Original subtitles

EPISODE 13

Lady Kangning left you on the street halfway.

Master, it was insightful to tell me to follow you in secret.

Well, the situation is still manageable to me.

But I'm afraid that scheming Mr. Du may not have it easy tonight.

Let's go and chase after my wife.

Honey, it's late at night.

Honey,

writing at night is harmful to your eyes.

DIVORCE LETTER

Honey, what do you mean by this?

You seem upset, and now you want to divorce me.

Are you blaming me for capturing Yan Zimei

and hurting your dignity?

That day, there were only the two of us in the room.

Others may not be aware, but you know full well

that I smashed my own ink,

tore up my own old clothes, and hurt my own dignity.

There were only one or two excessive remarks.

But they were to win trust.

Honey, considering I've cleared your name,

you should forgive me.

Why are you angry with me instead?

You cleared my name?

Mr. Du, your actions

had three purposes, yet none were for me,

but all for yourself.

I'm all ears.

First, you tested me to see

if I had an affair with Yan Zimei,

tarnishing your family's reputation.

Second, I would be upset

for staying alone till dawn on our wedding night.

You attempted to use those two slaps to atone for what you did,

repair the rift, and increase the affection between you and me.

Third,

you purposely showed off your skills in front of the Li family

to let them know I have obtained a capable husband,

making it seemingly reasonable for me to be more grateful

and obedient to you in the future.

Tell me. Am I wrong about any of these?

It's my fault for failing to see the real treasure.

Honey, you're the really smart one.

However, you guessed one thing wrong.

Though I might be incapable, I can discern people through their writing.

Your handwriting

is elegant and pristine,

with an imposing grace that bespeaks a master.

It tells me you're not someone indecisive.

I used that fool

only to calm your resentment.

I am several years older than you.

And I was also once a widow. If you have…

I hope you will cherish me.

-You… -I'll also cherish you more from now on.

Stop that gibberish.

I was wrong.

You treasure books so much that your room is filled with them,

be it classics, history, philosophy, and literature.

Go to the shelves and pick any book to bring over.

Shouhua, do you want to test me?

Who is it?

Coming.

Where are the miscellaneous books you read?

Not again. A book is a book.

It's not canonical or miscellaneous.

Inside this room, wherever you look, there are nothing but books.

You can choose…

Didn't you say Tai Xuan Sutra and Surangama

were unrelated to officialdom, so you never read them?

Wait. Leave one for me.

You're proficient in the classics and history

and can memorize anything on sight.

Are you also versed in Buddhist scriptures?

I am but a slow-witted person.

I've never understood their meanings. Could you enlighten me?

Buddhism says if the five contemplations are clear, metal is easily transformed.

But without resolving the three minds, it's hard to dissolve even water.

What does it mean?

You read the Analects at the age of seven.

You should know the principle of "reflecting on oneself three times a day."

Even an outsider knows the importance of self-reflection

and following the path of goodness.

So, when those who practice Buddhism eat each grain of rice,

they naturally have five contemplations, always harbor a sense of shame,

and discard the three minds of greed, anger, and ignorance.

Only with consistent practice in all actions and rest, can one cultivate

a heart like a bright mirror that reflects all things,

and achieve a pure world that liberates all beings.

How come you don't understand

such a simple principle?

-It's her. -Who?

Li Boyang has Li as a surname, born with knowledge.

Back then, at the Li family's literary matchmaking,

the first line of a couplet that you thought exquisite,

it turns out the person who set the question was my wife.

Unexpectedly, a marriage by coincidence

resulted in you being married to a lady of fine character and a pure heart.

Yuanming, your good luck

is truly enviable.

My newlywed good wife

is about to abandon me.

You make a good point.

A noble man is always trying improve oneself diligently.

It corresponds with Zuo Zhuan's content

about how men are supposed to establish virtue, deeds, and words.

Those in the world who die yet never perish

start with diligence and end with diligence as well.

Andao always keeps The Book of Changes by his pillow.

If he were here tonight as well,

he would definitely make you exchange knowledge with him all night.

Alright, I won't continue asking any further.

I'm afraid I won't stump you, no matter what.

Please feel free to speak frankly.

In terms of writing

and governing, I dare not compare with you.

I'm just devoted to miscellaneous books,

which you might find amusing.

Since you've admitted defeat,

this letter of divorce…

Who says I've admitted defeat?

You are knowledgeable and are modest about it.

As your husband, I am not an ignoramus

who is unworthy of matching you.

As you know,

I previously had another husband.

After the mourning period was over,

my mother urged me to remarry over and over.

But I kept delaying my consent.

Do you know why?

Why?

Compared to my late husband, my learning

is like the light of a firefly outshone by the moon's glow.

Before my late husband passed away, he held my hand and said,

"If you do not remarry, I will not rest in peace."

It'd be fine if he only said that.

But he also said that if I were to remarry,

I must choose a husband with talent and character

far superior to him.

Otherwise, even across the netherworld,

his spirit would still harbor resentment.

As a woman,

if I cherish the later husband and forget the earlier

and consider personal feelings and forget past affection,

it will go against the way of being a wife.

So, please forgive me.

What are you laughing at?

Are you so certain my talent and character cannot compare to her late husband?

On his sickbed, he was still thinking

of finding another good husband for his wife.

He was even willing to enhance her future dowry

with his heirloom pearl curtain. Mr. Du, are you that big-hearted?

I'm not.

I'm narrow-minded.

I cannot bear for my beloved wife to be with someone else.

I would spare no effort to survive to be with her for life.

I'll never let go of her midway.

He appeared to be big-hearted on the surface,

but in reality, he made Shouhua think of him at every turn.

What kind of kindness was that?

He misjudged me.

I will definitely pass my wife's trial.

Then, do you know

what she will test you on, and how she will test you?

You're asking me?

How would I know?

Fresh pomegranate flowers! Come and have a look!

Seasonal fruits! Take a look!

Look at these pomegranate flowers. They're very fresh.

Here. Have a look at these loquats. What do you think?

-So fresh. -I like this one.

Mrs. Du is dignified and graceful.

How could there be such a thing? You must be talking nonsense again.

That person came out of the Li household in the middle of the night.

I saw it clearly

with my very own eyes.

She has even brought a man to her door.

It's obvious she's not a demure woman.

-This is not good. -Yes.

She pretends to be chaste and virtuous.

So she is a hypocrite.

Wash them thoroughly. This way, the pickled plums will be tastier.

Okay.

Mom?

You know what? Speaking of the background of the Li family,

not one detail can be hidden from me.

Madam Li!

Today, I'm going to let you know

the gossipy ones will end up with rotten tongues.

You crazy hag!

-Say that again. -She's hitting me! Help!

That hag has gone mad.

-She's hitting me. -You deserve it.

-That hag. -You deserve it.

She deserves it for gossiping.

Exactly. Don't be angry, Madam Li.

Your oldest daughter's character is praised by everyone.

No one would believe Lady Cui.

Your words are quite odd.

Shouhua seldom goes out, nor does she meet outsiders.

What do you mean by "praised by everyone"?

-We still have things to do. -Yes.

Yes, we have to go.

Babblers.

It's said someone admired Mrs. Du for her talent and beauty

and tried every way to tempt her.

Yet she refused to be tainted

and even had her husband

capture that man.

Now, in Bianjing City,

everyone praises her for being pure,

chaste, and virtuous.

I remember now too.

So, the gambling game Suihua set up was for her.

No wonder.

Yuanming, you are here.

Mr. Du has come. Why didn't you lead him upstairs?

-Let's go. -Wait.

What gambling game were you talking about?

I know. Come.

Follow me, Yuanming.

-What gambling game was that? -Let's go.

Let's go up first.

-Let's drink. -They drank too much.

Let's go.

Chai, please tell me.

What's that gambling game they mentioned?

As you know, the friends I socialize with are in various trades.

I heard it with my own ears

that someone set up a gambling game in town to bet on…

Bet on what?

They are just a few lowlifes.

Having failed the imperial exams, they feel disgruntled.

I don't know where they heard the rumors, but they dare…

Go ahead.

Yuanming, don't get hot-headed if I tell you.

-You-- -They bet on Shouhua,

claiming that whoever can win over the third-ranked scholar's virtuous wife

can win 30 taels of gold.

They bet on my wife?

Gold?

I had no idea I was worth that much.

As soon as Kangning and I heard the news, we came here to wait for you.

We were afraid that you would hear it from somewhere else

to add to the annoyance.

It's our fault. We should have been more careful that night.

There are no walls that don't leak in this world.

Even if the word has spread, it's not surprising.

What's surprising is that others only know of her,

yet the real one at fault has stayed hidden.

If it isn't Yan Zimei scheming, who else could it be?

And Lady Cui next door

spends all day prying on us. She's probably up to no good too.

I reckon she has a hand in fueling the city's gossip.

Now is not the time to find out about that.

Those dashing dandies and frivolous scholars

who love to seek pleasures from women are all looking for Shouhua right now.

Shouhua, in their eyes, you are a prize

and a piece of mutton on the chopping board.

Is it that serious?

Those who flatter you will kill you.

Flattery is followed by the intent to kill.

Now, everyone is praising Shouhua for being virtuous and good.

The tide may change abruptly, and everyone in the city would start trampling on her.

Why are you back?

Hurry back and comfort your wife.

She's a very respectable lady. She must be frightened now.

Right, you should go quickly.

Yuanming.

If she were an ordinary woman,

when facing such a situation,

she would surely be scared out of her wits and in utter panic.

But Shouhua is exceptionally smart and wise.

She definitely has a solution.

If I intervene now,

I would be accused of showing off my cleverness

and greatly offend her.

So, I cannot go.

How about go and ask your husband for help?

If you feel embarrassed, I'll go instead. I fear no embarrassment after all.

We must not ask him for help.

If we only depend on him, it'll only make him more complacent.

Haode, you can see the long-term.

-Shouhua, I'm worried-- -Without the title of the scholar's wife,

our family's the same as it used to be.

Together as sisters, there's no hurdle we cannot overcome.

How come each of you becomes so fragile and dainty

after getting married?

Shouhua has a point.

We can solve the problem even without Mr. Du's help.

We must let them see our strength.

Alright, we'll all listen to Shouhua.

Right, we'll all listen to Shouhua.

Whatever Shouhua says, we will do.

Those few ruffians and fools.

Given my usual methods,

their limbs should be cut off.

No. That's inappropriate.

With Shouhua's grace and elegance,

she'll deem me too cruel if I do that.

I'm supposed to be the noble and benevolent third-ranked scholar.

I need to be open-minded and magnanimous.

Yes, magnanimous.

It's rare to see someone as skilled as you

in writing, painting, embroidery, and cooking.

In this short period of time,

you've even become good at weaving.

Mother, please don't tease me.

Among my sisters, I am the one with the clumsiest hands.

I just have a bit more patience than others.

Then, starting from tomorrow,

I will teach you how to weave plain cloth.

Okay.

She can really sit tight.

Rushing a trade will not make it.

Du Yangxi, you need to be more composed.

Don't present yourself on a platter, inviting contempt.

Why are you sneaking outside the window…

-What do you want? -You're asking me?

It's the beginning of the fifth month. Don't you know what I want?

We pay tribute to first-class Jinshis and visit the scholars.

Zhang searched but couldn't find you.

He's anxious to the point of getting mouth sores.

And here you are, idling around.

-Come with me quickly. -I have something to do.

What could you possibly have to do?

Madam Du,

our madam is sorting out the summer clothes today.

A robe with peony flowers cannot be found anywhere.

It was kept by Lady Shouhua earlier.

So, our madam instructed me to come and ask.

Shouhua?

Isn't that robe the one Mother loves the most?

It has been well-kept in her room personally by her.

We looked in all the boxes and cabinets, but couldn't find it.

And she said she needs to wear it to visit someone tomorrow.

Right now, she's upset about it.

Your mother is short-tempered. Don't keep her upset.

Go back and help look for it.

Yes.

Shouhua, you know what?

Those rumors have even spread to the Fan family.

We followed your advice to stay put, but the fire in my heart burns fiercely.

I wish I could deal with those shameless ones right away.

Forget about letting me wait another few months.

Even waiting for a day or two is unbearable for me.

Shouhua, just tell us.

Exactly how long must we wait?

As I've said, it's not time yet.

You don't set foot outside.

No matter how poisonous the rumors, they can't dirty your ears.

But your husband has to go out and socialize.

Hasn't he said anything?

He hasn't said nor asked anything.

He really can keep his composure.

I think he is clearly waiting for you to ask for his help.

-Baked cakes. -Mom.

-Honey-glazed. -Just listen.

They are peddling at the door.

I'll go out to buy two baked cakes and be right back.

-Crispy crust. -Alright?

They have a honey-glazed, crispy crust.

-No. You can't go. -Mom!

Last night, I heard you coughing dryly.

Let me go and get you two doses of decoction to dissolve the phlegm.

-Mom. -No need.

Let's all just stay put at home.

Qiongnu and Chunlai are not allowed to go out either.

If you need something, just have Ms. Liu buy it.

If any of you dare to go out and make a fuss…

I will break your legs.

Go inside.

Kangning.

Mom, our family is not a noble household.

We don't have that many rules.

Don't restrict them too much.

Exactly.

Shouhua, the time is not right.

If I let them out, people will say worse things.

Your husband is in official circles. He needs to keep his reputation.

I don't want to put you in a difficult position.

Shouhua, look. Mom is now afraid of both negative and positive remarks.

She startles so easily now.

Mom, please be at ease.

I have my own plan for this matter.

Haode,

my mother-in-law has been feeling chest tightness recently

and lost her appetite.

Make a trip to the Cao's pharmacy

and get two more doses of Dali pills so that I can regulate her digestion.

Do you really want me to go?

Can I go too?

Yes. Whoever wants to go can go.

No need to hurry back. Relax a bit at the marketplace.

The Dragon Boat Festival is around the corner.

I'll also go out to buy two pieces of lightweight fabric

to make a summer outfit for my mother-in-law.

If it's about connecting with scholars, does it have to be according to age?

Can't it be based on talent instead?

This is a routine for every session.

But this year, we must come up with something now.

You are the smartest one.

Let's discuss the protocol.

Don't let the Ministry of Rites' officials find any faults.

She hasn't even mentioned it to you. Clearly, you're not on her mind.

Du Yangxi,

she doesn't want your help.

Don't debase yourself.

-Have you found him? -I've brought him here.

-Where is he? -Right behind me…

Du Yangxi!

The sachets in the shop are also embroidered by us.

Do you like them?

-Yes, I do. -Then, come often from now on.

-I will. -Okay.

-Please come inside, gentlemen. -Madam Li.

This way, please.

Order whatever incense you like or any tea you prefer.

Okay.

Strange, isn't it?

Yes, very strange indeed.

I'm not a stranger.

I'm simply here to drink some tea and enjoy the view

while I am free.

There's no need for you to entertain me personally.

Go ahead with your business.

The rumors about the Li family are getting pretty loud.

This morning, even my mother asked me obliquely.

But what's strange

is that the Li family remains the same as always.

Even Madam Li hasn't frowned once

or sought your help personally.

That is indeed strange.

Since when have you become a diviner, Chai?

Isn't that obvious?

If she asked you for help, you wouldn't be eagerly awaiting here.

Yuanming,

do you need me to lend a hand?

Since I said I wouldn't help, I definitely won't intervene.

So I won't bother you, Chai.

-Isn't that Shouhua? -My wife?

Where is she?

Mom,

why did Shouhua specifically send me out of the tea house?

Isn't this ostentatious?

Don't ask too many questions.

Do you remember everything Shouhua told you when she left?

Of course. I should look around more and take more strolls.

And if someone talks to me, I'll just…

That's good. Just go.

I'm off then.

I was mistaken. It was Haode instead.

Yuanming, as someone with experience,

I will kindly remind you

that being a son-in-law to the Li family is not so easy.

If your wife encounters trouble and you rush to help,

she may not appreciate it.

The challenge lies

in you needing to help in a way that is considerate and just right.

Master, the old client from Xiangzhou has arrived.

You sit here. I'll go and attend to this.

Go ahead.

-Wait. Are you sure… -No need.

Go ahead.

Master, where should I go?

-Follow Haode. -Okay.

Li Shouhua,

what exactly is your intent?

Don't miss out as you pass by!

Fresh fish soup! Five coins a bowl!

Young lady, try a bowl of fish soup.

Is it carp soup?

How could that be, young lady?

This is top-quality green fish.

Take a whiff of this aroma and look at this color.

-Would you like a bowl? -Yes.

Alright.

Forget it. I don't want it anymore.

Why not? It's only five coins.

I've already scooped the soup.

-I don't want it. -Just have a bowl.

Three bowls of green fish soup.

-I'll treat this young lady. -Okay, sir.

Greetings, young lady.

I'm Liu Jing. Sorry for my abruptness.

Please accept my bow in apology.

No need to apologize. I planned to go home to get some money,

but you came to help me out.

I don't need to tire myself out. You are truly a kind person.

This tiny favor is hardly worth mentioning.

I am best at providing timely help.

Please have a look and see what else you'd like to eat.

This, this, and this.

Sir, are you taking all of these?

Mrs. Du, please look.

This batch is all new stock that has just arrived at our store.

What inferior goods!

How dare you show them to my lady?

My lady,

I think the Sheng's shop is nothing special after all.

From now on, we shouldn't patronize this place.

Let's go.

Young lady, please wait a moment.

Are you blind? An esteemed lady is here. Quickly bring the first-class items.

Young lady, a few good items just arrived yesterday.

I haven't shown them to ordinary customers.

I've been waiting for you

to appreciate them.

How much does it cost?

Four, no, three strings of coins.

Young master, we didn't sell it

to Lady Liu across the street even at five strings yesterday.

The powder that fell from that shrew

could patch up holes in the wall. She doesn't deserve this.

The labor cost for this hairpin is huge.

Such fine flowers must be paired with beauty.

If Mrs. Du desires it,

I would offer it even if I had to pay

out of my own pocket.

Young lady, it costs three strings of coins.

Go.

We left home in a hurry and didn't bring enough money with us.

Take these coins as the deposit.

Okay.

My lady, his furtive eyes are still staring at you.

Sir, please don't sell it to someone else.

I won't. The hairpin is yours now.

I will personally deliver it later.

Young master? Young master?

How can you sell at a loss? Your father will be hopping mad.

What the heck do you know?

It is only because of my dashing appearance

that the lady treats me with favor.

The heavens must be in my favor.

It seems like the 30 taels of gold

will be mine.

Previously, I owed you 20 taels.

Before the end of the month, a total of 25 taels with interest

will be earned on this third-ranked scholar's wife.

Speaking of four cardinal vices: wine, women, avarice, and pride,

women should be ranked as the first.

Falling into the trap of gentleness,

even a body of metal will decay from within.

This is not for fun.

Liang, the lesson of another one's failure is still there.

A chaste woman must not be defiled.

I advise you not to ask for the beating.

I'm not into women.

I'm only after wealth.

I asked the Liu old lady from their house

to help me accomplish this deed.

I promised her five taels of gold after the deed was done.

Where will the five taels of gold come from?

It will come from that bounty.

With her leading the way,

I can enter their house around 12:45 during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Take this.

Make it pretty.

At 12:45 during the Dragon Boat Festival,

I will leave a door open for him

to let him hide in the southeast corner of the courtyard.

I told him to be there

at that time precisely.

At 12:30 during the Dragon Boat Festival, at the northwest corner of the courtyard,

there will be old lady and young maid in the house.

The old uses the toilet, the young watches the fire.

He is not allowed to alarm any of them.

The call of a cuckoo bird will be used as the signal.

At 12:45 during the Dragon Boat Festival, in the northeast corner of the courtyard.

He was told that we didn't take enough money

and to bring the hairpin here at midnight for something good would happen.

Having waited so long,

it's finally time to deal with the culprit.

King of the mountain, take a look in the mirror.

Leshan!

You're asking for a beating.

-Shouhua, help. -Slow down.

-Don't run. -Slow down.

Don't fall.

Stop right there.

-Shouhua, help! -Slow down!

-Slow down! -Stop right there!

Catch me if you can.

Stop running.

Stop running.

-Stop! -Don't fall over.

I caught you. No more running.

Stop running.

-Alright, enough. -Stop.

SIFU HOUSE

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL FIFTH DAY OF THE FIFTH LUNAR MONTH

Take this.

Done.

Master, forgive my chatter.

You, fellow scholars, have determined seniority

and paid respects to each other. Today is the Dragon Boat Festival banquet.

And Master Sang has told me

to constantly remind you that you must not forget it.

You are tolerated

for the first or second time,

but if there's a third or fourth time,

they will say you are arrogant and negligent,

-and Master Sang will be mad at you. -I know.

Have you told my wife that I won't return tonight?

You must be joking, master.

The Jinshis are holding a Dragon Boat Festival banquet.

How could the third-ranked scholar not attend?

Besides, didn't you tell your mother about it in person a couple of days ago?

Stop the rambling. I'm asking about my wife.

What's it to do with my mother?

When you spoke back then,

your wife was giving your mother a massage.

So, of course, she heard you too.

Master, it's getting late.

It's time to attend the banquet.

No rush. Let's wait a bit more.

What are you waiting for?

SIFU HOUSE

SEASONAL FLOWERS

Master, shall we go?

Deqing. Go over those accounts again carefully.

Okay.

Go away.

Yuanming?

Chai, you are here.

Today's the Dragon Boat Festival. Every household is bustling.

Why aren't you at the scholarly assembly to drink and recite poetry under the moon?

You're sitting here alone, facing the chessboard.

Isn't it a waste of a beautiful moment?

Chai, I should be the one asking you.

Aren't you also stationed at the Pan Restaurant

instead of enjoying the scenic views at home together with your wife?

It's your fault for neglecting your wife on no grounds.

Shouhua, finding nothing to do, invited the sisters for a banquet.

My wife was also invited. With whom can I enjoy the scenic views?

You mean the Li family is also hosting a banquet tonight?

The Li sisters often gather.

Playing chess alone can be terribly boring.

Anyway, I'm free. How about we play a game?

Yuanming?

Have a seat.

-Whose turn is it? -Mine.

Cui'er, hurry up.

Escort Fuhui back home.

-Yes, madam. -She's drunk.

-Mom. -Quickly. Be careful.

-Be careful. -Let's drink later.

Okay. Alright.

-Be careful. -Hold her.

Let's drink later.

She can't even walk steadily.

Kangning.

-Time to go. -Mom, you know I can hold my liquor.

No need to worry about me.

-Just head back. -Okay.

-Head back now. -Okay.

-Careful. -Be careful.

Hold her.

-Take good care of Kangning. -Okay.

Fortunately, I had the foresight.

You three have all married close to home.

If you had married far away,

it would be like cutting out a piece of my heart.

Now that we are well married,

your blessings are yet to come.

There's no need for sighs.

Besides,

I will live close by you, never far from your side.

-Let's go back. -I didn't expect

your mother-in-law to also hold her liquor well.

Now that they've left,

the two of us can have a few more cups with her

until she's too drunk to return.

Let's go and not drink anymore.

No one's guarding the house at the Du's.

We must be back by midnight.

Why the rush to go back?

That house is so humble.

There is not much for the thieves to take.

Mom.

Yuanming.

Yuanming.

Deqing.

What time is it?

Master, it is close to midnight.

Midnight? Let's call it for tonight. I'm off.

Deqing, Mr. Du is eager to see his wife.

Prepare a good sedan chair for him now

and escort him home safely.

Okay.

How's that?

Who said I'm going back to see her?

I left my mother at home. I really can't stop worrying.

Yuanming, you and I have known each other for quite some time.

No need to pretend in front of me.

If you can't stay here, so be it. No one is going to laugh at you.

Could it be that my couch has nails in it, poking you so you can't rest for a moment?

Chai, tell me. How many rounds have you lost tonight?

I was afraid you'd get annoyed if you lost too much.

You are so ungrateful.

Come on. Let's continue.

Yuanming, it's my turn.

His appointment was made for 12:45.

I might as well go in first and use it as leverage.

Fearing I'll make a fuss, that woman will have to swallow the loss in silence.

I can take advantage of this and get a token to show off.

Who knows? Maybe the 30 taels of gold will be mine as well.

What…

Chai, you said earlier that the Li family is holding a banquet.

-So, Li Fuhui has also returned? -Of course.

Don't you feel that something is missing tonight?

Cold moon, mournful wind,

lone chess, bitter tea,

and two men who are fellow sufferers.

What could be possibly missing?

No, it should be three.

-Fan Lianghan. -Fan Lianghan.

Quickly.

Catch the thieves!

Thieves! Catch the thieves quickly!

Someone, come here quickly!

Hurry, catch the thieves!

-Catch the thieves! -Go!

Catch the thieves! Someone, come quickly!

Thieves! Catch the thieves quickly!

Here.

-Someone, quickly! -I'll go first.

Catch the thieves!

Hurry, catch the thieves!

-Thieves? Where are the thieves? -Catch the thieves!

Catch the thieves. They are right here.

They are there.

Someone! Catch the thieves!

-You darn thieves! -Stop hitting!

Don't hit me.

-Catch the thieves. -Hit them.

-They deserved the beating. -Don't move.

-They deserve it. -Stay put.

Don't move.

Squat down and don't move.

What's going on here?

Madam Li,

men have entered the Du's house in the middle of the night.

Aren't you going to check on Shouhua quickly?

Quickly go in and check.

Find out if she is safe.

Who? Shouhua?

Isn't Shouhua right here?

Shouhua is right here.

Nothing's happened. All is fine.

Today is the Dragon Boat Festival.

I've invited Shouhua's mother-in-law for a little drink at home.

She got drunk, so I let her stay over.

At night, I couldn't sleep,

so I called my daughters over

to play Ma Diao with me.

Chunlai, didn't I tell you to lock the gate?

What's with all the commotion now?

I was just about to lock the gate,

but I saw a figure climbing over the wall. It was so scary.

Fortunately, the neighbors arrived quickly

and didn't let them escape.

-Thanks, everyone. -Go and check.

See if anything is missing.

I'll go right now.

I'm not a thief. I am--

If you're not a thief, why did you enter someone's backyard?

Is it because you knew Mr. Du wasn't home and wanted to insult his family?

No.

It wasn't my intention to come. It was…

What? Someone else invited you here to join in a game of Ma Diao?

Do you think the charge of adultery is so easy to fabricate?

If you taint the reputation of the women,

even caning and exile will be the lighter sentences for you.

You might be sentenced to hanging.

Indeed.

If you are really here to lay hands on the women,

we can't let you off lightly.

They all have slicked hair and powdered faces.

They're not good people. We should beat them to death now.

A few days ago, Mr. Li's youngest daughter went missing.

Perhaps it was these people who abducted her.

-No, not us. -These are not petty thieves.

They are clearly a gang of rogues. They can't be spared.

Why does this person in the middle look so familiar?

Yes, I am a petty thief.

No. I didn't steal anything.

This is a piece of jewelry from my family.

I sold it at a discount to Mrs. Du.

Then, another lady wanted to buy for more money.

So, I partnered with them to retrieve it.

We didn't steal.

-Right, we didn't steal. -You say you didn't steal?

What proof do you have?

How can you prove it?

Look, it's here.

Don't move. Squat down.

We've caught you red-handed.

Yes. Please spare us, young lady.

We've realized our mistake. Please spare us.

Please spare us.

-We've realized our mistake. -We really have.

Please spare us.

My lady, except for the two missing dried fish hanging in the corridor,

nothing else was lost.

Mother, they had ill intentions from the start.

They should've been sent for punishment.

However, today is the Dragon Boat Festival.

It's not good to create killing karma.

Since there is no loss of property at home,

a lesson taught is enough.

That won't do.

-Mr. Du has returned. -Mr. Du is back.

-Mr. Du. -Your home has been burglarized.

-Mr. Du. -Mr. Du, you've returned just in time.

We'll leave this group of thieves to you for handling.

Neighbors, I am grateful for your help tonight.

The thieves will definitely be sent to the authorities.

Only after they are caned will they atone for their sins and be better people.

-Wait-- -Neighbors, please,

be witnesses when the time comes.

Sure thing.

-We are neighbors anyway. -Right.

How about we detain them for tonight first?

Some of us can take turns watching over them.

We can take them to the authorities first thing tomorrow morning.

Right. Good idea.

We'll go together to testify tomorrow. Leave it to me.

-Mr. Du, just trust us. -Thank you all for your help.

Thank you. Thank you.

-Let's go. -Get up.

-Get up. -All of you, get up.

Get up now.

-Stop. -Get up and move.

-Stay put. Don't move around. -You look like decent people.

Why choose to do wrong by being a thief? Move.

What a fuss!

-Hurry up. -Go.

You…

-Unbelievable. -Yangxi,

your mother has already fallen asleep. Let's not disturb her any further today.

Rest assured. She's at my place.

I will take good care of her.

You can come to pick her up tomorrow morning.

Thank you, Mother-in-law.

Thank you, all the sisters-in-law.

Let's go back.

Honey,

you must have been frightened tonight.

Master, your mother is drunk.

She needs someone to take care of her at night.

I dare not leave her side.

You should go back home and rest early.

Honey.

I've come up with the first question.

Please listen carefully.

Four people compete for the road. It refers to an old story.

The answer to the riddle is extremely simple.

I hope you will solve it soon.

Subtitle translation by: Grace Zhao