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 21]

Master Jin.

This is the place where Master Qin was last seen with Miss Min.

- Who is the owner of this house? - A beggar.

I heard he's a gambling addict so he must be at the gambling house now.

We have already dispatched people to search for him.

- Search this place! - Yes, Master!

Miss Qiu Min.

Master Jin.

I didn't expect the Firewood Office to find me this soon.

Bring me to see Elder Sister then.

This way, please.

Here. Miss Qiu Min, this way, please. [Firewood Office]

Master and Miss Qiu Yan,

we found Miss Qiu Min.

Min'er!

I'm glad you're fine.

Let's go. Come back with me.

Lord Liang.

I want to speak to my sister privately.

Min'er, we can talk once we're back.

No.

I won't go back with you.

So... you made Qin Xuan think I was dead,

that you were all alone

so you can only turn to him.

Yes, I did.

Aren't you worried that one day,

when our Qiu family's name is restored,

your lies will reveal themselves before all?

So what?

Either way, I am already Cousin Qin's person.

He has always been a gentleman

so I'm sure he will give me a title (wife or concubine).

Elder Sister, you're always so proud.

You've thought you differed from other women.

But now,

you would hit your own younger sister for a man.

That slap was not for Qin Xuan.

That was for Lord Liang.

Do you know how many people are hunting us out there?

You ran away from Guangji Hall.

Do you know how risky your endeavor was?

Fine.

If you seek death, I won't stop you.

But have you ever thought

of those who helped us escape Royal Academy?

Liang Yi, Song Jin, those beggars, boatmen,

and people who manage Guangji Hall.

They have all committed grave crimes!

If you're captured,

it's the end for them and the entire Qiu family!

Why would you risk so many lives just for a man?

You're the reasonable one, Elder Sister.

Is one slap enough for you?

If not, you can continue to slap me.

If you're done being angry,

I would like to ask you for another favor.

I told Cousin Qin

that after the boat disaster, only I was washed ashore.

And I had no idea that any survived.

So I'd like to ask you to help me again.

Help me complete this lie before Cousin Qin.

Not only that, tell our aunts and madams to say this, too.

That way, I did not lie to Cousin.

And if I refuse?

If you refuse,

I will tell everyone that Qiu Family is hiding in Guangji Hall.

You don't care to get jealous and win men's favors, but I'm different.

For Qin Xuan, I don't care if I put someone in danger.

If I can't live a good life, no one can!

You're insane.

Min'er.

You used to endure for the greater good.

But weren't you always angry I never fought for myself?

You said we should rely on our own capabilities.

My lying to Cousin Qin is my capability.

Elder Sister, aren't I very obedient?

Min'er,

it's only been a day,

and you made me see you fully in a new light.

If Elder Sister can seduce Cousin,

then discard him after playing with him,

why can't I do the same?

Qiu Family fell from grace.

The pure, innocent, dignified, obedient Qiu Min, who always got bullied by you, has died!

As you busily fought to be head courtesan at Royal Academy,

and getting intimate with Lord Liang, I was long dead!

Within a few months, those who loved me either left or died.

If I stayed the same as before,

no one would care if I died in Guangji Hall or not!

How would I not care about you?

You left a letter without reasons.

I feared you'd take your own life!

Do you know how... how frightened and anxious I was?

Elder Sister.

You hugged me just now.

If I'm not mistaken, it was your first time hugging me!

After Mother died, I asked you to hug me.

During a thunderstorm at Royal Academy,

I begged you to hug me, but you didn't!

You cannot rely on others all the time.

You must rely on yourself one day.

No one can look after you forever.

You weren't there when I needed you most!

And now,

I don't need you anymore.

I have said my piece.

I will ask Lord Liang to send me back to Qin Xuan.

I will never return

to the old, dingy Guangji Hall.

Qin Xuan, we're drinking buddies.

Tonight, do you dare drink with me until we're both drunk?

Cousin, you're awake.

I bought you some breakfast.

Min'er, last night, did I...

force myself on you?

You were drunk yesterday

and grabbed me while calling Qiu Yan's name.

I couldn't fight back.

Qin Xuan, Qin Xuan, you're inhuman!

Don't be like this, Cousin!

- You're an animal, Qin Xuan! - No, Cousin!

- Qin Xuan, you took advantage of her! - Don't be like this, Cousin!

I know you did that as you were devastated.

I know and I understand.

I don't blame you, Cousin.

I'm sorry.

I've failed you.

I'm all alone now.

I only have you, Cousin.

If Elder Sister watches from above,

she will want you to take care of me.

Master, Master!

[Mude Hall]

- Master, you're- - Please go and announce

that Official Yuan of Main Administrative Office

would like to extend his congratulations to Marquis Wei Yuan.

"Congratulations"?

Madam, my name is Jiang Yun.

Per my master's orders, I'm here to congratulate Madam and Lord Liang.

What's the happy occasion?

Of course, it's about Lord Liang getting a concubine!

"Getting a concubine"?

Weren't you aware of it?

Liang Yi refrains from intimacy with women,

and he keeps postponing his marriage arrangement.

I fear, have you made a mistake?

Impossible.

Last night, my lord detected suspicious behavior of a female entertainer.

When he went to interrogate her, Lord Liang appeared.

He announced before all

that the female entertainer was the concubine he recently wed.

After my master returned to his manor,

he feared Lord Liang would hold grudges

so he had us bring gifts early this morning.

It's both an apology and congratulations.

The city gate is now open.

Quickly disguise as a man, and I'll escort you out.

Master, Master!

Miss Qiu Yan can't leave anymore.

Jiang Yun and Main Administrative Office men brought gifts for you getting a concubine.

As they made a huge deal of it, half the capital already knows.

Yuan Lang does this on purpose.

He wants to keep Qiu Yan here so he made it a fact.

[Liang Manor]

[Mude Hall]

Mother, good morning.

Where are you going in a hurry?

To Firewood Office to find you.

Main Administrative Office men came to congratulate you for getting a concubine.

Commoners even gathered around to see what happened.

I told them they must have made a mistake.

I, Su Yi Wan,

greet Madam.

Do you think I've become an old fool?

Why didn't you tell me this serious matter?

It's a long story. Events were so fast I had no time to tell you.

When did you wed her?

- Two days ago. - Yesterday.

When was it exactly?

- Yesterday. - Two days ago.

- Song Jin. - Yes.

Tell me.

T-Two...

- Yester- - So many things happened yesterday

that it feels like three days passed.

They must have forgotten.

Wan'er and I wedded yesterday.

Yes, yes. That's right.

Then what does it have to do with Main Administrative Office?

- I was shopping and got conned by an old lady. - She was bullied by an official due to her lowly status.

She was first conned by an old lady, then bullied by an official.

Mother.

Wan'er is an entertainer. She's illiterate so she doesn't mince her words.

Please don't mind her, Mother.

"An entertainer"?

Go attend to work.

I will ask her about you two.

- Mother. - Go attend the court, my lord.

I'll be fine.

Wan'er, you must be polite in front of the Old Madam.

Think before you speak.

I understand.

Song Jin.

Follow me.

[Autumn Waters]

Lord Liang.

- Lord Liang. - Slow down, Lord Liang.

Congratulations, Lord Liang.

I heard you got a beautiful concubine yesterday.

Official He, you know my private life very well.

If Official Yuan didn't tell us,

- we wouldn't have known. - Indeed.

You are always so cold and distant, like an iron-faced king of hell.

But you're like us with seven emotions and six sensory pleasures.

So, Lord Liang, if you ever have any good news, there's no need to hide it.

We were court colleagues for many years.

If you have something to celebrate, tell us. We can celebrate together.

- Exactly! - That's right.

It is time for the morning court meeting.

All are dismissed for now.

Understood.

Where have I seen you before?

You look familiar too, Madam.

It's as if we met in our previous lives.

Since you're a performer,

you must have met Yi'er while with your troupe.

You agreed to his proposal yesterday.

You two must have met not long ago.

Madam, I have known him for a long time.

This is not a dalliance (fling).

Have a seat.

I spent all morning at court meeting hearing those old ministers debating

how we should name the bridge over the canal.

How boring.

Anything interesting in the capital lately?

Tell me something fun to wake me up.

Recently, when Li Wei took over from late Governor General of Zhili, Tang Zhi,

he found no possessions in Tang Zhi's abode.

Liang Yi, how does what you said differ from those old ministers?

I want to hear something fun.

I have nothing else.

Joyous news came out of Liang Manor yesterday.

Don't you know of it yet, Your Majesty?

An old lady claimed a female entertainer made her take a serious fall.

Jingzhao Prefecture explored the old lady's case

only to see Lord Liang in an intimate moment with the entertainer;

she is actually Lord Liang's concubine whom he took in secret.

Unfortunately, the official didn't recognize Lord Liang

and angered him that he drew his sword.

He said whoever touched his concubine would be beheaded.

Liang Yi.

I didn't know you were this bold.

Your Majesty, it was a judgment lapse causing me to act impulsively.

I shall send her back now.

"Send her back"?

What will she do then?

Thanks, Your Majesty.

Ever since you started your court position six years ago,

you handled it all with care.

I almost forgot you're also a man of needs.

Your wrath rose for your beloved beauty.

Lord Liang's love is a praiseworthy tale to be sung everywhere.

I never heard you say which family's daughter you liked.

So Noble Consort recommended some ladies to you.

When Qiu Family was raided, you enforced dutifully.

However, your marriage was postponed once more.

Great.

It's rare for you to find a woman you like.

I shall give you a wedding gift.

It's just a concubine, unfit for your generosity, Your Majesty.

You have always been aloof and uptight,

but I prefer the current you,

the fighting spirit you have for your loved one.

May you have children soon.

Thanks, Your Majesty.

Later, go to Old Madam's chamber and clean her room.

- Song Luo! - Also-

Quickly go now.

- Master. - Have you seen Wan'er?

The woman I brought back this morning.

After you left for court, Old Madam took her to the study to converse.

I don't think they're done talking yet.

That day,

I witnessed my family leave me to the bandits

in order to protect my little brother.

When all hope was lost,

Lord Liang appeared with Song Jin.

It was him who rescued me from the bandits.

He even gave me a fan as a keepsake.

I was fortunate to survive,

but due to my mother's lowly status, our life was bleak.

The fan my lord gave me

became the reason I persevered.

I know I'm from a lowly background,

but I truly love him.

I don't wish for any title.

I just hope I can stay by his side.

Good Child,

it was truly difficult for you.

I didn't expect you to have such a tragic background for such a young girl.

Now I understand why my son hid this from me.

He feared I would mind your upbringing

and not accept you.

He underestimated his own mother.

Before I married the Marquis,

I was just a maid to Noble Consort Guo.

I was a commoner like you.

But here I am, the spouse of a Marquis.

Miss, you mustn't say self-deprecating remarks anymore.

Although you're a performer,

you're the first woman to enter my son's eye.

If he values you, I will value you, too.

Now on, you won't be lonely anymore.

Thank you, Madam.

Yi'er.

Why are you back so early?

Mother.

Court finished early today so I returned.

Great timing then.

You took her in hastily.

We didn't even prepare anything.

I was thinking we should pick a room for Wan'er.

It's considered your bridal chamber so we can't let her fix it alone.

Come with us to look.

By the way, change your uniform first.

Okay.

Mother, the west wing room is small but it's quite elegant.

If my lord thinks it's good, I think so, too.

No, the sun's glare is strong in the west.

She can't live here.

Mother, the north wing is spacious with no sun glare.

A fake mountain and pool are there.

When you two have children, it's dangerous if they play there.

No sun glare. No fake mountain.

This will do, won't it?

No, it's too far from you.

Yi'er.

Why don't we have Wan'er live in the study you used as a youth?

That room is spacious and has great lighting.

It's quite good.

Mother, you said it's the study I used when young.

All my childhood keepsakes are inside.

It's troublesome to clean it all up.

If I live with His Lordship, I fear I may bother him.

Then that's right. You should bother him more.

We will place a tea table here.

This curtain color isn't festive enough.

Change them.

Change them to red ones.

And this folding screen? Remove it.

And this place, a bed should be here.

The bedding has to be comfortable with bright colors.

Did you get everything?

Yes, I will arrange for it now.

Do you all know what items to prepare now?

Yes.

Go on then.

Yes.

Miss Song Luo.

You serve Old Madam.

Can you tell me why Master got a concubine suddenly?

Where does she come from?

It's Master's business. Why do you fish for information?

Yes, you're right.

I saw Old Madam is very happy

so I was curious about this concubine.

Don't you know Madam's wishes?

She always wanted Master to start a family soon.

Regardless of her background,

if she can grab Master's attention, she is capable.

Red and green colors suit young women like you.

Look.

You look much fairer in them.

How beautiful.

Do you like them, Wan'er?

Mother, she doesn't like them.

She likes plain colors.

I like whatever you pick, Madam.

Wan'er clearly loves it.

I also have some Huanhua fabric.

Let me find it.

Why must you turn down Old Madam's good intentions?

Since we're acting anyway, just go along with her.

Are you willing to use this floral fabric for your clothes?

I can endure it.

I don't like you in them.

Look.

This is Huanhua fabric, given by the Noble Consort.

I appreciate your kindness, Madam.

Here.

I'll save all these fabrics for you.

She is beautiful so she looks good in everything.

A young woman should have many clothes.

And this folding screen with dragon and phoenix, what do you think?

Do you like it?

It's embroidered using gold threads. In the sunlight,

it sparkles like lake surface ripples.

I also have one with two lovebirds. Do you want it?

Mother, she might feel dazzled when she awakes.

You don't get to decide.

Tell me, Wan'er.

Great! Bring them all in.

Mother, when it comes to a folding screen,

she prefers a yarn folding screen.

Put a black pagodite ding (small cauldron) on the table

and the Hidden Gem Painting on the wall

that depicts how Judge Di tried to prove his innocence.

If you want clothes made for her,

use Ruanyan silk given by His Majesty.

When did you buy them?

Mother.

Arrange Wan'er's room like this.

I still have work to do.

Wan'er, do you like these decorations?

His Lordship did pick what I like.

It seems he is quite attentive to you.

I don't think he even knows what I like.

I'm sure he does recall what you like, Madam. [Warm Spring Hills]

I'm not angry.

I'm really happy to know he cares a lot for you.

I sent the servants and maids around here away.

It should be safe for now.

Just stay here without worries.

Last time when Elder Sister and I hid here, we were flustered

so I didn't have a chance to see the inside.

I promised your sister I would build her a library

with all investigative storytelling scripts.

I'm sure Elder Sister appreciates your good intentions from above.

Let's not talk about it anymore.

Without any servants here, you may find it inconvenient.

You'll suffer a bit for the time being.

I am the one who implicated Cousin.

You took such a huge risk for me.

How could I feel that I suffer?

Don't say such things again.

As long as I'm here, you will be protected.

Besides, Qiu Family is definitely innocent.

I'm sure you'll have your appeal one day.

Wan'er's order weighs as much as my orders.

Whoever disrespects her, disrespects me too.

You hear me?

Greetings, Concubine Su.

What "Concubine"?

No legal wife is in Marquis Manor. Call her "Young Madam."

Greetings, Young Madam.

You're dismissed.

Yes, Madam.

Wan'er. Come.

Let's have dinner.

Yi'er, give Wan'er some more food.

Thanks, my lord.

Wan'er.

Don't you know Yi'er is allergic to eggs?

That was when I was young.

I'm fine now.

Come.

I'm fine. It's so delicious.

Come, give me another bite.

Wan'er, have some, too.

Okay.

Tell me what you like to eat.

I'll have the chefs prepare them for you.

I'm not a picky eater. I like everything.

I suddenly remembered

I haven't read an important document yet.

- I must go now. - But you barely ate.

I should check up on him.

All right, go check on him.

I will have someone deliver food to you both then.

All right, Madam.

Are you all right?

Why do you look so pale?

Are you truly allergic to eggs?

Since young, eating eggs gives me a stomachache.

Almost... I almost lost my life.

- I'll summon the physician. - No! No, don't!

I told Mother I'm okay now.

If you summon the physician, she will know it's a lie.

I can endure this.

Are you sure?

No problem.

Wake up!

Liang Yi!

You are truly concerned about him and are inseparable like glue.

Song Luo, place the food there.

- Don't disturb them. - Okay.

I just want to say, food will be delivered to your courtyard from now on.

You two can dine together. Don't feel constricted and accompany me.

All right, Madam.

It seems I'll have grandchildren soon.

Song Luo, you can go back first.

Yes, Madam.

I didn't expect the intimidating Head of Firewood Office

is also extremely afraid of something.

What did you say?

You're awake?

Are you all right?

Do you feel better?

I feel a lot better now.

I remembered I still have work to do, didn't I?

I should head back then.

What's the matter?

Numb?

I just fed you eggs. Now are you getting revenge on me?

Don't move.

Stimulate the acupuncture point; you'll be fine.

Old Madam.

Were you here the whole time?

N-No, I just arrived.

Wan'er, it's late already.

Why aren't you two resting yet?

His Lordship still has work to do.

How can he be like this?

Yi'er!

You two just got married.

How can you let Wan'er spend the night in her room alone?

Do you want the whole manor to laugh at her?

She doesn't mind.

Nonsense.

What girl is willing to spend her first marital night alone?

Wan'er.

Does it bother you?

You're so considerate, Old Madam.

I do, actually.

Fine then.

Mother, it's getting late now.

You should rest early, too.

All right.

Both of you should go to bed early, too.

Yes, Mother.

By the way, I took a three-day leave for you.

Both of you should rest well here during these three days.

Mother, how could you interfe-

My lord, is Wan'er not as interesting as documents?

How can that be?

You likely had a long day today.

Come. Let's go to bed early

and not waste Mother's good intentions.

Come.

Is she gone?

Yes.

- What are you doing? - Someone's there.

She's gone.

Was it Song Luo?

So you noticed.

Song Luo serves Old Madam.

If she just eavesdrops for Madam, it's understandable.

But she's being too obvious about it.

When I was answering Madam's questions today,

she clearly dismissed all servants,

but Song Luo used tea-serving as an excuse to linger around.

It's just way too obvious.

Yuan Lang planted his spy in my manor.

But for many years, he hasn't done anything.

I didn't expect it has now begun.

If you know she's Yuan Lang's person, why not send her away sooner?

If Yuan Lang can use Song Luo, he can also replace her.

Letting her stay means enemies are seen, yet I'm hidden.

She can be manipulated whenever.

So do you plan to feed her false information when the time comes?

That's right.

Go to sleep.

Who did this?

Who else?

Unlock the door when the sun is as high as three poles (late morning).

Don't go too early.

But how will they relieve themselves in the middle of the night?

My mother likely prepared this.

What should we do?

Thank you, Lord Liang.

You even know how to be polite?

You took me in out of kindness.

Naturally, I must show etiquette.

Sorry to trouble you.

What are you thinking?

I helped you lay out your bedding.

I'll go to sleep now.

You're seriously not letting me take the bed?

Do you want to watch me get changed?

Cousin Min.

Cousin Min, what's the matter?

Cousin, the thunder is so loud.

I'm so scared.

It is quite loud indeed.

I'm here to bring you a blanket.

Autumn rain cools the day more.

I was afraid you'll catch cold at night.

Use it to cover yourself.

I'll leave now.

Don't go, Cousin.

Don't abandon me here.

It's such a big courtyard. I'm afraid.

Can you stay and keep my company?

Just this once?

You can leave when I fall asleep, okay?

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.]