pollen. All of Royal Academy knows this.

Why did lily pollen appear on the bed you two cleaned?

Do you two dare say you didn't do it on purpose?

Speak. Did Qui Yan instruct you to do it?

Qiu Yan, Royal Academy rules state all courtesans can use tricks on each other,

but they can't ruin a person's appearance.

Since they are your sisters, give an explanation.

Qiu Mei and Qiu Ying are my sisters.

But if Miss Shi insists I asked them to give you rashes, you use the bed sheet as evidence.

No matter how I defend myself, it's in vain, right?

Enough. You sent them here.

If something goes awry, you're liable, too.

Miss, don't be angry.

Let's just think how we can appease you.

Ground them for half a month.

Also, send them to northeast courtyard used for grounding people.

Don't let them come to the front courtyard.

I get upset seeing them.

Miss, that courtyard is too remote.

No one cleaned that place, either.

How about this? I'll ground them in their own rooms?

Madam, she's trying to harm me!

Today, only she or I can exist in the front courtyard.

Miss!

Did you hear her?

Yes.

Let's go.

Mother, if I find you in the afterlife, please don't abandon me.

Was I wrong then?

You have always been weak like this.

When facing a problem, you only run.

When will you change?

You can change yourself.

Don't be this weak.

Don't lie to yourself anymore.

Don't use your lack of strength as an excuse to fear everything!

It's time to wake up now.

You're not a delicate young miss to live as a princess anymore.

No one will let you have your way all the time.

I can't die. I can't die.

I can't die.

I can't die.

I must be stronger than my sister.

I must get stronger than her.

I can't die.

From now on, the Qiu women will stay in this little courtyard.

Live quietly. Don't cause trouble. You hear me?

- Yes. - Hurry and go inside.

Go. Go. Go.

We were finally living a bit more comfortably; now we're back to square one.

Aren't you usually the one with the most ideas?

How did you get bullied so much by Shi Xiao Xiao yesterday?

If you can't beat her, don't provoke her.

Second Sister, Fourth Sister is finicky.

Don't argue with her.

I know.

Let's not keep standing here.

We should hurry and clean the place. Otherwise, where will we sleep tonight?

Let's go.

Enough. Enough.

Can we even sleep here?

Clean it then.

Mother, cobwebs.

This place is so dilapidated.

This is too terrifying.

The Royal Academy informant said Qiu Yan and Miss Shi Xiao Xiao had an argument.

Yesterday, Qiu Yan was evicted from the front courtyard.

Did Liang Yi not come to Qiu Yan's rescue?

Liang Yi left on a business trip yesterday.

He probably won't be back for half a month.

The minute Liang Yi left, Qiu Yan got bullied.

Interesting.

[Royal Academy]

Madam Wang. What Second Sister can do, I can, too.

I can sing. I can recite poems.

Please let me entertain guests, too.

I don't want to return to that rundown place.

Shut your mouth and go back to your room.

Otherwise, I won't be polite anymore.

Madam.

Wang Shun!

My lord, please have a seat.

Godmother, what are your orders?

Take her back to her room.

Are you causing trouble again?

Come with me. Come, come, come.

Wait.

My lord.

Madam Wang, I wish to speak with Miss Qiu Ying.

Then we shall take our leave.

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.]