Original subtitles

EPISODE 14

Cousin, Yuanming, listen to me!

Explain? You traitor!

-I… -Traitor!

I'm a spy, really!

A spy?

Yes, hear me out!

I'm undercover. Trust me!

Cousin, listen to me!

Cousin, Yuanming!

Think about the Li women.

None of them are easy to deal with.

I took the risk for the bigger picture.

And for who?

For you two!

With me spying, I'll pass the news.

You'll sleep easy.

Fan Lianghan!

So what?

I'm her favorite son-in-law now.

You two are finished!

Fan Lianghan, you!

Stop!

Shameless fool!

Yuanming, he's always like this.

Don't bother with him.

Mr. Chai, it's not about that.

I've been thinking about Shouhua's riddle.

"Four fight for the path."

Not a poem, not a puzzle.

What is it?

I keep thinking, but no clue.

These riddles? I'm lost.

I just know she set a trap.

Trapped all four fops in one go.

Anyone can see it.

They weren't after treasure.

They wanted women!

She's just and ruthless.

Who'd dare mess with her?

Rumors will die out themselves.

Buddy, with her wit and boldness,

do you still dare take her?

Hold on, Mr. Chai.

What did you just say?

I asked if you'd still answer her riddle.

It's not too late to back out.

No, before that!

I said she trapped all the fops.

-That's it! That's it! -What's the matter?

Yes, exactly that!

Mr. Chai, thanks for clearing that up.

I'll repay you another day.

Yuanming! Yuanming!

Yuanming!

What did I just say?

Shouhua, I've solved it.

Huangfu Mei wrote in Records of Three Waters

about Queyao, the servant of Li Yu,

Governor of Hunan.

She was too smart and pretty,

drawing trouble from Li's sons.

One night, she called all four of them.

She placed them in separate corners.

Then she exposed them

and scolded them harshly.

Ashamed, they fled and never dared again.

Unknowingly, you mirrored this tale.

Shouhua, did I get it right?

You're exactly right.

Where are the four?

What are you doing?

Hang them in the woods till morning.

Let them down at dawn.

Got it.

Master! Master!

Spare us, please!

Help!

Since you asked, how could I refuse?

I gave them a good talk about mending their ways.

I have a gift for you.

Shouhua. I've come by a rare sandalwood fan.

A tribute from foreign lands, seldom seen here.

I know you adore pear blossoms,

so I painted them upon it.

Please accept it.

Soft hands hold the fan.

Scents drift under blooms.

May it stay by your side always.

And may you remember

the heart behind it.

Can you truly part with such a treasure?

I await your next challenge.

Then, follow me.

This Bian River before us flows

from Bian Bridge at West Water Gate

past Floating,

Jinliang,

and Xingguo Bridges,

to reach this very spot.

Further east,

it winds past Iron Buddha Temple,

Chunming Market, and Guangji Granary,

beyond the Great Gate,

to the river's mouth.

It drifts eastward,

like spring days,

gone forever.

Look at the endless line of boats before us,

linking seas and lands,

spanning the empire.

It brings life and wealth to countless souls.

This is the very lifeline of our Song.

Shouhua, the past spring is not worth grieving,

for next year's will be gentler still.

Why dwell in sorrow?

Well said.

Watch carefully.

Shouhua, you…

You said

the past is nothing to grieve,

but I hold on to the past.

Not just that. I never forget a slight.

You shamed me on our wedding night,

made a fool out of me,

and caused me trouble.

So, now I throw this fan into the river.

If you can undo the past and return the fan,

we may yet repair this marriage.

You're asking me to fish it out?

But that's impossible!

Shouhua, please, wait!

Shouhua!

How could that be possible?

Shouhua!

Shouhua!

Look at him.

He's lost the will to live.

-He's not jumping to… -You're young.

-Don't be reckless! -Don't do anything rash!

You're young.

What can't you overcome?

-Yeah. -Wait till you're old.

Even Yama won't take you without a fight.

They should cover this river.

Too many fools by the water.

If you're giving up,

leave me your boots and robes.

How could you say that?

-Shoo, shoo! -Just a joke!

Out of the way.

Stop causing trouble.

So, it really is Mr. Du.

I thought I was seeing things.

Come. Tell me what's troubling you.

Shouhua dropped her fan.

She wants me to fetch it.

If I do, we stay married.

If not, I'm out the door.

Why didn't you say so earlier?

I've got an idea!

You do?

What is it? Tell me.

I'll fish it out for you.

Quick, borrow a net from the boatman!

Hurry. Go on!

-Move it! -Faster!

Wait for me! I'll be right back.

Check carefully!

What about there? Anything inside?

Nothing.

Then there! Is it there?

Quick, there! Here. Check here!

Yes, right here! This spot!

Search thoroughly!

We'll find it. Here, here!

There, there! That spot!

Carefully!

No way. We won't find it!

Here, here! Listen to me.

I'm second-best at fishing, and no one in Bianjing dares claim first!

Don't worry, I'll get it before sunset.

Mr. Du,

I'm truly sincere!

This alliance needs me.

You can't let my cousin kick me out!

Mr. Fan,

the fan fell in an hour ago.

It's probably long gone with the current.

Right. How did I forget that?

Pack up! Let's move!

Master, where to now?

Fool, haven't you heard of marking the boat?

Where does the Bian River flow?

Head to Bian Bridge.

When the fan floats by, I'll grab it there!

Yes!

Pack up! Pack up!

Alright, pack up!

You too.

Hurry up! Pack it up. Let's head home!

Go home?

Master, we're not going to the bridge?

Just teasing him.

You think I'm that dumb?

Shouhua,

what do you think of these?

Take your pick.

What's this for?

Aren't you leaving Mr. Du?

Better safe than sorry.

Married women these days,

always meddling and matchmaking.

Maybe life's good, so they want others to share.

The unhappy ones drag others into their misery.

Kangning, you look great.

I'd say your husband is doting on you,

serving you with care.

No need to tease me.

I was joking with you.

Don't take it seriously.

These are matches my mother found for Qiongnu.

You're still in the Du Family, and if I pick for you,

are you not afraid Mr. Du will throw me out?

No rush for Qiongnu either.

Mother seems to think that

she or Haode will stay to keep the family together.

Likely marry someone into the family.

These don't seem right.

Marrying in?

Marrying in is never easy.

Honest ones are plenty.

Good matches are rare.

Take your time.

Indeed.

The restaurant got fine fresh fish today,

and some's been sent home.

My husband hired a chef to make fish for Mother at home.

Didn't you say raw fish was too strong?

Today, I'm treating.

Meet me at Pan Restaurant for something new.

I can't leave my mother-in-law alone.

She's been invited by Mother.

They're enjoying fish slices now.

Go and enjoy yourself.

With your kindness, playing the hostess now,

I'll gladly follow your lead.

After you.

Please, have a seat.

Shouhua, what's so funny?

Seeing your husband so humble

reminded me of a joke with Kangning,

which made it even funnier.

Your meddling caused all this fuss.

Yes, yes, you're right.

I said it before.

She likes to do the matchmaking now.

The cause lies with her husband.

When did Kangning ever match make?

I'm more confused now.

Someone!

Shouhua, Fuhui,

my marriage with Kangning

had its twists and turns.

It's all thanks to your kindness.

I'll never forget it.

This wine is hardly enough to repay you.

Mr. Chai, let me tell you the truth.

The Chai family's back-and-forth…

We were against it.

You should thank your wife.

Through fire and water, she stood firm.

She'd rather die than marry another.

Your union must've been heaven's will.

Her devotion is rare in this world.

Mistreat her, and we won't let it slide.

I'll remember your words.

Kangning, another toast to you.

Enough.

I'm here to drink with my sisters.

Don't get in the way.

-Alright, alright. -Off you go!

Relax. I'll excuse myself.

He should thank Shouhua.

If you hadn't taken her spot,

how would he have such a fine wife today?

It was hard on Shouhua.

Mr. Du may be talented and promising,

but he's a thorny flower, hard to swallow.

You can't stand him or let go.

It's maddening.

Shouhua,

a fisherman caught an eight-catty fish from Bian River.

Knowing you love fish, we saved it for you.

Try it.

The meat's the finest.

Strange. How does a fan end up in a fish, Shouhua?

Shouhua.

Such a coincidence!

The fan in the fish, landing right before you.

Surely heaven's will, reuniting us.

Shouhua, did I pass?

Fine,

when Mother was busy,

who cared for you like a mother?

Now you all team up with outsiders to trick me.

You…

Do you think that's fair?

Shouhua, I knew nothing!

I…

-Shouhua! -Shouhua!

Shouhua!

Shouhua!

Kangning, how is it? Is the food to your taste?

I said this wouldn't work!

Shouhua doesn't listen, yet you did this.

Now I'm the one scolded.

Kangning! Kangning!

What…

What's going on here?

You said

if I got the fan,

I'd pass.

I hope you'll keep your word.

I would,

but someone's too sly.

I doubt this is the same fan.

If you made one, you can make another.

Rare fans don't appear in pairs.

Not necessarily.

Envoys pass through often.

These treasures turn into casual gifts.

You've got one.

What about the second-ranked scholar?

The top scholar?

Even if not,

no craftsmen could copy it?

Plenty of ways to trick me.

So, Shouhua,

how will you prove it's not the same?

You!

So, you're out of words for once.

My fault.

I should've marked it.

Now you've got the upper hand.

Fine.

I'll take this as a pass.

Thank you.

You scold me…

yet still make me shoes.

What a fine wife I've married.

Yet I failed to cherish you.

I deserve a beating.

No wonder you're angry with me.

Let me try.

This…

In a few days,

it's my late husband's memorial.

By custom, I make a pair to burn.

They're for him.

If you like, I'll make you a pair too.

What's wrong?

You're so clever

yet you don't see what's wrong?

No wonder you've been so cold lately.

Turns out, you're still thinking of him.

Why can't I confront her?

She could sell fish, meat, medicine,

or wine, but no,

she had to open a tea house across from us.

What's her plan?

Alright, Mother. Sit, Mother. Calm down.

Mother, they sell staple foods.

We sell tea.

It's not the same.

Who says it's not?

Other shops split trades.

Cui's does both.

I saw it.

They use silver teapots!

Tea for a coin, ruining prices!

Go scold her.

Afraid of her?

Don't add to the flames.

Then pour water to kill our spirit?

You're just scared.

Mother,

her shop is her business.

The excitement won't last three days.

A losing trade won't last long.

We mind our own trade.

Why bother with her?

But she sells whatever we sell.

She's stealing business right at our door!

Can I just leave it be?

Mother has long run this shop in Bianjing.

Sifu House is well-known.

Everyone calls you Boss Li with respect.

If you scold her, won't people gossip?

They'll say, "Cui's opened on the street.

Boss Li of Sifu House couldn't stay calm!"

Exactly.

By then,

everyone will go to Cui's to watch the drama.

I won't let you go

because I won't let you work for their benefit.

That makes sense.

I almost fell for her trick!

That sly old fox!

That wretched hag, nonsense!

What is this?

PAINTED BY DU YUANMING

Mother?

Mother.

What's this?

A wealthy Wang offered 300 strings for Yangxi's painting.

I thought, 300 strings.

It's real money!

Who would turn that down, right?

Only a fool would!

Mother, how many times have I said this?

If you need money, come to me.

Don't go to Du Yangxi.

Do not speak like he is a stranger.

He's your husband, my son-in-law, isn't he?

When he was down and out,

I saved his life.

And I gave him my own daughter.

Now that he's rich,

can't he show some respect?

I didn't beg for this painting.

He gave it willingly.

Mother,

even court painters of Xiangguo Temple

sell for no more than a thousand.

Wu Daozi's murals from the last dynasty

are worth just 300 strings.

No matter how good his work is, it's not beyond the Painting Sage.

They're not after the painting.

They're just looking for connections.

That's the way of the world.

Nothing strange about it.

I know you're above all this.

I won't ask again.

Fine, fine. I'll return this one too.

-Here. -This way.

Mother, Shouhua…

I've brought her here.

Chou'er, greet Mrs. Du.

Greetings, Mrs. Du.

What a tidy little one.

But how did you end up with this name?

I had scabs as a child

and lost all my hair.

So, they called me Chou'er, meaning ugly.

But I grew out of it.

My father said,

"Her heart's kind, not her name.

She's handy but not a talker."

I'll keep my head down and serve Mrs. Du.

Mother picked her after seeing over ten.

She's perfect at housework. And she's quick-witted.

Shouhua, she can be your helper too.

Take her home today.

Mother, you've worked hard for me.

Who else would care for you like I do?

Chou'er, you've greeted her.

Come, I've got something to tell you.

Shouhua,

I know you're still thinking of the one before.

Indeed.

Master Shiyi was truly exceptional.

His character and talent,

his grace refined,

his bearing extraordinary.

And he treated you so well.

But he had one flaw.

His life was too short!

Mother!

You said you'd mourn him for three years,

and I let you.

Master Shiyi was a noble man,

but Mr. Du is also an excellent match.

How is he not good enough for you?

Shouhua,

from now on,

let go of your sorrow,

open your heart,

and live well with your husband.

When you're my age, you'll understand.

The past, no matter how good,

is just a memory.

What matters is the one before you now.

That's what lasts.

Mother,

Master Shiyi was kind to our family.

I always feel guilty.

But when I face Mr. Du,

I don't know what to do.

I've never met anyone like him.

-Cousin. -Why are they back again?

Cousin, cousin. Cousin!

I'm too busy. I have accounts to settle.

Cousin, Mr. Du is so troubled.

Help him out. Come on.

No. I've offended Kangning for his sake!

I swore not to meddle.

Cousin, it was your trouble with the marriage

that dragged Mr. Du into this mess.

You left him behind now.

Where's your conscience?

Am I wrong?

Come. Come on.

Sit.

Have a seat.

I, Du Yangxi, may be humble,

but I have my pride.

Since I was young,

I never lowered my head

and never submitted to anyone.

But for her, I've done so much,

treading carefully,

afraid to displease her.

Laugh if you like,

but now I check her mood before I speak.

You don't know how bitter it is.

You all know about her first husband.

I heard Fuhui mention him.

He's gone now.

Why bring him up?

Not another word.

What did she say?

Just endless praise.

How graceful, how talented.

Without his illness, he was perfect.

She even said,

tie the three of us together and weigh us,

we'd still fall short by an ounce.

Doesn't that just make your blood boil?

-Really? -Yes.

I've never heard Kangning mention this.

He worried that Shouhua was lonely

and often invited her sisters over.

Kangning learned zither from her father but stopped practicing.

She resumed after Shouhua joined the Wu family. Mr. Wu found her a master.

And when the Li family lost their lands,

the Wu family helped fight the case and got them back.

He cared so much.

It's no wonder she can't forget.

Mr. Du, just teasing.

He's gone.

She can praise him however she likes.

Right? It doesn't mean much now.

Yuanming,

they say men love the new, women cling to the past.

She's married to you but still holds onto her first husband.

It shows her loyalty and deep feelings.

You've got to admire that.

Treat her sincerely and she'll come around.

He's gone now.

How can he compete with you?

If he were alive,

I might have a chance to compete with him.

But now,

who can win a deceased darling husband in her heart?

If he lived, would it be your turn?

Cousin!

Chou'er, who told you to clean up?

It's that meddling Chunlai.

My lady, Master drank too much at Pan Restaurant.

No one could stop him.

-Master. -Come in, quickly!

Careful now.

Come, quickly!

Hurry, get him in.

Lend a hand.

Master?

Tell me.

How am I worse than him?

Tell me.

Tell me.

Master.

Do you despise me?

What nonsense.

Who'd despise the third-ranked scholar?

I'm no third-ranked scholar.

I'm just an orphan with no parents.

I survived a shipwreck,

drifted ashore in a wooden tub.

A kind washerwoman found me

and took me in.

The villagers called me cursed from birth.

She took in a cursed star like me.

She endured gossip, scorn from her kin,

and rejection from her husband.

Yet, she raised me to adulthood.

I can't compare to Wu Shiyi.

I have no noble family, no lofty character,

and I lack his generosity of spirit.

I'm selfish, greedy, and petty.

I wanted to excel in the exams.

I wanted the world to see

that even an orphan

could achieve greatness

and honor his name.

I wanted them to know

that the washerwoman they pitied

would one day be a Noble Lady.

But in doing so, I failed to be a true gentleman.

Is this why you don't want me,

Shouhua?

How could I not want you?

Others say you're sophisticated and deep,

but I see all your goodness.

They never suffered your hardships.

How could they know the wisdom born of pain?

But you avoid me.

When have I?

I thought couples should live with respect and politeness

to last long,

but I didn't know what you truly wanted.

Liang Hong and Meng Guang are polite and diplomatic in marriage.

I don't want to be a distant husband.

I don't want your constant respect,

keeping your distance. I want…

your kiss.

Fine. You can let me go now.

You're lying again.

But the hangover soup is getting cold.

Then tell me one thing about me that's better than him.

You're sharper than him,

even pretending to be drunk and foolish.

Shouhua,

please love me dearly.

Don't avoid me.

Come in.

Master, Master Sang couldn't wait

and has gone to the scholarly assembly.

He asked me to inform you.

I see.

You may leave.

You got up early to paint.

What is it?

When did you hide it?

Hand it over before someone laughs.

Painting landscapes is a refined art.

Only the impure would think otherwise.

Masterpieces hang in grand halls.

Why not my wife?

Who dares mock that?

Don't keep it hidden.

Wear it often.

Then my midnight effort won't be wasted.

-It's not proper. -I don't want you to be proper.

Don't think I don't know.

You copy scriptures daily

to pray for him.

Shouhua,

I don't want you live in the past.

I want you to know that you're my wife,

not someone's widow.

Do you understand?

I do.

When I'm away,

think of me while painting.

Remember me while embroidering.

If you're upset, curse me, scold me. I'd still be glad.

Okay.

I'll do as you say.

Now, will you give it to me?

Then, if you married someone else,

would you obey him like this?

What if Sang Yanrang fainted before your sedan,

would you marry him too?

That's nonsense.

Don't say such things!

Even if it were him,

I'd still win you over anyway!

Let him keep dreaming.

Why are you acting crazy so early?

Stop it! Hand it over.

Come on. Give it to me!

Master.

What now?

The mistress says it's almost sunrise,

time for breakfast.

I'll come at once.

Go and prepare.

Understood.

Are you happy now?

This is so embarrassing!

Shouhua, are you upset?

I was wrong, Shouhua!

Dear guest, take a look.

Here you go!

Master Liu, we've got fine Jian Tea in stock.

-Come in for a cup. -Tomorrow.

-I'll come tomorrow! -A cup.

It won't take long.

Tomorrow, I promise!

Miss, take a look at these flowers!

Master Wang,

Master Liu, try some herbal tea!

One sip will refresh you

and keep you energized all day.

Master Liu, how about a cup?

Come, come!

Here. This way, please!

Please, hurry inside!

Slow down. Careful!

Tomorrow, tomorrow!

Two guests,

come in for some herbal tea!

-That's her. -Hurry in, Come on!

Everyone inside, work quickly!

Treat them well!

Mother, it's just down the street.

Her tender mutton with chilled noodles is truly unmatched!

They've stolen so much of our business!

All that, just for the noodles?

Look at him. His eyes

are about to fall into the soup! Might as well cook them too!

Mother,

I may not serve tea as well as Kangning,

but I'm decent enough.

-Why don't I join? -Nonsense!

The shop's struggling.

I only asked you to help for a few days.

We're not that desperate!

Why throw yourself into a crowd of stinking men?

Don't you want a good husband someday?

Ah, here you are.

Look at that shameless fool!

-Please. -Let's see how long her pride lasts.

Exactly.

Alright, go back.

You go inside first.

This one's lovely,

-and the color is so vibrant! -Yes.

This one's nice too.

I'll take it!

UNIQUE CHILLED NOODLES

Why are you here?

I'm here for you, Dear Rong.

Mother!

You!

Have some respect! What are you doing?

It's been a while, Dear Rong.

You've grown prettier.

Good girl, have you missed me?

Come. Come here!

We're doing business here.

Take your money and go gamble!

Stop pestering her!

Leave now!

I'll come back tonight when I win.

Go on!

Wait for me!

You never should've adopted that fool.

He angered Father into illness,

and he bothers us every day.

It's your fault for lacking ability.

Why don't you find me a third-ranked scholar son-in-law?

Do I have to keep swallowing this shame?

No matter how capable they are, they're not from my womb.

Even if I'm not the best,

you'll rely on me when you're old.

If you keep scolding me, I'm done!

You little brat, you're driving me crazy!

CUI TEAHOUSE

Master Wang,

been drinking again, haven't you?

You guessed it!

-Where's Dear Rong? -Inside, of course.

Here, have some Er Chen Soup.

It's just right.

-Alright, alright! -Please.

Come in!

Taoist Ritual is done today.

You've fulfilled your duty.

Mr. Du is drowning his sorrows at Pan Restaurant.

If Fan Lianghan comes back,

he'll claim that Shouhua bullied him.

If you ask me,

Shouhua should go back and coax him a little.

He's a third-ranked scholar after all,

a husband so many in the capital envy!

He's ridiculous.

That one's been gone for years!

Still jealous over someone who died young.

And Shouhua has to comfort him.

Such a petty man.

I used to think marriage

was just companionship

to pass the days peacefully.

Who'd have thought he'd be so tender,

so affectionate,

so devoted?

All his thoughts are on me.

Honestly, sometimes I'm scared when I see him.

Scared of what?

Scared he'll grow cold,

that he'll be disappointed.

Scared I'm not as good as he thinks.

Shouhua, you're already the best.

But honestly,

those three brothers-in-law are too close.

We need to break them up somehow or they'll keep causing trouble.

Shouhua, don't you agree?

Yes, you're right.

What's wrong? What are you looking at?

Don't look.

Madam, are you feeling warm?

I'm fine. No worries.

Lianghan, Fuhui is with child now.

From now on, drink and gamble less

and stay home with her more.

Just keep her happy.

-Alright. -Young couples are like that.

Who hasn't had their ups and downs?

Why scold you and not others?

Because she cares for you.

Yes, yes.

Don't worry, madam.

I know my wife loves me most.

Yes, she scolds you because she cares.

She just wants the best for you, right?

They've arrived.

-Mistress, they're back. -I'll go.

Chunlai, serve two melons.

Got it!

-Kangning. -Go fetch your wife.

Okay.

-Fuhui, careful, I'll help you. -Alright.

Come. Take it slow.

Here.

Hurry, come in!

The sun is too harsh. Go inside quickly.

Lianghan sent over

some plums and white peaches.

Go inside and enjoy them.

Chunlai, cut two big, sweet ones.

Not the chilled ones!

The well-chilled ones aren't good.

Fuhui can't have them.

Madam.

That wretch won't go away.

Who knows who he's targeting now?

Mr. Du is a scholar, not a fighter. How could he scare anyone?

Don't worry, madam.

I'll deal with him.

I'll make sure he won't dare show his face here again.

Yes, teach him a lesson.

Don't go easy on him.

Even if he dies, he deserves it.

Yes!

-Let's go. -Okay, madam.

So what if he has a title?

Your crimes will be exposed in court.

Forget becoming an official.

You'll lose everything, even your life.

I spared you, and you still harass the Li family?

Risking your life for lust?

I'm going home to mourn.

I've said goodbye to Shouhua. I won't come again.

Nonsense! You scoundrel, still lying!

Get out, now!

See you again, and I'll beat you!

Let's go!

Subtitle translation by: Jiayi Xu