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 29]

[Firewood Office]

Lord Liang is usually lenient toward us.

What's wrong with him today? Why is he so angry?

Who irritated him?

His heart feels suffocated.

He will only get better after a year or so.

He is really furious this time.

What is today's date?

Miss Qiu will leave tomorrow.

Is the carriage ready to take her out of the capital?

Master, you clearly miss her.

Why not go home early?

She will leave eventually.

Spending extra time with her

will just make me more unable to let her go.

If you can't bear to, then you can't.

Seeing her more, you still can't bear it,

but much more if you don't see her now.

You stay at Firewood Office to avoid it,

but will it lessen your hurt to part with her?

If my loved one is leaving soon,

before she leaves, I'd go so far as to cuff her to my side.

I surely won't waste the time we have left, doing nothing.

[Warm Spring Hills]

Qiu Yan?

Qiu Yan?

Young Master.

- Steward! - Young Master.

Young Master. ♫ The fragrance from the fine jade is permeating ♫

Have you seen Young Madam? ♫ The lone light reflects desires of never-ending love ♫

She left early in the morning and hasn't come back.

♫ Seems your eyes emerge on it ♫

Did she have someone with her when she left?

Was it a horse or a carriage?

She didn't ask any maid or servant to go along.

I didn't see her when she left, either.

She said she would leave tomorrow. Why did she leave today?

♫ Drinking all the nectar in the cup ♫

♫ And yearning for your face ♫

♫ 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 ♫

♫ 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 ♫

[Northern Gate] ♫ 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 ♫

Master, it's getting late now. ♫ I’ll draw your eyebrows with indigo flower powder ♫

Let's go back first. ♫ Until we grow old ♫

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

♫ Never ending ♫

Let's go home.

♫ As we join hands for a lifetime together ♫

♫ Never changing ♫

[Liang Manor]

Bring this to Madam's room.

Yes.

Young Madam, you didn't leave!

Master!

[Plain Feathers]

♫ 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 ♫

♫ 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 ♫

- Liang Yi. - Yes?

Do you know what I like the most about you?

I really like how you always know what you want to do.

You swallow humiliation and carry a burden for your goals;

you never wavered despite being lambasted by everyone.

Since I was old enough, no one ever told me that a woman

can do other than help her husband and teach her children.

Not until you brought me to meet Master Lu,

who said I've a gift for writing investigative stories.

You know, at that moment, I suddenly felt my life perhaps has value.

And that value isn't because I was someone's wife or mother.

It's because I am Qiu Yan; I am myself.

Since young, I have witnessed my mother and Madam Liu

work hard daily for my father and the family.

That's how they spend their whole lives.

For many years, the entire family

didn't even know their names.

All know one is surnamed Han and the other Liu.

Perhaps even they forgot their own first name.

Even on Mother's memorial tablet,

it's written as "Qiu Family mother."

After many years, no one will remember them.

No one will know they were once lively, sprightly women

when they were young.

I don't want to live like that anymore.

It's since you made me realize I can perhaps have a future

where I'm not dependent on other's futures.

I want to use a name I like that others remember.

In every chapter of the investigative case stories,

and behind every story praised by future generations,

they will remember me, not since I am someone's wife,

but only because I am me.

I remember when I first saw you over six years ago, you were still a little girl.

You angrily told me

that you wanted to leave.

That the world is vast, and anywhere is fine.

I recall you said at that time,

Do you have any money?

Can you read?

Do you know how to calculate and record?

If you wish to leave your home, you must learn how to survive first.

Understood?

And now,

you know everything.

Little Girl,

I still couldn't make you to stay in the end.

I support your decision.

But promise me

that one day, if you've get tired out there,

and want to return home,

remember to let me know.

I hope one day in the future, when I open the doors,

I'd be able to see a mischievous and cheeky Qiu Yan.

I will wait for you here.

Dashuo's lands are vast.

If I travel South to North,

it might take 3-5 years before I'll be back.

I don't want you to wait for me like this.

It's not for you to decide that.

I'll see you off tomorrow.

Before sunset tomorrow,

you're still my Su Yi Wan.

[Plain Feathers]

[Main Administrative Office]

Master.

Master, we truly became the laughing stock in Imperial Court.

Will you admit defeat like this?

Back then, I couldn't outwit Liang Yi

and could only lay low three years in a faraway place.

This temporary loss means nothing.

No one knows who gets the last laugh!

Master, it's a missive.

"I can eliminate Liang Yi, but this plan requires assistance of Main Administrative Official Yuan."

"If you are intent to help me, quietly wait as I carefully plan."

Master, it seems we're not the only one

who wants to bring down Liang Yi.

I wonder who in the Imperial Court is capable of killing him.

Even I don't dare boldly claim.

Master, whoever it is, if he is Liang Yi's enemy, then he is our friend.

[Liang Manor]

You're awake.

I must attend court.

Wait.

Why is this seam undone?

Come.

Sit here first.

I'll help you sew it up.

I thought you knew how to lose yourself in investigative novels all day,

and knew nothing about needlework.

You really look down on me, my lord.

It's simply sewing it back shut.

It's not complicated needlework.

I aspire to do what men can do,

but that doesn't mean I can't do what women can do.

Why don't I take a day off from today's court?

Why?

Attending court will take four to six hours.

That's half a day gone.

Normally, will you forgo your official duties for your private life?

Doesn't that make me an evil woman who seduces her husband?

After court meeting is over,

I will hurry back here.

I won't waste any time.

It's done.

I'll go now.

Won't you see me off?

I'll give you the key.

What if I lose it?

Then you'll wear it forever.

Okay.

All right. Quickly go now.

What are you doing?

I'm cooking for Lord Liang.

Let me help you.

I suppose we won't meet again?

Lord Liang is still upset so he wants to expel me.

But didn't you say you will persuade my lord to bring me back?

So perhaps we can still see each other.

Don't lie anymore, Qiu Yan.

When I first saw you, you looked familiar.

I couldn't fall asleep yesterday.

As I tossed and turned,

I suddenly recalled where I saw you before.

When I watched a performance in Calling Crane Building,

the maid next to Qin Xuan was you.

Is this your newly bought maid?

Why is she so ignorant?

The master enjoys the opera. How could she sit here?

And you two actually put on a spectacle for the Noble Consort.

You are too bold!

What's wrong?

Why weren't you more careful?

Hurry. Sit down.

Old Madam.

I didn't mean to lie to you.

I know you were the daughter of an incriminated minister back then.

Yi'er wished to protect you

so this was the only way.

You needed to lie so you had to keep me in the dark, too.

Old Madam,

I'm sorry.

Both of you were acting,

but your feelings were not fake.

During the time we spent together,

I can tell you're sincere

about Yi'er and me.

You promised me that you'd never leave Yi'er.

Is Qiu Yan not obliged to keep the promise made by Su Yi Wan?

The coo of a caged bird does not

compare to the chirp of a forest fowl.

You should be flying to the skies,

not be kept in a chest in Marquis Manor

waiting to collect dust.

Qiu Yan.

No matter where you go in the future,

as long as I am still here,

Liang Manor's doors will always be open to you.

Yi'er loves pork and bamboo shoot soup the most.

Let me teach you.

Come.

First cut the bamboo shoot into thin slices.

Then braise fresh pork and cured pork together.

Does it smell good?

It smells amazing.

Did you cook this?

Old Madam taught me how to make it.

Just one dish?

How many do you want? Isn't this your favorite?

Right.

Come.

Have a taste.

Here, try it.

What do you think?

Delicious.

Fresh.

I must have used salt not sugar for the final seasoning.

It's so salty, yet you still said it's delicious?

I'll make you another bowl.

No need. It's good a bit salty.

That way, I won't forget in future how your cooking tastes.

It's too salty. Don't drink it.

- I want to drink it. - You'll die from the salt. Are you dumb?

Stop drinking it. Put it here.

Stop drinking it!

- If I don't drink it, I can't have it anymore. - Don't drink it!

Don't drink it anymore.

It's too salty.

This flower is so unique.

There's one small white flower among the petals.

It's a paper flower (bougainvillea), a tribute from a foreign nation.

It likes hot, humid weather.

The plants here cannot withstand too much sun.

Only this flower flourishes under it.

And I thought you know by heart only torture tools in Firewood Office.

Imperial Court rewarded these plants to my father.

He wouldn't let any horticulturist handle them

so he taught me to take care of them.

After I took over Firewood Office,

I didn't have leisure nor a carefree mood to take care of these flowers anymore.

Marquis Manor's courtyard is elegant and sophisticated.

My favorite are the plants in this courtyard.

Green and lush, they brighten my mood to see them.

Don't worry. The grass and wood in this courtyard

will remain the same as when you first arrived.

This branch is growing so well.

Won't it be a pity if you prune it?

It will indeed be great if I keep it that way.

But pruning branches encourages the plant to grow.

Then it will bloom even better next year.

Pruning branches is for long-term gain. You can't care about pity right now.

I heard Sifang Street's market is very lively today.

I'll take you there shopping, all right?

[Northern Gate]

Qiu Yan.

How did you find it?

[The Solitary Moral One]

[Solemnity]

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

♫ Your sweet smile warms my heart ♫

"During sad times, it forces us to do things." ("Traveling Faraway" poem by Qu Yuan)

"I long to spread my wings and travel faraway."

When I first recognized these characters,

I did not know what they meant.

Only after reading them so many times,

I realized they are Qu Yuan's (State of Chu's poet in Warring States Period)

lamentation how people freely kill others

so he wants to fly far away like a bird.

Back then, I thought

you were like the person in this poem and traveled many places.

You have no idea how I envied you.

And now, it's my turn to envy you.

[The Solitary Moral One]

Go on.

The carriage will take you wherever you want. [Northern Gate]

♫ 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 ♫

♫ If everything could return to the past ♫

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

♫ Seeing loved ones parting ways ♫

♫ I hope the story goes your way ♫

If you don't want me to leave,

I'll stay and keep you company.

Qiu Yan.

I will give you anything you want.

[Northern Gate]

Qing Dai, why are you here with me?

I asked Lord Liang to persuade First Madam

to release me so I can come with you.

The world is vast; I worry to let you go by yourself.

If I am here, we can at least look out for each other.

My lord,

is Wan'er not as interesting as the documents?

How can that be?

Let's go to bed early.

I won't let you down.

But how will you repay me?

Why are you so annoying?

Close your eyes. Close your eyes.

Again, again.

Don't leave me.

Don't leave.

They said I jinxed my husband to his death; thus, I must die for him.

Then let me dare ask you, Lord Liang.

What should happen if a man jinxed his wife to death?

The same matter has drastically opposite endings

merely due to gender!

Why are women as valueless as common duckweed?

Now Yue Ying's safety is at stake.

If I want to rescue Yue Ying, I'll need your help, Lord Liang.

I wanted to use your kindness at the most critical moment.

Isn't it still love, even if I get it using tricks?

How could every relationship fall into place?

I believe there's love at first sight in this world.

It's just that

I don't think I could have that kind of luck.

Instead of marrying,

I want to walk my own path.

I don't want others to decide for me.

I believe one day,

men and women will be equal.

We can study, work as government officials, open a business, shop,

or do whatever we want.

Though it won't happen in my lifetime,

for my next life or after, I want to be female and watch it happen.

Old Madam entrusted Qiu Family to me.

I have to stay.

I must make sure all in Qiu Family survive

until the day our Qiu Family's name is cleared.

Liang Yi. We are all ordinary people.

Ordinary people can never do all perfectly.

But we can do our best, without any guilt.

That's enough. [Wishing the best for Qiu Yan]

In this big world, I want to search for my own stories.

I want to use a name I like and have others recall it. "Devotee of Yanqi." That's me!

In every chapter of the investigative case stories,

and behind every story praised by future generations,

they will remember me, not since I am someone's wife,

but only because I am me.

[Ministry of War]

Ministry of War Right Guard, Qin Xuan, reporting for duty.

Inside, please.

Northern Liang people travel this far to steal our livelihood.

I must say, they deserve to be robbed.

Those bandits are upholding justice

robbing Northern Liang merchants.

It is quite a tricky case.

If you deal with it properly, people will say you work for Northern Liang.

If you don't, Northern Liang will use it as an excuse for a big deal.

Now this case reached Ministry of War,

I wonder which unlucky lord will handle it.

Indeed.

My lord, Ministry of War Right Guard, Qin Xuan, reports for duty.

Save the formalities, Young Master Qin.

How is Duke of Ying's health lately?

My father's health is always strong.

Thank you for your concern, my lord.

Your marriage with the goddess is nearing, right?

She still has her mourning duty. It will at least be three years later.

Oh.

However, three years will pass by very quickly.

When that time comes, remember to send me an invitation

so I can visit Duke of Ying Manor to share a cup of this joyous wine.

My lord, let's discuss official business.

I heard Ministry of War received a robbery case involving Northern Liang people,

but no one is willing to take this case.

That case...

I advise it's best for Young Master Qin to not interfere.

What do you mean, my lord?

A few days ago,

a few Northern Liang merchants were robbed by bandits near city outskirts.

No one was killed so it shouldn't be a serious case.

But it coincidentally happened

when our Dashuo was in peace talks with Northern Liang.

If it's even slightly mismanaged, Northern Liang won't let it go easily.

And if that happens,

the trade deals we intently negotiated will all be in vain.

That's why it has become a touchy subject at the moment.

My lord, I don't fear responsibility and am willing to share your worries.

[Ministry of War]

Cousin.

Why are you here?

It's your first day reporting for duty at Ministry of War.

I worry you might not have time to eat

so I brought you fruits and snacks.

I'm not hungry.

I have work to do. Return first.

Cousin!

I made you a perfume pouch.

A safety talisman is inside.

If you ever run into any danger, it will protect you.

If no one is plotting against me,

I will naturally be safe.

I have something to say about Elder Sister.

What happened to Qiu Yan?

She sent us a message two days ago,

saying she leaves the capital to travel around.

Lord Liang even sent Song Jin to the manor

to persuade First Madam to let Qing Dai accompany her. [Ministry of War]

I'm afraid they have left now.

Didn't Liang Yi ask her to stay?

Cousin, you should know none can stop Elder Sister

when she decides on something.

So you're saying

she didn't choose me nor Liang Yi.

I told you early on.

Elder Sister loves herself the most.

She is like a wisp of smoke,

going straight up to the clouds (advancing).

All right. I'll listen to you and look ahead.

I will make a name for myself;

you'll see it even if you go to ends of the earth.

Cous-

Miss Min.

My master now has duties, no longer as before.

Also, this is a government office.

I advise you not to come here often.

If people see you, they'll laugh at my master for being pampered.

[Plain Feathers]

Mother.

Great timing, Yi'er.

Look. The wind grows weaker.

Quickly help me pull back the string.

Here, let me help you.

It's my first time seeing you flying a kite.

Why are you in such a good mood to do so?

This is Wan'er...

Qiu Yan made this long-string kite as a gift to me before she left.

She feared it wouldn't fly as it was her first time making it.

She'll certainly be able to see it.

It's really beautiful.

Master, someone from Imperial Physician Zhan's place came.

He wishes to see you.

"Imperial Physician Zhan"?

The Imperial Physician Zhan who came to treat

my father's wound when he was injured?

Did the messenger say why he is here?

He said Imperial Physician Zhan is very sick.

He suddenly experienced lucidity this morning and fussed to see you.

He said he must tell you something.

He said Old-

Old Marquis' death was caused by something else.

Duke Lu shot your father's horse by mistake.

I fear it wasn't an accident at all.

The Vice Minister of Justice happens to be Duke Lu's nephew!

- Someone died? - Yes. [Zhan Residence]

Master.

He's the messenger who came to our manor just now.

Imperial Physician Zhan is dead too then.

Master, I'll go ask around.

According to what neighbors described, that's what happened.

Master, I found out what happened.

Two hours ago, the nearby farmer came, who delivered food to Imperial Physician Zhan.

As he entered the house, he found these two stabbed to dead, no longer breathing.

So he reported it at once to Fengjing Prefecture.

What did Fengjing Prefecture say about this?

They discovered the home was ransacked and all valuables stolen.

They plan to close this case as a violent break-in.

Imperial Physician Zhan was old and very ill.

If it was a break-in, he couldn't put up resistance at all.

Master, you also think the break-in is a ruse?

The killer created a break-in the moment Imperial Physician Zhan wished to see me.

He clearly prevented my seeing Imperial Physician Zhan.

The entire household was Imperial Physician Zhan and his servant.

Now the whole family is gone, without a plaintiff,

I assume Fengjing Prefecture won't be willing to investigate in detail.

What do you think?

Although the interior does bear the marks of a break-in,

but right after Imperial Physician Zhan sent someone

to tell you Old Marquis' death was not as it seemed, he died by robbers.

The timing is uncanny. [Apricot Forest in Warm Spring (doctor's cured patients plant apricot trees as testament of his skill)]

[Apricot Forest in Warm Spring (doctor's cured patients plant apricot trees as testament of his skill)]

It seems there's more to my father's death back then.

We must investigate this case ourselves.

Check who else entered Imperial Physician Zhan's residence today or who met with the servant.

The physician telling me Father's death secret was a snap decision.

If the killer could get hold of it,

he must have come into contact with Imperial Physician Zhan or his servant today.

Understood.

Master, the bandit group committed many robberies.

The marks on this map are the spots of their recent activities.

My lord.

Miss Qiu Min was waiting for you a long time.

It rained yesterday.

She saw you didn't bring any warm clothes so she brought you some.

Both of you are truly in love and care for each other.

You two can chat.

Cous-

Bei Xue. Continue what you were saying.

Master.

The bandits frequent the path to the foot of Huilong Mountain.

It's the only shortcut that leads to Northern Liang.

This place is very far from the capital.

The woods are filled with beasts and pests.

They must have a secret hideout we don't know about.

Otherwise, they can't rest or stash stolen goods.

It's just that...

where can they hide?

I know where it is.

Back then, to locate where the reincarnated goddess will appear,

Song Jin searched Huilong Mountain.

I went there before.

Many caves are there, and they are all connected.

It's very easy to hide there.

I believe the bandits must be hiding there.

I can show you the place, Cousin.

There are only 3-4 bandits.

They couldn't establish a base in the mountain.

For them to be hiding in caves like what you said, it may be.

Impossible.

The caves connect to a subterranean stream.

It's rainy season now so tunnels would be flooded.

A temporary stay poses enough problems,

let alone as their base.

Qiu Min.

If you have superficial knowledge, don't assume it's fact.

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.]