Original subtitles

EPISODE 9

Sister, have some more porridge.

Thank you. Sorry for the trouble.

Not at all.

Madam.

Master Du has returned. He's outside.

Quick. Invite him in.

Alas.

-I'll excuse myself now. -I'll excuse myself now.

Mom, I'm back.

Yangxi. My dear Yangxi.

-Here. -Yangxi.

-It's me. -Yangxi.

Mom, you've traveled far.

Forgive me for not being there. It's my failure as a son.

Alright, alright. Have a seat.

You're finally reunited.

Wipe those tears away.

I'll have two more dishes made.

Let's celebrate your reunion.

Master Du, before taking her back,

have a meal first.

Thank you for the effort.

It's no trouble, not at all.

Sorry for the trouble.

Mom, how did you come here?

The Liu family wanted to take you as their son-in-law,

so they got me here by force.

If I didn't meet some kind souls,

I might never have seen you again.

Qiongnu.

-Shouhua? -The Du family left?

They just left. Do you need something?

After seeing Aunt Du,

Kangning hasn't left her room?

Come here. I need a word with you.

Something happened!

Something happened.

A drunken soldier startled a horse by Pan Restaurant.

The horse hit Master Chai.

He…

It's so late.

Where are you going?

Seems like

the horse didn't scare Master Chai.

It scared my sister instead.

Shouhua, you lied to me.

You're too clever for that.

How could you believe such a lie?

People watching you two argue

might really think you've both moved on.

How could I know your true feelings if I didn't test you?

Shouhua, I…

Kangning,

Aunt Du's here.

If you're backing out,

this is your last chance.

From now on, there's no turning back.

Who is the one you care about?

Think carefully about it.

I'll go.

Kangning.

He's waiting outside. Go.

Why are you doing this?

You ruined my marriage,

but I can't block your path?

You're just trying to go against me?

I've paved every step for you

and you really had no idea?

Even a heartless person

should be touched by my sincerity by now.

Why did you conspire with Baniang?

When I found out, I was devastated.

Why didn't you ask me about marriage?

You used force instead.

What did Aunt Du do to you?

Why drag her into it?

If you really wanted to persuade your mother, couldn't you

try to move her with rationale and emotions?

You had to lie, trick, and scheme?

Is my family so shameful?

You can fool her for a moment, but can you fool her forever?

My mom and Madam Li hold grudges against each other.

It'll take time to mend that.

I'll try to mediate slowly.

But now, you're about to engage.

Did you even leave me any choice?

I didn't want to lie or trick either.

But it's you.

You left me no choice but to scheme.

Why? Does this hurt your pride?

Is she holding a grudge?

Or does she see my family as unworthy?

Master Chai, do you really think

it is only your mom who looks down on me?

Since we're being honest,

there are some harsh things I have to ask,

even if it would make you hate me.

Is your family some noble lineage?

A household of scholars?

Or has your mother never sought fame and fortune,

connections with the wealthy?

-What? -If Yuanming weren't a scholar,

would Madam Li even look at him?

People see a servant in your house,

nearly humiliated by a scoundrel.

They talk behind your mother's back

about how she treats her servant.

That gossip reached my mother. She is, of course, concerned.

Do you expect her

to beg for this marriage?

Is that what you want?

But your family is your family,

and you are you.

I'm marrying you, not your family.

I don't care about these issues.

So, why do you?

Fine words.

You say you don't look down on us,

but you are looking down everywhere.

You love the purity of the lotus flower,

but forget that it's rooted in the mud below.

Without the mud that loves and protects it,

it wouldn't survive the rain and wind.

My mother has many flaws,

but she doesn't rob or steal and only stands on her own feet.

She raised five daughters alone.

To me, she's worth more than gold.

I won't let anyone insult her.

-I… -Master Chai,

go ahead

and find a bride from the noble families.

Why should I let myself be humiliated?

A simple girl from a small family like me

will settle where I belong.

I swear today,

even if I grow old unmarried,

I'll never set foot in your family!

Kangning. Kangning!

Kangning.

The snow is coming down.

Our lady said,

let's have Master Du share a room with Sang for a night.

Tomorrow, we'll prepare a proper room.

Aunt Du can move in then.

Thanks.

Mom,

you must be exhausted from the trip.

-Let me prepare a foot soak for you. -This cotton feels so thick.

Yangxi,

the Li family treats you well.

How will you repay them?

Kneel.

I've heard of many scholars

thinking they're rare treasures,

always trying to push one's luck.

Just waiting to sell themselves high.

I thought, such people didn't deserve respect.

I taught you to be grateful,

but have you forgotten everything?

Mom,

I get it.

I'll propose marriage tomorrow.

Two bowls, please.

Thanks.

WINTER SOLSTICE

Here you go.

-Okay. -Thanks.

Here you go. Thank you. Be careful. It's hot.

Can't catch him.

Got it, got it.

-Got it. -Slow down.

Toys.

Pinwheel.

Take a look.

Wait for me.

Many thanks, sir.

Cousin,

why turn down

a beauty like that?

Master Fan,

are you scared of your wife's wrath?

Don't be scared.

She naps in the afternoon anyway.

That's right.

Get out.

All of you!

Let's go.

-Chai An! -I had such a good time.

Why are you ruining it?

My mother-in-law is marrying off Kangning to Du Yangxi.

Did you hear? Kangning's getting married!

So what?

It has nothing to do with me.

Fine. Guess I shouldn't have meddled.

Not my problem anymore.

Mom, it's the Winter Solstice.

I made new shoes for you. See if they fit.

-Try them on later, okay? -Sure.

I made some too.

-Mom. -See. Me too.

-Look at mine. -I made a peace bracelet.

Here, wear it.

I made it myself.

It means peace and safety.

-Wear it for me, okay? -Good girl.

Wontons are ready.

Here.

They are colorful.

I want this.

-Here. -Give me one.

Here.

This looks good.

Mom, did you really agree to the proposal?

Yes, he's a future jinshi.

The Liu family couldn't get such a match. Of course, I agreed.

Mom settled it with the Du family.

The wedding's after the results come out in the second month.

Does Kangning want to marry him?

I'll do as Mom says.

That's the spirit.

Eat up.

I got a yellow croaker filling.

-This pink one is… -Let me try.

Don't eat mine. You have your own.

-Let me try yours. -I want yellow croaker.

-I want this. -No.

Is it good?

-Mine's better. -No, mine's better.

Cousin,

you're trying to marry her.

How could you say something this hurtful?

Kangning was ready to say yes.

If only you said some gentle words,

she'd break the engagement for you.

But your harsh words

made her angry and she changed her mind again.

Cousin,

you're smart.

How could you mess this up?

Did I not tell the truth?

These days,

I've done so much for her.

She feels that she's shamed,

so she wants to cut ties.

She's so heartless.

Why should I beg her again?

Never.

Cousin,

the Li family isn't like the others.

How are they different?

My mom's a widow too. She raised her kids with hardship,

but she still values virtue.

Not everyone's like the Li family,

always calculating profits,

teaching their daughters like this,

turning marriage into a deal.

Cousin, this time, you're wrong.

Get in.

She's so young and pretty.

She'll remarry soon, right?

All this property

will be someone else's.

Of course!

All these belong to the Li family.

Move it all out. Don't leave anything.

Take it all.

-Let's move this out. -Okay.

Move all the stuff. Let's do it.

This one's nice.

You…

Good stuff.

Grab this stuff.

And this.

Take this too.

-Alright. -And this one.

-That was from my dad! -Kangning.

Can you even hold onto it?

-I said don't-- -You can't take this.

-Give it back! -No.

Kid.

You bastard.

-Get up. -Leave here.

Get out of here.

Robber! Bastard!

You…

Get out!

Out, all of you!

Get out.

I'm telling you, if you don't give us a hundred or so,

we'll be back tomorrow and the day after.

Can you kill us all?

-Let's go. -That's right.

Let's go.

It's okay.

This one is for you.

-Thanks. -You're welcome.

-I want one too. -It's pretty.

I want this.

This is for me.

Stop it. I like that.

Why are you here alone?

This one looks great.

I want that one.

This year, Fuhui is home with us.

-I'll help Mom pick one. -It's so nice.

When family can gather and everyone is safe and sound,

that's the happiest life.

Look at you, messy like a kitten.

The late husband's assets go to his widow and daughter per Song's rule.

Such blatant looting.

No one stopped them?

Of course, there was someone.

The magistrate sentenced them to prison.

Even the neighbors tried to mediate,

but the fights never ended.

While others happily celebrated Winter Solstice and New Year,

their family feared every festival, afraid that those bandits would come.

Cousin, if you were Madam Li,

could you have done better?

Why tell me this so late?

Fuhui didn't let me tell you.

Don't blame Kangning.

She's not greedy.

She just wants a peaceful life.

They knew from a young age

that they must stick together

to survive in this world.

Trying to trick your own mother with outsiders?

Thought you could fool me?

I'm telling you,

I'll never approve of you marrying her.

Mom, Kangning is marrying someone else.

You don't need to worry anymore.

Are you happy now?

Son,

Mom only wants the best for you.

FIRST MONTH IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR

So pretty.

No sneaking bites.

There are so many.

I'll just take one.

This batch wasn't easy to make.

Mom woke me up

before dawn

-just to help her. -Today's the provincial exam.

Mom says Kangning must make the cakes herself.

Only then is it sincere,

right?

Deliver them. Hurry up.

Can I see him now?

I know. We're about to be family.

I'm off to deliver this to my brother-in-law-to-be.

Careful. Don't ruin them.

Don't worry, I won't.

Mom.

Go prepare stuff for the altar.

Hurry.

-Wake up. Let's go. -Why should it be me again?

EXAM HOUSE

Bless us, Buddha.

Bless my future son-in-law.

Let him pass, achieve glory,

and become a jinshi.

Please.

Kangning,

if Du Yangxi passes, you'll have to marry him.

With Mom praying so fervently,

are you hoping he passes or not?

The results are out.

The results are out. Let's take a look.

It's too early.

Go back to sleep.

The results are out.

Kangning, let's go.

Let's do the treasure hunt.

The Lantern Festival is over.

Go back to bed.

Today, His Majesty visits Peaks Temple.

He'll return late.

The streets are packed.

Everyone's rushing to see him at Xuande Gate.

I'm tired.

Kangning.

Please go with us.

It's a once-in-a-lifetime scene.

The best finds are after the crowd clears.

If we don't go now, the others will take everything.

I'm not going.

-Kangning. -Bedtime.

Go away.

-Let's go. -Hey, you.

Let's go.

If you go without me, I'll tell Mom.

Hurry up.

Keep it down, or Mom won't let anyone leave.

Be quiet.

Take your shoes off.

Kangning, look at this.

What do you think?

It's all trampled.

There's a big one here.

-Take it back for Mom. -No.

Look at this.

What is it?

Put it on me.

-How is it? Is it pretty? -It is pretty.

But just only one.

Look at me.

What?

Let's see if there's anything else.

Could it be him?

Kangning, what have you found?

I searched for a long time and only found this.

-Sisters, come here. -On my way.

What's this?

A hairpin. It's perfect for Mom.

It's not as good as mine.

What are you looking at?

Nothing. The sun's going to rise soon.

If we don't go back now, Mom might catch us red-handed.

-Let's go. -Let's go back.

Let's head back.

Where did this good stuff come from?

Everything we picked up today was good.

Could it be him?

Was it perfectly placed?

Yeah.

-Let me. -It's okay.

I don't know how many days I can serve by Mom's side.

Go. Search over there.

What happened? Let's take a look.

Leshan, what's all the excitement about?

Mom.

The palace guards are out questioning people.

They say Her Majesty's carriage

passed through the street.

Something precious was stolen. I'll go check.

Leshan, wait for me.

-A treasure? -I'm waiting.

What kind of treasure?

Check it out and tell me later. I'll be waiting to hear.

What are you hiding?

Come here.

Such a fine pearl

must not be from an ordinary home.

Could it be from the palace?

Let me hand it over.

Didn't Leshan say?

It's stolen!

If we hand it over now, we'll be seen as thieves.

We were just hunting.

Whoever sees it gets it.

How did this turn into trouble?

Let's just throw it away.

If someone picks it up unknowingly,

they'll get in trouble. I'll feel bad.

That won't work either.

How about we put it back and hide nearby to watch?

At dawn, the guards will find it.

It'll go back to its owner.

Okay, that's the way.

Do it now. I'll keep watch for you.

The palace lost the luminous pearl.

Why are you so scared?

It's you. Take it back, quickly.

Don't worry, Kangning.

Remember when we first met?

I broke your comb by mistake.

This is just to make it up to you.

I kept it out of selfishness.

I even had a replica made for you.

I planned to surprise you

when proposing.

I'm not lucky enough

to marry you.

I was foolish

and said things that hurt you.

Please forgive me

for my temper.

With the exam results coming soon,

a wedding is not far off.

I have nothing else for you.

This comb is my wedding gift to you.

Kangning, someone's coming.

The time I miss most

is when we used to argue.

Sadly,

I don't think

I will have the chance again in this life

to be tricked by you again.

Go back now.

Kangning, let's go.

Take it back.

Even if you don't want it, you shouldn't throw it.

I drew it from memory. There won't be a second one on earth.

Do you still miss

the days of me tricking you?

Master Chai,

thank you for your kindness,

but I'm getting married.

I can't accept gifts from another man.

Such a treasure. Keep it for yourself.

Give it to your future wife.

Take care.

I don't know this one either.

-Let's go. -Who passed?

SECOND DAY OF THE SECOND MONTH

Excuse me. Make way.

-I passed! -There.

-Passed. -Congrats!

Congrats to you.

Why didn't I make it?

You're looking at it wrong.

That's my name.

I'm on the list too!

-I'm sixth place! -I passed!

You're the provincial top scorer!

Provincial top scorer!

-Let's go, sir. -Hurry up.

You're the top one.

-Sir. -Sir.

-Yuanming. -Sir.

-Sir, come with us. -Yuanming.

Yuanming.

Yuanming.

-Sir. -My husband…

Don't let them go. Take them home.

Wait, no.

I can't remember. Wrong again.

Will anyone even come?

On the second day of the second month, the roads are packed.

Not everyone goes out.

Come to our place, guess the names of the wild veggies.

Those who guess it right can win stationery,

silk, or tea sets as prizes.

If you guess it wrong, just take it as fun.

Later, we'll hold a veggie-picking feast.

We can sell spring wine too. To earn a little extra.

Passed! Passed!

What did he win?

He ranked first in the exams!

Provincial top scorer!

What?

Sis,

my son-in-law, your son, ranked first!

Provincial top scorer!

Alright, alright, I heard it.

I know you're happy. I'm thrilled too.

Thank you, Buddha.

Where's Master Du?

I haven't seen him. He's probably hiding.

Hiding?

The wealthy and officials

camped outside the Ministry of Rites since midnight,

waiting for the results. It's like a swarm of bees.

It's a crazier scene than a slaughterhouse.

You fool! Go send someone to fetch him.

Go.

-Go get help from the front shop. -Okay.

Chunlai, fireworks.

No. I need to save my son-in-law first.

-My son-in-law. -Mom.

-No rush. -What--

Oops, spoke too soon.

Sorry, sis.

Seeing him is pure joy.

I didn't think I'd call it too early.

Not early. He's your son-in-law for sure.

Now, we need to plan the wedding fast.

Let's do it. Right away.

Come. Help me decide.

Both of them are great.

She's the daughter of the Court Attendant.

She's 17, writes amazing poetry,

and carries herself with grace.

But her eyes are a bit small.

She's already quite pretty.

Look at this one.

The daughter of the Cavalry Officer. She's 19.

She's a real beauty.

But sadly, her mother passed early,

and her stepmother may not care much about her etiquette.

Mom.

Mom, Aunt, there's big news.

Is there anything I haven't faced?

Even within chaos, I stay composed.

Why are you so flustered?

How bad can it be? Look at you.

Aunt, brother is going to sail away.

Congratulations, Madam Li.

Your sharp eye

found a great son-in-law.

This must be destiny.

Congrats.

Congrats.

They're such a perfect match.

Son, where are you sailing to?

Aunt, why not let me finish?

Next month, he's off to Quanzhou.

He'll sail with foreign merchants

to the Arab lands to sell silk and porcelain.

Son, why leave your big family business

and do business at sea instead?

What do you want?

Aunt, that's not fair to say.

If he brings our Song silk and porcelain

overseas,

he can bring back a lot of frankincense.

It's hugely profitable.

They say the Quanzhou merchants

even harvest oil from stranded whales.

It's a lucrative trade.

It's worth a try.

Though the seas can be rough.

Exactly. Strong winds and waves.

What if the ship capsizes?

Aunt, don't worry too much.

I hear the Quanzhou ships

are as tall as mansions, with sails towering into the clouds.

They can carry 2,000 bushels of rice.

They are not easy to flip, unless they hit a major storm.

But who can predict that?

What if he does hit a big storm?

Are you trying to scare me?

Aunt, please don't stress.

You've seen so much in life.

He won't be so unlucky. He'll be fine.

But the Arab lands are far.

Three to five years with no word.

You should be prepared.

Shut up.

You're my only son,

the apple of my eye.

If you leave,

you'll break my heart.

-What day is it today? -The second day of the second month.

It's the day for the Ministry results.

The second day of the second month.

It should've been my wedding day.

Son, I…

Mom, my trade routes

have covered all of the Song,

but I've never sailed abroad.

I've always heard foreign merchants

talking about Arab lands and Murabit.

This time, I want to see it for myself.

I promise you,

I'll return safely

as soon as possible.

Don't worry about me.

Take care of yourself.

I leave the day after tomorrow.

I still have many things to arrange.

I'll head off now.

Cousin.

Aunt.

He's made up his mind.

No one can stop him.

You probably should accept it.

Go, prepare a generous gift.

I'm heading to the Li family.

Both families agreed on this match.

The betrothal letter was exchanged,

and by rule, this marriage should have been agreed upon.

But the Matchmaking God

forgot the red string.

A few words from us have ruined it.

Madam Chai, so it's just a few words?

It's my fault, all my fault.

I listened to nonsense gossip and didn't think it through.

I've wronged our good in-laws.

Today, I came to apologize.

My dear in-law,

you're so kind and forgiving. Please forgive me.

Don't let my foolishness

ruin a heaven-sent match.

Oh no, don't say that.

I'm just a humble tea seller.

I can't be compared to the prestigious Chai family.

Being your in-law

is out of my league.

But, you know,

even poor families are blessed by heaven.

See those people lining up outside with their betrothal letters?

They're here to meet the new provincial top scorer.

Do you know what it is?

The top scorer in the civil exams.

In the capital, where riches abound,

a top scorer is one in a million.

A talent like that

could marry into any noble family.

Am I right?

And yet he chose Kangning for her character and looks.

He can't wait to marry into our family.

This is far better than peeking at someone through a crack in the door.

-Right? -You're right.

I was blind and arrogant.

I offended you.

I deeply regret my actions.

But you've burnt the bridge.

How can there be a way back?

Don't bow to me.

Even if you kneel down, I can't--

Don't do this.

If kneeling could make you agree,

I'd do it.

You should've thought of this sooner.

In-law,

breaking the engagement was my idea.

My son didn't want to break it at all.

When he heard she was promised to someone else,

he was so heartbroken that he decided to sail away.

Please.

We're both widowed at a young age.

You have five daughters to rely on,

but I only have this one son.

If you save him, you save my whole family.

Madam,

someone from the Du family

is here to discuss the betrothal.

Madam Chai,

it's not that I don't want to,

but I only have one Kangning,

and she's already promised to the Du family.

The formal betrothal is in three days.

There's no turning back.

-Please leave. -I…

Please just go.

After I leave,

keep feeding it this top-quality hay.

Pick fresh, leafy ones for it.

It's impatient, so go easy on the oats.

-Don't let it feel wronged. -Understood.

Cousin! Cousin!

Are you really leaving?

Kangning hasn't had the wedding yet.

So, she hasn't married yet.

Go talk to her.

All that "men don't kneel" talk. It's just for show.

At home, we kneel to heaven, earth, and parents.

One more kneel for a beauty will break it?

Proves they're fragile.

Kangning got a good match.

We should be happy for her.

I won't go, and you better not make trouble.

Enough. I'm busy.

Leave me alone.

Go tell my mother I'm doing fine.

Cousin.

You're so noble and generous,

handing over a good woman.

Let's see if you'll regret it.

Looks just like its owner.

Master Fan.

Master Fan, the mistress is calling.

Subtitle translation by: Yi Yang