Original subtitles

[Flourished Peony]

[Episode 29]

Mr. Liu still holds onto the old affections.

But look at you now.

In what way,

can you compete with Jiang Changyang?

Life comes first.

So what if you're a concubine?

So what if you marry into a new wife's family?

In this world, whoever has the ability to survive

is the strong one.

Is the walking stick prepared by His Highness

ready for me?

Can this medicine

restore my hopes for offspring?

Can it make the bubbling scorn go away?

Or can it allow Zishu and I

to be in love as before?

Rather than coaxing me to take medicine,

you might as well go kill He Weifang.

Youzhen.

Youzhen?

Zishu. Quickly help me up.

Your Highness, be careful.

Youzhen.

Zishu, what happened to your leg?

I heard you were injured

and got extremely anxious.

In a moment of carelessness, I fell from a high place.

Today, I just managed to get up and move.

So I wanted to come and see you immediately.

I see.

I thought

you didn't want me anymore.

I thought you despised me.

I had made up my mind,

that if I couldn't bear your children,

and if you wanted to call off our wedding,

I would have had no choice but to end my life.

How could you think that?

Youzhen.

For the rest of my life,

I still count on you.

Be it children

or rumors,

none are as important as you.

If you don't disdain

this broken body of mine,

I am willing to marry

into Prince Ning's Mansion.

In the days to come, for all eternity,

it will only be the two of us.

What do you say?

Of course, I wouldn't disdain you.

No matter what you become,

you are still the Zishu

I know.

I have already conveyed my feelings to His Highness.

In ten days,

we shall be wed.

But could ten days

be a bit too hasty?

Of course not.

Youzhen, you have no idea.

Having been through so much turmoil

and suffering the pain of broken bones,

I have already come to a profound realization

and just wish for a new life.

My desire to marry you

can no longer wait.

I feel the same way.

These are the most precious flowers

in the flower guild.

Does the County Princess

truly not fancy any?

Although these flowers are precious,

they are not rare.

Any noble family's banquet

will feature these.

The County Princess said,

she wanted the flowers for the wedding banquet

to be unmatched in the whole world.

This wedding is quite urgent.

If we had a few more months,

the flower guild would surely be able to develop

a unique new breed.

But now, there are less than three days to the wedding.

How did the Lv family come to hold

the guild head position?

Simply because you have been supplying flowers

to Prince Ning's Mansion for ten years.

If the flowers for the County Princess' grand wedding

are neglected by you,

losing this head position is the least of your worries.

The County Princess might think the flower guild only has an empty reputation

and there's no longer a need for its existence.

Speaking of "Unmatched in the world",

the Jade in Red flower from Danzhou

is considered a rare and exotic flower.

But there are less than three days.

To go back and forth, there's no time.

Master, I have an idea, but…

Can't you see the situation?

Speak up.

Although the County Princess does not allow the noble ladies of each family

to buy flowers from Huamanzhu,

but Lady He

has never given up on cultivating new varieties.

I heard she rented a pond

and has cultivated a kind of

rare lotus flower

and she wants to use this flower

to win back the market of the nobility.

I have named this flower

Golden Clasp.

Golden Clasp?

Isn't that the long-lost peony

mentioned in the ancient books?

Exactly.

According to the rumors, the petals of Golden Clasp peony

harbor two layers of yellow stamens.

But it's a pity that we can hardly witness it.

So I thought

if I could cultivate a similar lotus flower

borrowing its elegant name,

it could somehow satisfy those who love flowers.

Golden yellow stamens fade into the petals,

complementing the pink of the lotus petals,

the blossom is full and the petals are overlapping.

Its nobility can rival that of peonies,

and its prettiness does not yield to Herbaceous Peony.

It surely lives up to the name of Golden Clasp.

Lady He.

No, Madam.

You're truly talented.

You flatter me, guild head.

Just call me Lady He as usual.

Alright.

Let's go inside to talk.

Okay.

Presumably, I don't need to go on

about the hardships of cultivating new varieties.

Of course,

I understand.

In our dynasty, only officials above the fifth rank

can wear a golden belt.

And the name Golden Clasp symbolizes good fortune.

Throughout Chang'an, the noble families

will surely flock to this flower

seeking this symbol of success in their official careers.

Saying this business opportunity is worth thousands of gold

is not an exaggeration.

Yes, Lady He.

I know this Golden Clasp is precious.

I also know

that it is infused with your hard work.

You and I have no acquaintance.

But if I don't get this flower,

not only the Lv family

would be at the mercy of others.

The reputation of the flower guild

will also be completely ruined.

I earnestly plead that Lady He yield this flower.

Please get up.

That day, outside Fragrance Garden,

I said many things that were offensive to you.

I hope you will not bear a grudge.

If you are willing to part with it,

I am willing to do anything.

Please, guild head,

get up so we can talk.

Guild Head.

When I say this Golden Clasp is valuable,

it's not taking advantage of your plight

or extortion for personal gains.

If you, sir,

are willing to sell Fragrance Garden to me,

I am willing to give up this business opportunity.

Lady He, you have such magnanimity.

I am

truly ashamed.

I will have someone bring the land deed for Fragrance Garden.

[Land Deed]

I knew my family was wealthy,

but I never knew it was so rich.

Father actually owns

such a large garden.

In the past, you dressed so modestly.

I thought you were hiding your wealth on purpose.

I never expected

you truly didn't know

how much money your family had.

The flower guild shops are spread across the country.

Whenever nobles and gentry have any banquets or celebrations,

they almost always purchase from the flower guild.

80% of flower farmers rely on the flower guild for their livelihood.

Chun.

Speaking of family wealth,

these two small shops

Mudan and I have

can not compete.

Mudan.

In the crisis of the Lv family,

thankfully, you lent a helping hand.

Did Father sell this garden to you for less?

Yes.

For the County Princess's grand wedding,

she asked for unparalleled flowers,

thus the guild head bought all Golden Clasp

at five times the price.

This covered 50%.

The money I previously borrowed from the pawnshop

was used to open the new store.

I don't have enough cash on hand.

Fortunately, the guild head allowed an extension,

allowing me to pay half the money first,

and pay the rest gradually.

What's wrong?

Mudan.

You went through so much effort

to buy your mother's garden,

Whereas I, simply by being born into a good family

can do nothing

and still enjoy fine clothes and gourmet food without worry.

I just feel

that life is so unfair.

Mudan has already earned more than the average merchant.

But in the eyes of the powerful,

this money seems insignificant.

It's less than what they receive in one instance of a gift

or one banquet they host.

I wonder

we work so hard,

giving our all

for what exactly.

What's gotten into you?

In the vast city of Chang'an, although we are quite insignificant,

and we may be minor players,

we still have our own desires.

An individual's sorrow and joy

should not be determined by how others live.

We work diligently

all to make our own lives better.

Now, by my own means,

I have reclaimed Fragrance Garden.

Chun's Qingshuzhai

is about to open.

Our lives are getting better and better.

Shouldn't we be happy about it?

Alright.

Stop frowning now.

Today I will treat everyone to a meal

at the Fuguilou, how's that?

- Yeah. - Cheer up.

If you drink like this,

I'm afraid you won't be able to get on the wedding carriage tomorrow.

This is my first marriage.

I don't have much experience

and my heart is all in a flutter.

How about you?

I'm very pleased.

I have finally taken back the Fragrance Garden my mother loved most.

If it weren't for the big wedding tomorrow,

I would have already rushed there.

A long-cherished wish fulfilled.

Why not have a big drink?

The wish I told you before

I made when I came to Chang'an

was exactly this.

My mother taught me for the first time

how to cultivate peonies

right there in the Fragrance Garden.

She said Fragrance Garden was Grandmother's dowry to her,

and it will be left to me in the future.

Unfortunately, I've been married twice,

and she never got to see it.

The first time, you married to Liu Chang,

a husband who is conceited and weak.

It's just as well she didn't see him.

She would worry for you.

The second time, you are marrying a corrupt official like me, a profligate.

She would probably have been even angrier.

Mother was perceptive and clear-sighted.

She would be able to see through your disguise

and know you are a very good person.

I told you,

when the time came,

[Good Citizenship Contract] I would set you free.

This will also be more convenient for you.

In order to save my life,

you went to a lot of trouble.

Thank you.

The money for your indenture contract

can also be sent to this mansion.

Of course. Rest assured.

In the future,

I will run Huamanzhu well.

Mr. Jiang,

just wait for the big profits.

Alright.

Be honest.

At this moment,

how do you feel?

To be honest,

at this moment,

I feel very at ease.

At ease?

I remember the night

before I first got married,

I was very nervous at that time.

As bold as you are, you would be scared?

Of course I'd be scared.

I was about to enter a strange house

and live with a group of strangers.

Naturally, there was fear.

But at that time, for the sake of my mother,

I had to do it.

But this time,

the person I am marrying is you,

Jiang Changyang.

You make me feel very much at ease.

♫ If the heart is like frost ♫

Although I know our marriage is a sham,

the arrangements in the mansion are also to deceive Prince Ning,

but those lanterns

made with my nickname

and those peony patterns.

I see them all.

I know

you made an effort.

You saw them.

I thought you were too busy earning money to buy the garden

to take the wedding to heart at all.

♫ Fleecy clouds in the sky ♫

If it weren't for saving me,

you wouldn't wish to marry at all.

Since it's all an act,

why pay such attention to it?

♫ Silk grows, sprouting longing ♫

♫ If the heart is like frost ♫

♫ What's the harm in a life of solitude ♫

If the scene isn't set properly,

how can I collect the gift money?

Indeed.

This is such a good excuse for receiving gifts.

As the greediest in the world,

you surely can't miss it.

All the gift money is yours.

This way, my sense of remorse

can be lessened somewhat.

Jiang Changyang.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Anyway,

we'll face any punishment together in the future.

After this meal,

go back and sleep honestly.

Get yourself well dressed tomorrow

and wait for me to come and get you.

♫ As I cast a glance back ♫

♫ I behold mountains tall ♫

♫ And rivers' track ♫

[Jiang Mansion]

Are you sleepy?

This will take a while.

Why don't you go and sleep first?

What are you talking about?

I am moved.

So happy for you.

Logically speaking,

when taking a concubine, the husband should provide a dowry.

But Chun and I are from your maternal family.

Naturally, we want to give you some support.

We both chipped in

and made a set for you.

It's not expensive,

but

it's all designs that you like.

This was rushed overnight by the Dyeing and Weaving Bureau.

It's called the Phoenix Golden Crown

with the phoenix mouth holding a pearl.

All these head ornaments combined

are not as valuable as a piece of turquoise

from this headdress.

The sentiment from my maternal family

is worth more than any pearl crown.

Of course, I will wear it.

What about this crown then?

I'll wear them together.

My neck can handle it.

Fu, in a while,

I'll wear it like this, okay?

Do you like it?

You're not allowed to cry today.

Otherwise, it would detract your spirit of a martial wanderer.

Where's Chun?

I don't know. I told Chun the time,

I don't know why she hasn't come yet.

What's wrong, Chun?

Mudan,

I know it's your big wedding day today,

and I shouldn't disturb you.

But today, If I don't speak up,

I will no longer exist in this world,

nor will the Lv family.

Sheng and Xiao play the phoenix melody.

Drum music welcomes the honored guests.

Today, Weifang from the He family

is virtuous, prudent, diligent and kind in conduct.

Changyang from the Jiang family

is noble in character, dutiful and responsible.

They make a heaven-sent consort

and forge a lifelong bond today.

Please welcome the bride.

I am not skilled in writing poems to hasten the bridal makeup.

But I have enough money to smooth the way.

So many people are watching.

Don't miss the auspicious time.

Whoever can open this door

can ask for any amount.

You see, Fu is the one.

Please let me explain.

Yesterday, when I delivered these Golden Clasp,

I have carefully examined

every single petal and leaf.

There wasn't a single damage.

Yesterday the flowers were fine, but today they have withered.

What a great misfortune this is.

If you neglect the royal members,

everyone working at the flower guild

will be dead.

Father.

I have invited the lady who cultivated this flower.

She will know at a glance what the problem with this flower is.

You've come to the rescue in danger.

I, Lv, shall never forget it.

Since you are from the flower guild,

why are you hiding?

She has acne on her face

and it's so horrifying, hence the veiling.

Would you please ask the cook

to bring ten bowls of peach and plum juice here?

You're here to save the flower,

but you're asking for tea drinks.

You can't boss around people from Prince Ning's Mansion.

How about when I ask?

Floral Envoy, what are you doing here?

I thought you were taking a concubine today.

This is the floriculturist

my mistress asked to set up the courtyard.

I am waiting for her,

yet you have snatched her away.

Do as she says without delay.

Settle this matter sooner

so I can rush back

and not miss the auspicious time.

Yes.

Father. Get up quickly.

What are you doing here?

I should be able to return soon.

You ran away from our wedding. How could I not come?

You've run into a dangerous place.

What if you encounter Prince Ning or the County Princess?

Are you asking me to marry you posthumously?

This is the larva of the green bristle moth.

When grown, it resembles a butterfly,

therefore, the people in the mansion have not driven it away.

This insect likes to hide under lotus leaves.

It nibbles on the flowers and leaves,

but it prefers the sweet flesh of fruits even more.

This is why I have obtained plum and peach juice

to attract the insects.

The grand Prince Ning's mansion

can't even cultivate the lotus flowers

in one's own mansion properly,

yet, they blame the flower guild instead.

Chun. Do not speak rashly.

Hopefully, the County Princess is satisfied with this flower.

Release him.

Yes.

Thank you, Floral Envoy.

Thank you, my lady.

Guild Head Lu, you're welcome.

If it were not for your clever daughter,

I would not have been able to make it here today.

If you don't come back to the mansion with me,

are we still getting married or not?

Something feels missing.

County Princess.

Wait.

Hand it over for a moment.

Yes.

This flower.

This flower is not only beautiful and unique,

its significance is also auspicious.

It is called 'Golden Clasp'.

Golden Clasp.

What Zishu desires most

is a golden belt around the waist

and his ambitions rewarded.

He will definitely like it.

Higher.

Further up.

Right here.

This is my first time seeing the bridegroom ride in the wedding carriage.

Don't make a fuss about it. He is the son-in-law living with the bride's family.

Naturally, it's the groom riding the carriage to the bride's home.

However, Prince Ning's Mansion has grandly arranged it.

This wedding has greater splendor than the grand wedding of the normal powerful and noble.

He's out.

The kindness of upbringing from Father and Mother is all repaid today.

Whether it's fortune or misfortune in the future, I will walk on my own.

By saying that, I'm afraid Zishu no longer wishes to acknowledge us.

Master. Maybe we shouldn't have forced him into this situation.

♫ The long road stretches far ♫

♫ I miss you but how can we cuddle ♫

♫ It's hard to understand that people and things have changed ♫

♫ What is valuable now ♫

♫ Unable to sleep at night ♫

♫ In the end, it all passes by ♫

♫ The wind blows ♫

♫ The bluebird never returns ♫

♫ I still have hope in my heart ♫

♫ If I never come back ♫

♫ Write that I never regret it ♫

♫ Waiting for the flowers to bloom ♫

♫ The immortal purity ♫

[Grand Marriage]

♫ I fall like leaves in wind ♫

Please walk slowly.

♫ Fate changes my life ♫

Scatter beans. Avoid the three evils.

Pure luck and safety.

Evil spirits be gone forever.

Please proceed.

♫ This dream feels like getting drunk ♫

♫ The wind blows ♫

♫ The bluebird never returns ♫

♫ I still have hope in my heart ♫

The ceremony of unrolling the carpet.

Passing the mat, receiving the bag.

Passed down through generations.

First scattering like flowers and brocade.

Second scattering fills the hall with gold and jade.

Third scattering for a harmonious and celebratory gathering.

Fourth scattering in the magnificent gallery and orchid hall.

Fifth scattering for wealth and honour bestowed on the husband.

Sixth scattering for eternal fortune and prosperity.

Seventh scattering for peace, health, and longevity of ancestors.

Eighth scattering for a triumphant return home with eight horses.

Ninth scattering to keep malevolent spirits at bay.

Tenth scattering for the eight great auspicious signs.

Step over the saddle.

One horse, one saddle.

The newlyweds cross the saddle balanced and steady.

The couple harmoniously preserves for a long time.

Abundant wealth and glory for over a century.

♫ ♫

My lord. You have to step over the saddle.

This is for exorcising evil and eliminating disasters.

They are good omens for welcoming auspiciousness and receiving blessings.

Father. Zishu has difficulty with his legs.

Rituals must not be discarded.

What do you think, Zishu?

You are right, Your Highness.

Bow before the mirror.

Husband and wife united, everlasting bliss and prosperity.

Bow.

Bow again.

Bow again.

Tied sashes and fixed makeup.

Lead the rope into the bridal chamber.

Ten miles of bridal procession and a thousand in gold for the dowry are inferior to granting your wish.

Host a banquet in your courtyard will put you at most east, I suppose.

This bottle gourd was personally picked by Fu.

She picked a couple dozens before choosing the roundest one for you and me.

My lady, would you do me the honor and drink this nuptial wine together?

Wait a moment.

This is your first marriage.

And it's for me.

I've always wanted to express my gratitude.

But you lack for nothing.

So I had to personally use roses to brew this nuptial wine.

I hope it won't leave you with regrets

Does this wine have a name?

Peach Blossom.

Try it.

If you find it good, we can sell it at Huamanzhu in the future.

You never forget business, truly a kindred spirit with me.

♫ Can this ten thousand miles of roaming winds and waves ♫

With someone who understands you, moving and acting according to one's heart is a rare delight.

Life between heaven and earth is like a traveler far from home.

♫ Clouds are hidden by night ♫

Entertainment and drinks.

A modest indulgence is not insignificant.

I toast to you to say thank you.

Thank you for letting me encounter various unexpected blessings.

You're welcome.

I also thank you. Because of you, I had various unexpected fortunes.

And my days became full of splendid interest.

♫ What's the harm in a life of solitude ♫

♫ Yet you shine as light ♫

♫ Piercing through my heart ♫

♫ If love is like frost ♫

♫ There's a flickering candle ♫

♫ No words are said ♫

♫ Yet for you ♫

♫ I'll go ahead ♫

[Who marries first is a dog. Suizhi.]

♫ The night was dark as ink ♫

♫ I hide away like leaves in the rain ♫

♫ I remember the war music in Lanling ♫

[Who marries first is a dog. Suizhi.]

♫ I still hear the war drums ♫

[Who marries first is a dog. Suizhi.]

♫ As I cast a glance back ♫

♫ I behold mountains tall and rivers' track ♫

My lord.

My lord.

Fu and I were so busy

dealing with those guests.

But the two of us cooperated tacitly.

This hasn't even been a grand affair yet.

You now know the complexity of getting married, right?

Chun, what are you doing here?

How is it? Is everything alright?

Thanks to you, it's fine now.

Father has received a reward and he's consoling the floriculturists who worked hard for days.

So I ran out through the dog hole.

Suizhi.

Suizhi.

Mr. Xu seldom goes out,

and now you're here.

I am the accountant of Huamanzhu.

Naturally, I have to come

to have an eye on things.

There are no outsiders in today's banquet.

Only relatives and friends.

Let's indulge in drinking merrily

and acting delightfully.

Please take your seats.

- Nonsense. - This Mr. Xu…

Do you really think we are here to eat at the banquet?

How can he treat the Floral Envoy

with such an attitude?

The sages have said

there are heaven and earth, and then there are all things.

With all things, there are men and women.

With men and women, there are husbands and wives.

This is the beginning of all ages.

The usual social interactions

can all be dispensed with.

But the rites and salutations at the wedding ceremony

are to respectfully inform heaven and earth

that from now on, the couple is united as one

to share honor and disgrace together.

It's absolutely indispensable.

Are… Are you sure?

Hurry up, come on.

♫ In endless Chang'an, the zither's melody distant ♫

♫ Plum and willow trees bask in the sunshine, as splendor returns with the year ♫

♫ Copper palace battlements, songs and dances, glass goblets ♫

♫ Idle clouds and duckweed, a thousand flowers burst forth ♫

♫ Time passes gracefully, affairs settle like fading smoke ♫

♫ Let the years go by, carried by the wind to early desires ♫

♫ If the heart is like water, the bloom is ever-present ♫

♫ Still cherish the moon of my hometown, to meet for long ♫

♫ The distant night sky strewn with stars, reflecting the lovely moon ♫

♫ The peony's magnificent beauty fills the Fragrance Garden ♫

♫ With a heart as my lantern, I don't mind the distant mountain paths ♫

♫ The flute's sound, a fleeting life's wishes fulfilled ♫

♫ Time passes gracefully, affairs settle like fading smoke ♫

♫ Let the years go by, carried by the wind to early desires ♫

♫ If the heart is like water, the bloom is ever-present ♫

♫ Still cherish the moon of my hometown, to meet for long ♫