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 23]

[Liang Manor]

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Official Tong!

Young Master Meng.

I heard you have always been at odds with Lord Liang.

Why did you come to his banquet today?

The rumors out there seem so real.

I'm just curious. What kind of woman

could charm Liang Yi?

Could it really be Qiu Yan?

You said you know what Qiu Yan looks like.

When the concubine comes out later,

won't we know?

- Well said! Please go ahead. - Please go ahead.

[Mude Hall]

[Liang Manor]

This is my humble concubine, Su Yi Wan.

I-I-Isn't that Qiu Yan?

Wan'er indeed looks similar to Qiu Family's Second Miss, Qiu Yan. [Autumn Waters]

When I first met Wan'er,

I mistook her for Qiu Yan, too.

Could the rumors on the street be true?

I thought rumors ended with the wise. Who knew that nonsense would grow more ridiculous?

Today, I've invited all of you here to be my witnesses.

My concubine, Su Yi Wan, is a troupe huadan (opera maiden) from Jizhou.

Although she looks exactly alike, she is not actually Qiu Yan.

Lord Liang, you insist she is Su Yi Wan

and she merely looks like Miss Qiu Yan. What else can we say?

- Yes. - Yes.

I just find it very curious.

Many people have looked similar

since ancient times. But now, how did

two people who look so similar encounter Lord Liang?

The chance of that is too slim, isn't it?

How about this?

All here are my friends and family.

There are no outsiders here.

So I might as well come clean.

I took Wan'er as my concubine because she looks like Qiu Yan.

If I remember correctly,

the one engaged to you was Qiu Family's Third Miss, Qiu Min.

Why would you go through so much effort just to

find yourself a substitute for Miss Qiu Yan?

I wanted to wed a nobleman's first wife's daughter.

But after spending private time with Qiu Yan at Royal Academy,

I realized her beauty and charm exceed her younger sister's.

Sadly, destiny fools us. The two sisters fled Royal Academy

and ended up drowning in the river.

Afterward, I met Wan'er.

She looks exactly like Qiu Yan.

I knew it was destiny so I made her my concubine.

I thought my lord was saving me from a life of suffering. I never knew

you just see me as her shadow.

[Autumn Waters]

Who said that?

After spending time with you, I realized

you are more charming than Qiu Yan.

She was your substitute.

You still shouldn't have kept it from me.

I didn't dare tell you before as I worried you'd be jealous.

However, I like it when you're jealous.

Since Miss Su was in a troupe, she must be an art and music expert.

You're right. Why don't we have Miss Su sing a song for us?

- Yes! Sing a song. - Sing a song.

My best song is "Endless Yearning."

Thank you for bearing with me (showing humility).

♪ When will it end? ♪

♪ The sun comes and goes ♪

♪ Love and hate will turn into mist ♪

♪ Flower petals are falling like rain ♪

♪ Yearning goes on day after day ♪

♪ And turns into the moon's lonely shadow ♪

♪ A waning moon ♪

- Great! - Great!

What beautiful sounds that continue to linger.

You truly have great playing skills.

Thank you for your generous applause, Brother Yuan.

Wan'er, you should hurry and thank him.

Thank you, Official Yuan.

Not at all. Miss Su is outstanding. Even rarer is she's so talented

and learns and practices hard.

In mere days, she went from knowing no music

to master playing guqin.

What an impressive feat.

Brother Yuan, do you still not believe Wan'er is not Qiu Yan?

It's just a song.

It's just practice; study can remedy ineptitude.

You can master it rapidly if you practice enough.

This barely proves anything.

Young Master Meng, you've met Qiu Yan before.

Do you think the two are the same person?

In appearance, Miss Su doesn't look different from Qiu Yan.

But she is much more interesting than that girl, Qiu Yan!

Lord Liang, your Firewood Office is an amazing place.

I wonder if you could find me such a wonderful lady sometime?

Young Master Meng, if you do many good deeds, you'll be blessed with a good marriage.

Young Master Meng, you spoke confidently.

Can your words be used as court evidence?

I can't guarantee that.

After all, Miss Qiu Yan and I weren't very close.

I dare ask, Brother Yuan. What would make you believe me?

It just so happens I know someone who was a guest of Su Yi Wan.

He misses Su Yi Wan very much.

He heard that Su Yi Wan became Marquis Wei Yuan's concubine and begged me to let him

meet Su Yi Wan again.

I think an old friend's identification wouldn't be wrong.

It's just a small favor.

Lord Liang, you wouldn't refuse, right?

What if I refuse?

Since Wan'er married me, her past is behind her.

If you insist to dig out an old guest

on our wedding day, are you purposely annoying me?

If Su Yi Wan reunites with her old friend, won't all those rumors

about you hiding Qiu Yan be proven false?

Brother Yuan has a point.

Since he's already here, let him take a look.

We can ask him to leave afterward, right?

- Yes. - Indeed.

He has a point.

Fine. Bring him here.

[Autumn Waters]

My lord, could I go onstage to look?

Yao Gai, is Lord Liang's beloved concubine

the Su Yi Wan you knew?

Wan'er!

Wan'er!

Why didn't you tell me about something this big?

Did you forget about me simply because I've become destitute?

I've sent everyone who knew Su Yi Wan away.

If Yuan Lang wants to investigate, he can only return empty-handed.

If everyone who knew Su Yi Wan is gone, that would draw more suspicion.

Perhaps we could send Song Luo to bait Yuan Lang with a false lead.

That is a good idea indeed, but it would be very hard to execute.

We must find one to cooperate.

If that person has a complicated background, it will backfire on us.

We need someone we trust whose background is true and verifiable.

I actually have someone in mind.

Do you remember Yao Gai, when we investigated the fake silver notes?

He was nothing but a gambler.

Aren't you afraid Yuan Lang might buy him off.

Not all gamblers are blinded by greed.

After the work is done, Firewood Office will keep you safe.

Take this money for now.

But...

When I needed help, only Miss Qiu Yan cared about me.

Although I've lost my status, I'm not someone who neglects kindness.

As the old saying, "If someone gives you a little water, return it with a spring."

Lord Liang, rest assured.

Qiu Yan was right about you.

Yao Gai, look carefully. How can she really be Su Yi Wan?

She is Su Yi Wan!

I've known her for many years.

I could recognize her even if she was burned to ash!

Get lost.

Wait.

A mere beggar like you doesn't deserve to call my beloved concubine's name.

He disrespected my beloved concubine; thus, disrespected me.

I'm not as merciful as Brother Yuan.

- Song Jin. - Yes.

Take him to Firewood Office. I'll deal with him later.

Move!

Gentlemen, look. Today, we have great songs, wine, and a beauty here.

Don't spoil everyone's mood due to a lowly peasant.

Indeed. Yao Gai is just a refugee with unfathomable intentions.

His words can't be trusted.

I don't think that's what you said earlier.

Do I remember wrong?

I invited you to enjoy my banquet, not to ruin it.

If you keep badgering about my concubine's identity,

don't blame me for being rude.

The Qiu Family fugitives' drowning case is full of suspicion.

Lord Liang, you're also caught in a scandal.

Inspecting officials is Main Administrative Office's duty,

unless you claim to be an exception.

You are right.

The title comes with duties.

I just don't know what else can I do

to clarify my beloved concubine's identity?

I've investigated.

The people from Su Yi Wan's hometown claimed

she got burned on her back before

and has a willow-leaf-shaped scar.

If she doesn't have the scar on her back,

she is doubtless Qiu Yan.

How will you check my beloved concubine's body?

Don't worry, Lord Liang. I'm not a lustful person.

We just need the noblewomen and servants here

to bring Su Yi Wan inside to be checked.

No need.

We can do it right here behind the screen.

That is the only way to prove my innocence.

I am but a lowly person.

I don't have the so-called dignity or self-respect.

Official Yuan, please do as you wish.

I heard Firewood Office is good at the art of disguise.

Making a fake scar is as easy as turning a hand (no effort).

The noblewomen here rarely see any blood or filth.

I'm afraid they can't tell if it's real or not.

I specifically brought solvent from Main Administrative Office.

This liquid can dissolve any form of fake scar.

Su Yi Wan, if you really aren't Qiu Yan,

apply this solvent to your scar in front of the noblewomen.

Brother Yuan, don't cross the line.

There is a boundary to everything.

What's the matter? Are you scared, Lord Liang?

Official Yuan, both you and my son are in charge of inspecting officials.

You have doubts and are relentless because it's your duty.

Madam.

Liang Yi,

you should clear any doubts for Official Yuan.

Mother...

All of Marquis Wei Yuan Manor are law-abiding citizens.

If Su Yi Wan's background is unclear, and she is a criminal's daughter,

I will be the first to turn her in to the Feng Capital Prefecture.

Old Madam, you have a strong sense of duty.

Official Yuan, I used the solvent you provided.

Su Yi Wan's scar didn't change.

Official Yuan, what more do you have to say?

Now you've verified the scar is real,

I want you to clear her name.

I want you to personally tell all here that my concubine is Su Yi Wan

and not Qiu Yan.

I still have work to attend to. I will take my leave.

[Autumn Waters]

Everyone, that was just a minor interruption.

Let's not spoil the mood here.

Please come inside and enjoy the food.

- Welcome. - Thank you, Madam.

[Mude Hall]

How did you manage to dodge Song Luo's examination?

"Dodge"?

How could I dodge it?

Didn't you say a fake scar could fool noblewomen, but not Yuan Lang?

If I got found out,

not only would you be in trouble, [Autumn Waters]

your mother would be in danger, too.

I couldn't take the risk.

This time, I was one step ahead of you.

Why did you do that to yourself?

Are you angry?

My lord, the guests inside will get tired of waiting.

Liang Yi!

Qin Xuan, I know you were never a fan of social events

so I didn't invite you.

But I'm happy if you're willing to come.

Come, allow me to introduce you.

This is my new concubine, Su Yi Wan.

Greetings, Young Master Qin.

Lord Liang's beloved concubine?

"Su Yi Wan"?

Qin Xuan!

Qin Xuan!

Look at you!

Why are you so late?

Oh, right. I remember you were madly in love with Miss Qiu Yan.

Look at Miss Su. Doesn't she look exactly like her?

Brother Liang, hurry and go inside. Everyone is waiting.

Qin Xuan, I'll wait for you inside.

Let's go.

[Mude Hall]

Don't just stand there. Come drink with me.

Congratulations, Lord Liang.

Brother Liang!

Today is a great day.

You two should have cross-cupped wine (wedding tradition).

That way, your future will be wonderful and harmonious,

and you'll grow old together!

Yes!

Come on.

Wait.

Is that how you drink cross-cupped wine?

Brother Liang, you're a great detective,

but you don't know as much as I do about love.

Qin Xuan, come, come, come.

Let's demonstrate for them.

Cross-cupped wine should be done this way.

Why are you just standing there? Drink!

- Drink! - Have a drink!

- Come, Wan'er. - Drink!

Wonderful! Wonderful!

Wonderful!

Miss Qiu Yan, you must be really happy today.

Qin Xuan, you've got the wrong person.

That's right. Qin Xuan, the Qiu family was in trouble then.

You've also verified Miss Qiu Yan's body yourself.

Qin Xuan's heart belonged to Miss Qiu Yan.

He just lost a loved one.

A slip of the tongue is understandable, right?

Everyone, please listen to what I say.

I give my condolences to those who have passed.

It's apparent Young Master Qin is a man of loyalty.

For this alone, I raise a toast to Young Master Qin!

- Come on. - A toast to Young Master Qin.

No need.

I just want to ask Lord Liang.

Why did you hide your marriage from me?

Did you think I wouldn't come congratulate you?

Aren't you treating me too much like an outsider?

Young Master Qin, you're drunk.

I think someone should take you to rest.

You don't want to see me that badly?

I get it now.

The truth is,

Qin Xuan's heart and soul belong to Qiu Yan.

But who knew God would make such a joke

and give Miss Su, who looks like Qiu Yan, to Lord Liang?

Come here.

- Why are you grabbing me? - Come here.

- I'm not finished yet. I... - Just go.

- Just keep drinking. - Fine, fine, fine.

It was wrong of me not to invite you. I apologize.

Lord Liang, you don't need to apologize.

Come, come, come.

I came to sincerely congratulate you on your wedding.

I'll toast to you, Lord Liang,

and toast to you, Miss Su.

The first cup, I wish you two perfect harmony

and to be forever bonded together.

The second cup,

I toast my friendship with Lord Liang.

Lord Liang and I are childhood friends.

Our friendship is usually as insipid as water (simple and peaceful),

but when a crisis arises,

we are always honest with each other,

behaving with complete sincerity.

♫ The desires of never-ending love ♫

♫ Rolling up the curtains to look at the moon ♫

♫ Seems your eyes emerge on it ♫

- This third cup- - This third cup, I'll toast to Young Master Qin.

Based on what Young Master Meng said, you were once deeply in love with Miss Qiu Yan.

Sadly, her good fortune ran short,

and she had a shallow fate with you.

I toast to your love for her,

and thank you on behalf of my lord for not holding grudges

and coming to congratulate us.

♫ I’ll draw your eyebrows ♫

♫ With indigo flower powder until we grow old ♫

♫ For ten miles, the spring breeze is gentle as we gaze lovingly at each other ♫

♫ Never ending ♫

♫ As we join hands for a lifetime together ♫

♫ Never changing ♫

♫ Sharing the same pillow with you ♫

♫ Waiting for you to dress up for the day we are connected together ♫

♫ The night stops and the red candles linger under the moon ♫

♫ We will soar up ♫

♫ Our love is within the red sleeves ♫

♫ Accompanying you to see the dazzling lights ♫

♫ Meeting you when I was young, I already settled my heart on you ♫

♫ I can only wish to lay on the same pillow with you ♫

♫ I’ll draw your eyebrows with indigo flower powder until we grow old ♫

♫ For ten miles, the spring breeze is gentle as we gaze lovingly at each other ♫

♫ Never ending ♫

♫ As we join hands ♫

♫ For a lifetime together ♫

♫ Never changing ♫

- I'm not done drinking! - Goodbye, Young Master Qin.

Qin Xuan! [Liang Manor]

- Please wait, Lord Liang. - That lady is not Qiu Yan.

Lord Liang, goodbye.

Goodbye.

Qin Xuan!

Remember, Miss Su is not Qiu Yan.

[Liang Manor]

Brother Liang.

Take care of yourself.

Official Tong, goodbye.

Not bad at all!

Take your time.

You're still alive.

That's really great.

Your being alive

is the greatest thing in this entire world.

Young Master Qin, you're drunk.

You've got the wrong person.

Qin Xuan, you drank too much.

Song Jin, help Young Master Qin into his carriage.

Young Master Qin.

I'm fine.

[Liang Manor]

Come with me.

Why are you standing there?

Sit down!

Come sit down!

Where is your wound?

This is ridiculous!

Although Jinchuang ointment was applied, the burn is deep in your skin.

If anti-inflammatory salve isn't used,

even if the wound heals, your muscle will be damaged.

Inflammation and fever are trivial, but you could have died!

Do you know a better way?

All that happened today we had expected.

But I never thought Qin Xuan would come here.

Thankfully, Yuan Lang had already left.

As all the rumors spread through the streets,

he must have heard.

However, I thought Qiu Min would have stopped him at all costs.

It seems he still hasn't forgotten you.

Could you teach me self-defense tomorrow?

Do you not trust me to keep you safe?

There's bound to be a time you're not around.

Even if you're around, we might not always be lucky.

If I know self-defense, I can protect myself.

Sure.

Let's continue to apply ointment.

All right.

Does it hurt?

No.

[As Loyal as a Subject] [Distant Waves of Ice and Snow]

Cousin, why don't you lie on my lap?

That way, you won't feel nauseous.

Cousin, was that Sister?

It was her.

She is still alive.

But she...

Then... did she say anything to you?

Nothing at all.

She will never talk to me again.

Why?

You both clearly returned alive.

Why did she go find Liang Yi

while you came to find me?

Why did I meet you that day

and not her?

Why?

[Mude Hall]

The move is dead (inflexible),

but people are alive and can adapt to the situation.

Greetings, Old Madam.

It hurts! It hurts! It hurts!

It hurts.

You wanted to trick me again?

It hurts so much!

Let go!

Again.

Song Jin.

I need to talk to Qin Xuan.

No one is allowed to interrupt.

Yes.

I thought about it all night.

I wondered why you would plan a rescue without telling me.

Why did you exclude me from plans regarding Qiu Family?

Why wouldn't you even tell me Qiu Yan was alive?

After much thought, I told myself you tried not to drag me into trouble.

You kept me in the dark to keep me safe.

If you thought it through,

you wouldn't come to Firewood Office.

Yes.

There is one thing I can't figure out.

If you want to help Qiu Yan, must you take her as your concubine?

Qiu Yan broke up with you at Royal Academy.

Whom she's with and whose concubine

are none of your business.

How is it none of my business?

You are my friend.

Qiu Yan is the woman I love.

Besides, aren't you hiding her for me?

You're wrong.

I didn't save her for you.

I am willing to devise plans for her,

to risk my life for her,

and save the Qiu family women,

all because I like her.

Do you like her?

Liang Yi, didn't you go to great lengths

to stop us from being together

because you hated her?

Or was it...

you were already in love with her back then?

So you purposely meddled in the middle?

Back then, I truly saw her riding the sky on a dragon and phoenix (climbing social ladder).

I never lied to you about that.

When did you start to have feelings for her?

I don't know, either.

At first, I just thought

she was a conceited woman

who flaunted her cleverness,

a schemer,

attention seeker,

selfish,

and cared only for herself.

But I don't know when I started

yearning to see her,

hear her bicker with me,

and listen to her fully analyze cases for me.

She knows the name of the fan owner now.

She wants to tell you, "Thank you."

You clearly used my misfortune and stole her from me!

Liang Yi, gentlemen don't steal another's lover.

You're despicable and shameless!

Yes, gentlemen don't steal another's lover. I'm not a gentleman to start with.

For Qiu Yan, I've even less desire to be a gentleman.

Let me tell you.

I will do all I can to pursue her.

I want to rob something you cherish.

You can fight back if you dare.

Fine.

I...

What's wrong? Are you giving up already?

Just as you said you'd wait for her,

but turned your back and slept with her sister.

How do you know?

I've always been monitoring you and Qiu Min.

If I didn't, would you be safe living in hiding

with a criminal's daughter?

Does Qiu Yan know, too?

Yes.

She knows.

No. I need to go find her.

I need to explain.

What do you want to explain?

Will you say you couldn't help betraying her,

then beg her to forgive you?

Step aside.

What's done is done. Don't try to make excuses.

You're a man! If you do it, take responsibility!

Will you step aside or not?

Step aside!

Why didn't you dodge?

Why?

Qin Xuan.

Ever since we were boys, from Chuiwan to sword fighting,

I've always let you win.

But when it comes to Qiu Yan,

I won't go easy on you.

Why do you seem absent-minded?

I'm pondering the touching speech you gave.

Even I found it heartwarming.

Do you dare eavesdrop on me?

I... didn't.

If you weren't so compelling,

I couldn't listen, even if I wanted to.

Master.

Won't you strike while the iron is hot?

I doubt Miss Qiu Yan is fond of powders and hair oils.

She likes solving mysteries and cases.

Why don't we give her a set of torture tools?

Blockhead.

I remember after the He family case was closed,

she was quite interested in the sky lantern street stall.

Yes!

Impressive, Master.

Why do I have to be blindfolded?

If you don't say anything, I won't move.

Stop talking nonsense. Play your concubine role.

Come up.

♫ I lean against the window and look into the distance ♫

Sit tight.

♫ Where is the broken, mournful flute sound coming from? ♫

Glazed roof tiles?

♫ Mournful flute sound coming from? ♫

We must be on some rooftop.

This afternoon, I saw people making lighter papers,

bamboo sticks, and rice paper.

If my guess is right, you want to release sky lanterns.

No...

No.

♫ The person in the mirror wipes away heavy makeup ♫

♫ Recalling memories of separation ♫

Looks like I know you quite well.

♫ The moonlight colors our clothes ♫

You're good at making inferences.

Hurry and release them!

Release the lanterns! Release them!

Hurry, over there. Hurry. Hurry!

Quickly!

Release them! Release them!

♫ 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 ♫

♫ The dense fog gradually disperses, letting in sunlight ♫

♫ I gently hold on to your clothes ♫

♫ Near the deserted West River, I hear you singing ♫

♫ Every time our eyes meet, the longing is still there ♫

- Do you like it? - Yes.

♫ 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 ♫

Why don't we go release one, too?

Sure.

What are you writing?

We need to write our wishes on the sky lantern.

Turn around, no peeking.

We write our own wishes.

Fine. [Warm Spring Hills]

No peeking!

I won't peek.

Are you done yet?

Almost.

♫ The roof's eave blocks the moon, letting through only a shimmer ♫

Done.

It's your turn now.

♫ Your sweet smile warms my heart ♫

We write our own wishes. No peeking.

I know even without looking.

You care about the people.

You likely wrote, "Clear Yellow River and calm sea" (world peace),

"great order fills the land" (world order).

♫ Looking in your direction ♫

♫ All the images flood my mind ♫

I hope it works this time.

♫ As I ♫

Three,

two,

one.

[Wishing the best for the entire family]

[Wishing the best for Qiu Yan]

♫ All the images flood my mind ♫

♫ As I trace your eyebrows ♫

[Wishing the best for Qiu Yan]

♫ If everything could return to the past ♫

♫ Turns out life was never headed toward a deep abyss ♫

It's flying so high.

♫ I remember your promise ♫

♫ I am willing to wait a lifetime for you ♫

[Liang Manor]

[Mysterious Cases from Dashuo]

[Mysterious Cases from Dashuo]

So you wrote this.

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.]