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 25]

We shouldn't take the risk.

Yan'er. Just be good and stay at Marquis' Manor as the Young Madam.

Just send us some money now and then.

It'll show you care about us.

Madams, Qiu Yan isn't after a comfortable life at Marquis' Manor.

What she wants the most is to clear the Qiu family's name.

We have thought out this plan thoroughly.

It's certainly not a reckless act born from vanity.

Yes, all of you just want to lead a stable life right now and aren't willing to take any risk.

But are you truly reconciled to spend the rest of your life in Guangji Hall, bearing false accusations?

I know we have all been trampled and looked down upon recently.

Now the Qiu men are not with us, the responsibility falls onto us!

Men aren't the only ones responsible for a clan's continuity. Women are, too.

Isn't this Old Madam's jade thumb ring?

Why do you have it?

Before Old Madam passed away, I went to see her.

She gave me this thumb ring and told me to lead you through this hardship.

Even to death, Old Madam wished to see the Qiu family regain its former honor!

Second Sister is right.

For our fathers, we can't retreat.

Sister Mei, I believe in you.

Among us, you're the most educated, the most elegant.

A meeting with the Emperor,

you can definitely do it.

Then we'll listen to you, Second Miss.

The He family serves as generals for three generations.

They have always sneered at superstition.

It is truly strange this time.

So strange for the He family to offer a pearl as a gift.

Besides, it's not the only unusual incident lately.

Do you refer to Liang Yi's appeal for the Gao family?

To avenge his late father, Liang Yi twisted and spun facts

until Duke Lu's family fell from grace and died in Gannan.

And now, he sang praises of Duke Lu's son to reward his contributions and restore his reputation.

I wonder what he got from Duke Lu's son that he's willing to even let go of revenge for his father.

Liang Yi and his cohorts were quite active lately.

They must be planning something.

I don't know their plan's details, but it's not hard to guess the general idea.

Dengxian Pearl makes the He family even stronger, but there's more to it.

His Majesty regards that Dengxian Pearl as a treasure.

If the goddess is found, His Majesty would obey every word she says.

Since they prepared Dengxian Pearl, they must also have prepared a goddess.

Imperial Commander Yan will seek the goddess with his trusted men tomorrow.

Besides His Majesty and Grand Preceptor, only Imperial Commander Yan knows where the goddess is.

However, due to my incompetence, I can't find more information.

Have you found Qiu Family's dismissed servants as I said?

Bring them here!

Walk.

- Go. - Don't push me.

Go.

Hurry up.

What will you do to us?

Sir, we never committed a crime.

I was wronged!

Misses, don't be afraid.

I just need to borrow your presence.

If we can't find a solution, we just move firewood away from the pot.

After I left Royal Academy that night, m-my family and I escaped to Bian River...

Mei'er, are you ready? The lord is waiting.

All right.

As I sank deeper in the river, I recall vaguely that someone lifted me up.

Sister Mei, don't be nervous.

Drink this tea first before you go.

Thank you.

Give it to me.

Mei'er.

Mother, don't worry.

Sister Mei, just do what you rehearsed yesterday, and all will be fine.

Let's quickly set out.

We have to be at Jinxian Spring before chenshi (7-9 a.m.)

Sister Mei, wait!

I'll go with you.

If you have a family member with you, Sister Mei won't be as scared.

Let's go.

Most of my day I'll be in the imperial court.

Don't worry.

When it's done and over, or if anything goes wrong, I'll inform you right away.

I'm leaving now.

Liang Yi.

Just think about how you will thank me once this is over.

Elder Sister, what's the matter?

Are you okay?

Both of you need to walk faster.

Or else, we won't make it in time.

- I can't. - What's the matter?

- I really can't continue anymore. - Elder Sister, are you all right?

My stomach hurts a lot.

What should we do?

The whole Qiu family is relying on you.

It's all my fault.

Today... I'm afraid I can't do it today.

I'm always a burden at the critical moment.

What do we do then?

I'll go.

No, you can't, Miss Min.

How about I go and see if Miss Ying can take her place?

Wait.

It's late now.

Even if you travel fast back and forth, we won't make it in time.

But...

Don't hesitate anymore.

- Miss Min. - It's almost time.

Quickly take Older Sister back. I'll go to the location using the map.

Quickly go!

Miss Min!

Lord Liang, let's walk together.

Lord Liang?

Lord He, please return first.

I suddenly recall I have work to attend to.

All right.

Lord Liang, then I'll take my leave.

What is happening?

As we neared the spring, Miss Qiu Mei suddenly had a horrible stomachache and couldn't go on.

If I return to bring Qiu Ying, it'll be too late.

But the goddess must be a virgin.

- How could Qiu Min do it? - It happened suddenly.

His Majesty wouldn't want to inspect a maiden's body, right?

I hope all goes smoothly.

[Warm Spring Hills]

Young Madam, there's a letter for you.

[To Su Yi Wan]

[I have Qing Dai and Xiu Yu. If you want them alive, please meet me. Your carriage awaits.]

Greetings, Your Majesty.

I, Qiu Min, greet Your Majesty.

"Qiu Min"?

What is your relationship with the incriminated minister, Qiu Yi?

Truth be told, Qiu Yi is my father.

Imperial Commander Yan. What is this?

Didn't all Qiu women pass away already?

Your Majesty. I went to the spring as ordered and only saw this woman.

I dare not be the judge so I brought her for Your Majesty to decide about her.

The audacity!

Dare you impersonate the goddess?

Your Majesty.

I-I have no idea of the goddess you speak of.

According to Fengjing Prefecture,

all Qiu women drowned after escaping from Royal Academy.

Why were you beside the spring then?

I dare not deceive Your Majesty.

After we left Royal Academy, our family escaped to a small boat on Bian River.

However, retribution befell us and a boat disaster occurred.

I thought we would all die in the Bian River.

But as I sank deeper in the river, I recall vaguely that someone lifted me up.

I then heard a voice say although I carried sins,

my mission in this world was not over, as I share the same birth-date with her.

Goddess...

What else did the voice tell you?

The voice said the current emperor is a rare wise ruler.

Heaven will bestow on him an auspicious item to guarantee his longevity.

And I must personally consecrate this auspicious item before handing it to you, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty!

Congratulations for finally receiving Heaven's blessings, Your Majesty!

I shall arrange a ritual at once to thank Empyrean Fairy on your behalf, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, our prayers all these years were not in vain!

Good.

Pick an auspicious day for the consecration ceremony!

As a token of gratitude for Empyrean Fairy's blessing,

I will pardon everyone!

Liu Quan, note it down.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Besides seditious traitors and murderers, all criminals will be pardoned.

Noted.

Young Master.

[Warm Spring Hills]

Qiu Yan! Qiu Yan!

His Majesty pardoned Qiu Family!

- Old Zhou. - Young Master.

Old Zhou, have you seen Young Madam?

Young Madam received a letter and left in a hurry without leaving a message.

Who sent the letter?

I heard a knock, but no one was at the door, just a letter on the ground.

Young Master, you're...

Come.

Master, we searched all the places Firewood Office could, but found nothing at all.

What about Main Administrative Office?

From our informant in Main Administrative Office, Young Madam wasn't seen going inside.

I see.

Bring her to me.

Understood.

- Behave. - Let go of me!

- Master. - Let go of me!

I've brought her.

Master, what did I do wrong?

I serve Old Madam.

If you want to punish me, you must ask Old Madam first.

I remind you, I have no time for your delays.

Tell me Yuan Lang's base outside the city.

I have no idea.

It's you?

Go inside!

Miss, you're still alive?

All in the city said you were dead.

Qiu Yan, what else have you got to say?

I am Su Yi Wan.

Official Yuan.

I originally thought you didn't get along with my lord but were still a gentleman.

I never expected you're this impudent to go back on your words.

If they both don't leave here today, I will never tell you anything.

Even now, not a single drop of water leaked in your words (no slip up).

If you don't know them, why did you come here?

Innocent people cannot be implicated for me.

Don't worry.

I'm a man of principles.

Go! Go!

Get out. Get out.

If you speak of affection and loyalty, I will, too.

Since you came here, I will not harm them both.

I just wanted to give a toast to Official Yuan.

What?

Do you fear a little woman like me?

Will my lord truly let us go?

We said we're only borrowing your presence.

Our lord is unlike Firewood Office.

We never harm innocent people.

Then what will you do to that woman we saw?

If you ask, then you're not an innocent person.

You're toasting me to buy time for your two maids to run away.

Who exactly are you?

Even if Official Yuan asks me 1,000 or 10,000 times, I have the same answer.

I am Su Yi Wan.

Fine.

In that case,

you can't blame me for not being tender to a woman.

I only want Liang Yi to lose his position and title.

I don't want to take his life.

If you admit it, I can promise Qiu Family and Liang Yi's life will be safe.

What safety?

Other than me, you can't hurt anyone anyway.

The torture tools on this table,

I will try them one by one.

Official Yuan.

Do you not feel sorry about yourself?

You painstakingly laid low outside the capital three years.

After returning to the capital, you schemed.

Despite all, you can't outwit my lord.

And now, you can only bully a weak woman.

Carry on.

Go to the hay cottage outside the city!

Yes, Master!

Miss Yan. There's more to come.

- Carry on. - Understood.

Miss Yan. This very hard, strong metal dagger

is specifically used to sever tendons.

It won't hurt as much as the finger-crusher, but one slice will leave you handicapped forever.

Who's there?

Liang Yi.

Yuan Lang, when I pick a fight with someone, I never use his family.

But Lord Liang, you taught me to be unscrupulous.

All right.

Then I shall show you how unscrupulous I can be.

Master!

He's a government official.

If we do it now, the torture Young Madam suffered today would be for nothing.

Return to the manor.

[Liang Manor]

Lord Liang, Young Madam is all right.

Just apply ointment to her fingers.

Thanks, Physician.

Have a safe trip.

Please stay, Lord Liang.

I told you I'm fine.

Sit back down!

Give me your hands.

Hands!

Does it hurt?

On my way back, I heard from Song Jin

that Qiu Min entered the palace.

Qiu Mei suddenly had a stomachache so Qiu Min had to replace her.

Don't worry. Qiu Min already earned His Majesty's trust.

By the way, plus His Majesty has pardoned Qiu Family.

Really?

Qiu Min was the most cowardly in the family.

I didn't expect her to become the most decisive one.

I must say, you're truly...

Why didn't you wait for me to return and discuss it?

You think you can face Yuan Lang alone?

I wasn't completely at a disadvantage.

Where are you going? Come back here!

Come back!

- Now you know it hurts. - No, it doesn't!

What happened to Qing Dai and Xiu Yu?

Let me apply ointment first.

Come.

I already had people find them.

They are doing great right now working in a shop.

We should thank Yuan Lang for finding them.

I already asked Qin Xuan to redeem them.

Soon, all of you will be reunited.

I'm glad they are fine.

I know you're worried about them.

But did you think, what if you can't withstand Yuan Lang's torture?

Our plan to save Qiu Family will crumble.

I wouldn't.

Before I left, I took the poison pill

of Firewood Office from your pouch.

You said the pill wouldn't melt even held in a mouth.

I'd swallow it as needed and die instantly.

Look. I made my decision before I left.

If I can't take it anymore, I'll kill myself in front of Yuan Lang.

Are you crazy? How can you risk your life like this?

If you're dead, all the effort is pointless!

Rescuing Qing Dai and Xiu Yu was my decision.

You did enough for our Qiu family.

I don't want to owe you anymore.

What do you mean by "owe me"?

You're still Young Madam of Marquis Manor! Young Madam, understand?

Risking your life to act strong, I won't remember your sacrifice.

Master.

Why are you back here, Master?

Won't you spend time with Young Madam?

Why should I?

She doesn't cherish herself anyway.

By the way, Song Jin.

Where is the Lotus Jinchuang ointment

that Imperial Court rewarded us?

Why do you need it, Master?

Where are you injured?

I am not.

Then is it... Young Madam?

It's in the storage room. I'll get it for you now.

I want you indebted to me.

The more, the better.

[Qiu Manor]

[Sealed by Main Administrative Office in Chengzhao Year 38]

[Qiu Manor]

Aunt.

We heard you'll return today.

My mother knows your manor must lack all daily necessities.

So she asked me to send some over.

My dear child.

I'm so glad you and your mother still remember us.

Have I aged a lot?

Aunt, I came with two other persons.

Qing Dai.

Miss!

I thought I could never see you again.

Ever since Qiu Manor was confiscated,

Qing Dai and I were sold to the same place.

We were even captured by Main Administrative Office a few days ago,

but fortunately, Second Miss rescued us.

Young Master Qin then redeemed us.

I'm glad you've returned.

Let's go inside first.

Miss, let me take this for you.

I was wondering

if you would pay me a visit.

Elder Sister, how did I do?

Your great deed for the Qiu family is naturally a good thing.

I'm sure Father will also praise you at his return.

But

if Father knows all you did,

he might think he doesn't recognize you anymore.

He couldn't imagine that his most obedient, meek young daughter

poisoned her own sister just to prove herself and meet His Majesty.

H-How did you know?

I already told Qiu Mei not to eat anything before she greeted His Majesty.

She drank only your tea before she left,

and you volunteered to accompany her.

It's too coincidental not to be a plan.

Yes.

I want to let the whole Qiu Family know that you're not the only one

who can save the family from calamity.

Where will Qiu Yan go now?

No need to worry about my family matters.

I admit I'm not as resourceful as you

to rescue the Qiu family.

But I will wait.

For what?

For her forgiveness.

What about Qiu Min?

I will naturally take good care of Qiu Min.

Are you trying to be like Emperor Shun who married the sisters, E'huang and Nv Ying? (Legendary sovereign ruler)

In your heart, you should know

by taking care of both, you'll only harm both.

Elder Sister, didn't you always say I was a weak coward?

Do you like the current me?

Have you any idea how risky your action was?

So what?

I am now the reincarnation of Empyrean Fairy,

no longer a criminal's daughter.

I can now openly, rightly marry into Duke Ying Manor.

If you can get what you want,

I'm happy for you.

You know Cousin Qin the most.

He will naturally marry me.

If you have gotten what you want,

you don't need to purposely prove yourself to me.

You want me to know, but actually, you spoke to hear it yourself,

that all harm you caused me was worth it.

Your life with him is your private business.

I don't need to know.

Didn't you just give me a compliment?

You said you'd be happy for me

but in fact, you're unwilling to forgive me.

Qiu Yan.

Qiu Yan. I have something to tell you.

Can you listen to what I say? Just two sentences.

Nothing can be said between Su Yi Wan and Young Master Qin.

Lord Liang making such effort to help Qiu Family is for Elder Sister.

Now she's with Lord Liang, he will surely treat her well.

Cousin, our family was pardoned.

We don't need to hide our relationship anymore.

When do you plan to tell your parents about us?

Actually, it's no rush.

I'm just too happy, and I couldn't help but say it.

Come, First Sister-in-law.

Why do I feel stupefied seeing this table of dishes?

Did we truly return home?

Madam, we truly returned home.

Back then, two tables weren't enough to accommodate all of us.

And now, we couldn't even fill up all the seats.

It felt like we were in a dream.

What's with the sorrow? The Qiu men will return to the capital soon.

Qiu Family survived the hardship.

It can only get better from now on.

Now on, this date shall be our annual celebration.

You're right.

Let's drink.

Qiu Manor was empty such a long time.

We should liven it up to chase out this misfortune.

Come.

We must thank Second Miss for everything today.

If she was here, this meal would be perfect.

Madam Liu.

I'm just too happy.

- Happy. - Come.

Eat.

Come, let's eat.

[Warm Spring Hills]

Song Jin just told me

that Qiu Family's servants haven't all returned yet

so your family cooked themselves

and made a feast.

Thank you for all you did for me.

You get so serious when you've something on your mind.

Finally, when will your mouth ever be soft toward me?

You just can't reunite with them temporarily.

Once the dust settles and your father returns, I have ways

to reunite all of you.

By the way, I happen to be free tomorrow.

Now Qiu Family's matter is settled, I'll take you shopping.

Okay.

Back then, all madams didn't agree with the goddess plan,

but luckily, Second Sister convinced you.

From the bottom of my heart, we have lived one or two decades more than her,

but in taking responsibility and courage, no one can compare to Second Miss.

When we hit rock bottom, Qiu Yan never mentioned

the insults we used to hurl at her.

To Second Miss, I truly want to apologize in person for the past.

Madams, there's no need to mind it.

My daughter is no ordinary person since young.

Now she's married into Marquis Manor,

she's the Marquis' wife now.

With her nobility, she won't fuss about it with anyone.

Just a concubine, not the legal wife.

Madam Kou.

Why do you turn hostile after our return to the manor?

Without my daughter, how could we have a whole table of good dishes?

I did not criticize Second Miss.

It's just that she is a concubine.

Enough.

Everything was fine just now.

Everyone should argue less.

It must be peaceful now since we're back to squabbling.

Third Sister also made a great contribution.

Without her, even if Second Sister has many plans, there's no one to execute it.

I'm tired now. My aunts, please enjoy the dinner.

Child Min.

What a pretentious girl.

Come, come. Let's all eat up.

Don't let these dishes go to waste.

Okay. Come.

It was a while since I last sauntered these streets in a carefree manner.

I just said "carefree"; now someone is following us.

One by the blacksmith, two by the gambling house,

and one by the alley to the left.

They are all from Main Administrative Office.

When my manor's Young Madam wants to go out, her entourage is not small.

When I shop, I won't be helping you save money.

Don't underestimate me.

I am a Marquis after all.

When I do things, I've always been ruthless.

You should know this, my lord.

Bring it on.

♫ Not sure when it started ♫

- This one. - Okay.

♫ My heart can't stop pounding when I see your smile ♫

- And this one. - Sure.

You have a good eye, Young Madam.

Even the one used by the Court isn't as good as this.

How many do you have in your store? I'll take all of them.

- Okay. - Hey, hey!

My salary does not come with the wind.

I feel like this one with golden threads suit me.

I think this one suits you more.

♫ By your side forever, secretly looking at you ♫

My lord!

Look how shiny the golden threads are.

How great it'll look dazzling others.

I can give you two golden teeth. You'll shine even brighter.

Don't forget Yuan Lang's people are watching behind us.

Lord Liang!

Deliver them all to my manor.

Okay.

♫ Looking at the clouds dyed red by the horizon ♫

I really want to thank this Yuan Lang [Huaxiang Textile]

for letting me live like a rich wife today.

If I don't splurge using Lord Liang's money, I'd be letting down this entourage.

Let me think.

Should our next stop be the jewelry street or the rouge shop?

♫ And stop on this day ♫

♫ I light the lamp and turn around to see the faint shimmer in your eyes ♫

♫ Under the fireworks, I see you light up the entire sky ♫

♫ Quietly waiting for the sunrise, sitting side by side with you ♫

♫ Looking at the clouds dyed red by the horizon ♫

♫ I want to hold your hand in the lane and admire the pansies ♫

♫ Grab the fallen petals and secretly wish for a home ♫

♫ I will stay by your side and create our ♫

♫ Confession flower ♫

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.]