Original subtitles

EPISODE 15

Aunt Li, open the door!

Aunt Li!

Who's there so late at night?

It's me, Cui Rong.

Hurry, open the door.

What's going on?

Where's Aunt Li?

Who's knocking so urgently?

It's Cui Rong.

-Aunt Li! -Rong?

Please help my mother.

She's rolling in agony on the bed.

She's been in pain all night.

I beg you to check on her.

Me? I'm not a physician. I can't help.

Chunlai, call Ms. Liu.

Ask her to fetch Dr. Hu.

He's great with women's ailments.

He will ensure your mom's fine.

I've tried, but she won't spend money.

She refuses to see a physician.

My dad's bedridden.

If something happens to my mom, I'll be left all alone!

Please, I'm begging you. Help her.

Choosing money over her life…

Fine, stop crying.

I'll go check on her for you.

Chunlai, lock the door.

Your mom's sharp tongue has upset so many neighbors.

I'm too soft-hearted.

You're clever.

Were you adopted?

It's fine. Everything's fine.

Aunt Li, she's there.

At your age, you have no shame.

Your daughter worries about you.

You've ruined my sleep.

Poor Rong. I feel sorry for her.

Otherwise, I wouldn't bother.

Are you listening?

You okay?

M-Murder. Murder! Someone died.

Lady Cui, you've killed someone?

Nonsense.

You killed him.

I won't argue with you.

You're a madwoman.

-What do you want? -What?

-Let me go. -Run away?

Come here.

See for yourself.

Isn't this Master Yan, who your son-in-law beat to death?

Don't worry, Madam. I'll deal with him. He'll never show his face here again.

Yes, we'll teach him a lesson.

Even if he's dead, he deserved it.

Sure.

Murder.

Wait here, Lady Cui.

Let me speak to my mother first.

Such foolishness.

We're neighbors, all friendly folk.

If your mom knew I was here, she'd run to greet me.

No need to go overboard.

-Why are you barging in like this? -This outfit.

So beautiful.

Soft, light, truly classy.

Mom.

Didn't I say to wait outside?

This outfit,

I can't get enough of it.

Sister, why not just give it to me?

No.

This is for Mother. Not to give away.

Fine, take it.

Let's talk outside.

Let's go.

Mom?

Just do your thing. Don't mind me.

This way.

Shouhua, Fuhui's not even showing and you made all this.

This little one's so delicate.

Such beautiful embroidery.

You like it?

If you like it, I'll make you one too when your good news comes.

I just got married.

It's too early for that.

Shouhua, eager to be a mom, huh?

Shouhua! Something happened!

Kangning!

What now? Snow in June? Or did Sifu close down?

What's shocking you like this?

It's awful, just awful.

Worse than any of the two you mentioned.

What happened?

Mom's money is missing.

Hurry. If you can't find it, I'll do it.

At four, I stole sweets from under her nose.

Her stash can't fool me.

I've seen her sneaking around.

Let's see what she's up to.

Found it yet?

What happened? Last I checked, it was full.

Five silver ingots, ten taels each,

a gold hairpin set, two gold rings wrapped in pink silk cloth. All gone?

Qiongnu, don't tell Mom.

We didn't do anything.

Look.

Only this wooden hairpin.

We picked it up off the street.

Why would she need so much money?

Did Sifu House run into trouble?

Big trouble's brewing.

Call Fuhui back.

What?

The shop's full of customers. I've got work to do.

-What now? -Sit here.

Mom, the tea leaves aren't restocked.

The secret tea recipes are given out.

What's left to sell?

Mom, where's the jade bracelet I gave you?

You wore it every day.

It's gone now.

What is this?

What do you want?

My daughters, I raised you through thick and thin.

I've never enjoyed your favor.

Now, you're all accusing me?

How come?

What's this world coming to?

Raising kids is a debt.

A debt.

All debts.

Heavens.

-Mom. -Why is my life so bitter?

So bitter.

Mom, you've taught us, since childhood,

to save tears for when they're truly needed.

Use your strength on the blade.

So, in front of us, spare them now.

Speak honestly, and cry later.

Fuhui.

I've redeemed the pawned jewelry.

Mom raised us as sons.

Daughters are your only support.

If you're short on money, just tell me.

Why pawn things?

Others will scold us for not supporting you.

No.

It's just…

The shop's doing poorly.

The tea dues are due again,

and we don't have money to pay for that.

Mom.

Don't even try to lie to us at this point.

You pawned so many things.

Where did the money go?

Yes, tell us.

Well…

Well…

Well…

I'd rather bear the burden than worry all of you.

Now look, we're all stuck in this together.

No one can escape.

Fuhui.

Fan, where are you going at this hour?

Madam, you said it's an emergency. What's this about?

We're all family.

We're in the same boat and on the same side.

Half a cup of tea's gone by.

What's the big issue?

Why can't you tell me?

Let's wait for Chai.

I'll talk to you then.

Fan, why are you back?

Madam, you can't blame me.

Brother's horse is too fast. He took a shortcut.

We didn't even leave the city before he caught up with us.

Madam, justice always prevails.

If he's the killer, he'll be caught eventually.

He can't run forever.

He's reckless. Why follow along?

Killer?

What's going on?

This is because of me.

Let me explain.

That day at the temple, after the ritual, Yan returned to cause trouble.

It frightened both of my sisters.

Out of anger, Fan got someone to teach him a lesson.

Who knew he'd have this coming?

He ended up dead.

Cui used it to blackmail us, demanding money over and over.

Mom sold everything to appease her.

But now, there's nothing left to give.

We fear the truth might soon come out.

So, we let them go to Jiangning for safety.

A lesson?

What kind?

A verbal scolding or physical beating?

A small punishment or a brutal beating?

I… I don't know.

When I heard he died, my mind went blank.

I can't explain.

And then you let him go?

Du, it's an emergency.

Was he drunk? Did he fall?

Did he get beaten to death? Did he offend others?

Did someone target him? Who knows?

Now, there's no proof.

The neighbor keeps accusing us.

Should Fan die for this?

That'd be an injustice.

Kangning, justice isn't just words.

It'll be judged in court.

Only an autopsy can reveal the truth.

What you did, that's aiding a fugitive.

You'll be punished too.

Shouhua.

Fuhui. I won't go.

I didn't kill anyone. I'm innocent.

He was fine at the time.

Someone's framing me.

I'm wronged. Please help me.

Brother, you have to help me.

It's okay. I believe you. Don't worry.

Chai, he's your family, your brother.

Will you just watch him die?

How can you let his parents bury him in person?

Chai, you know he's soft-hearted.

Forget prison.

One court trial would terrify him.

Are you okay with that?

I don't believe he's a killer.

I'm not afraid of court.

But I fear they won't find the culprit. They might just blame him instead.

That's why we hide him, to wait and see what happens.

Especially since my sister's pregnant.

If anything happens to him, it'll cost not one, but two lives.

Chai, this is serious.

Think it through.

Well?

Well?

You want to report it? Go ahead.

I trusted you guys to care for us.

But now, it's like cutting off our own hand.

Do you think court is a safe place?

They arrest first and beat later,

forcing confessions at any cost.

Fuhui, you're with child.

Fuhui.

-Mom. -You're unlucky, like your Mom.

What will you do?

Widowed, with a child to raise.

Fine, Madam.

Kaifeng's main official seat is vacant.

Acting as judge now is Deputy Magistrate Shen.

He's from Huzhou, a respected family.

He's upright, boasting a good reputation.

No false confessions were made in his way.

Madam.

I'm so miserable.

My great son-in-law. It pains me deeply.

Madam.

-It hurts me so deeply. -Madam.

-It hurts so much. -Chai.

Honey.

Chai.

-Honey. -It hurts me.

Madam.

Alright, enough.

Fights can easily end in injury or worse.

Fan Lianghan, I warned you to behave well, not to stir up trouble.

You didn't listen.

Even if it was for Du, you shouldn't have acted alone.

Now, you've left us in trouble.

What should Madam do about it?

If there's no culprit, they'll accuse us of hiding him.

The Li's reputation will be ruined.

At that time, everyone will be dragged. Even your family and mine.

And even Du.

No one can escape from this.

Yuanming, what do you think?

Chai, after talking so much, why is this suddenly about me?

What can I possibly do?

Madam, don't worry.

Let me figure something out.

Does Cui have any proof?

Proof?

The thug's body.

Where did they find the body?

She claimed to save him, so she took him home.

But he died before treatment. She couldn't even save him.

This street is packed with neighbors.

Burying the body secretly?

Impossible.

Where's the body now?

Still at her house.

I don't want to, but if we don't comply…

If she reports it, Fan will have no defense.

How much does she want?

She took 100 strings of cash before.

Now, she's demanding a thousand strings in three days.

Then she won't bother us again.

Otherwise, she'll go to the authorities.

I can raise the money, but it feels wrong.

It's blackmail.

Yuanming, what do you think?

Should I pay her or not?

I…

What's wrong?

When did you know this?

Around noon.

Fan got his wife's message and then rushed out of town.

And Chai, I'm guessing he heard from Kangning.

Everyone knew but me.

I even walked into it blind.

So, I'm not really part of this family?

Or is it my wife?

Forgot to tell me something so crucial?

Concerning her husband's life, Fuhui couldn't delay.

Fan running away couldn't stay hidden. So, Chai knew.

It doesn't mean Kangning told him.

But when I went there, couldn't you just signal me?

You'll know it in the end.

What difference would it make?

Why are you upset?

You don't care about me.

I don't matter to you at all.

I'm just someone you keep around.

Husband? What's a husband?

A husband should be within your reach.

You put others first.

Where does that leave me?

You tricked me into marriage.

I'll sleep here tonight.

Chou'er.

Set up a new mat for him.

Add a blue curtain for the bed.

Sure.

Someone's a bit of a jealous type.

You're a bit of a jealousy monster.

Even small things set you off.

Take it. Just take it.

We barely scraped together the silver.

Now you're asking for a thousand more in days.

Even a bottomless vault would be empty.

This isn't debt collection. You're asking for my life.

If you dare ask again, I'll be skinned alive.

Sell me on the market.

That'd be your wish.

No, no, I'm not that greedy.

This is the last time.

Later on, I won't ask for more.

Sister, take care.

Goodbye.

So many treasures.

Clear sky.

Clear sky.

Clear sky.

Quick, move.

Clear sky.

Let's go.

Seize these two thieves.

-Yes. -Thieves? What thieves?

-I'm not a thief. -Mother.

-Not a thief. -Mother.

Th-Theft?

Theft?

Wasn't a thousand strings enough to end this?

Why change our terms all of a sudden?

Madam, people's greed is endless, like a void.

Pay her now, and she'll ask again later.

So, Chai and I made a plan.

We'll bait her and set a trap.

A bait and switch.

Feign a theft and catch her red-handed.

What?

-This means… -Yes.

Kaifeng officers are already at her house.

It's over.

-It's over. -Lianghan.

It's all over, Fuhui.

Calm down. Don't worry.

-Let's go. Check the body. -Help me, Fuhui.

-Help me. -Madam.

This way.

Do I have to go?

What should I do?

Of course.

Don't be afraid.

Kangning, stay home with Fuhui. I'll go with Mom.

Kangning.

Sir, the stolen goods were examined.

This jade matches Master Chai's description.

It's the same one.

Of course, sir.

It even bears the Chai family crest.

It was for my mother-in-law, but it ended up in a thief's hands.

This isn't all.

She must've hid some.

-Keep searching. -Sure.

I didn't steal it.

She gave it to me.

Officer, the real thief is someone else.

Don't wrong an innocent person.

Mother, it's too hot.

Let's rest in the shade.

Officer, may we?

Lady, free yourself.

-Let's go. -Madam.

Where are you running to?

Liar.

Now you turn your back on me?

Fine.

Don't blame me for breaking my word too.

Sir.

Sir, the room's been searched.

Just a bedridden old man, mumbling nonsense.

There's a meal and water by his bed.

No other stolen goods.

Lady Cui, abandoning your sick husband?

Where are you going?

My family's 20 kilometers from the city.

An uncle celebrates his grandson's first week birthday. We'll stay for a few days.

Breaking the law, are we?

Sir.

Help him.

What happened?

I don't know.

Here.

There's a person there.

It's a dead body!

Why is there a corpse in Cui's well?

I've lived here over 20 years.

I've never seen such a horrifying case.

A murder case!

What a sin.

It's her.

She made her son-in-law kill.

She's the murderer.

You liar.

How does a murder fill your well?

Oh, your well has a hole, huh?

Connect to my cellar?

You old hag,

full of lies.

Not a word you say is true. Don't trust her.

Don't trust her. Fine!

Officer.

She's the murderer.

She killed him and made me cover for her.

She even promised me silver.

Aside from those treasures…

Here, look!

All this is proof.

Look at these.

These were her bribes to me.

The evidence is clear, Officer.

I admit, I was blinded by greed.

What a shame. It truly is.

Don't rush. Let's see what happens.

Mr. Du, a theft case turned into murder.

This is no small matter now.

When we deal with it later,

it may offend your family.

Sorry for any inconvenience.

Just handle it fairly.

As long as it is fair,

I have no objections.

Lady Cui, this body's face is unrecognizable.

Is he really Yan Zimei, the missing man?

What Yan Zimei?

I don't know him.

She killed someone, but I don't know who.

You should ask the murderer instead.

Yan Zimei is a Jinshi. He has the registry.

If he's dead, returned home,

or in hiding, we can check that later.

As for this body, was it beaten or murdered?

We can't say yet.

Murder?

Don't slander us.

We're innocent.

Officer, we found injuries on the body.

There's a head wound and a stab to the ribs.

You bastard.

-My sister, just let me try. -Let me go.

Let me go!

Cui Wu.

-Cui Wu. You're a bastard. -Mother.

-Let her go! -Mom!

-Mom! -Stop fighting back.

Cui Wu.

Let me go.

Rong, do you recognize this body?

Officer, are there any bruises?

It's unclear.

We need to take it back and do an autopsy.

But this man's left leg is shorter.

He's clearly a cripple.

A cripple?

That's clear. Cripples aren't allowed to take exams.

If this man is a cripple, he can't be Yan Zimei.

Madam, don't worry.

Her adopted son, Cui Wu, is a cripple.

Right, injured from gambling.

This must be Cui Wu.

Cui Wu? Isn't he part of her family?

Looks like it. His clothes match.

Indeed.

It's your family who killed someone.

You framed me and blackmailed me.

-You're heartless! -Madam.

-Madam. -Madam.

-The law will handle them. Calm down. -Mother.

-No hitting. -Calm down.

You venomous snake.

You're worse than poison.

Your spit could kill someone.

Even demons bow to you.

-Madam. -You're a demon!

-Calm down. -Madam.

It wasn't my mother.

It was me.

He tried to assault me, so I killed him.

Out of sanity, my mother stole money just for me.

If you want the murderer, take me.

My mother didn't kill.

-Shut up! -She didn't.

That thief stole my savings, wasting it all on gambling and women.

I'd die to take him with me.

Even in hell, I won't forgive him.

Tie me up.

It's my doing.

I killed him. Arrest me now!

Take me now!

Arrest her.

Yes.

No, Mom.

Mom.

Shouhua, I know you're a good person.

I'm begging you. Please arrest me instead.

Shouhua, I beg you.

Shouhua.

Please.

Shouhua.

No. She and her mother plotted the murder.

And they even schemed endlessly. Our family suffered terribly.

Justice prevails. Evil meets its end.

Don't let your heart soften.

First time seeing you fight for a crime.

Then lock them up.

Yes.

Madam.

Mr. Du, is this solution fair?

-Thank you. -Just doing my duty. No thanks needed.

Routine questions must be asked.

Li family, please serve as witnesses.

Mr. Du, forgive our rudeness.

That would be our gratitude.

You are his foster mother.

He's your adopted son.

A son killing his mother merits death.

You're not wrong.

It was accidental and unintentional.

The punishment will be reduced.

Be truthful in court for leniency.

-Thank you, Master Chai. -Thank you.

Take them away.

-Move. -Move.

They had a backup plan.

Watching the Cui family in secret.

She took a thousand strings to stay quiet,

then fled with her daughter and the money,

leaving her husband and property behind.

She's clearly hiding something.

A risky yet precise move.

But it's like striking a snake's weak spot.

Always behaving recklessly.

No wonder Fan's unlucky.

Cui just killed a person.

Didn't know how to treat it.

Then he beat up Yan Zimei.

The trouble comes along, and Yan Zimei is even more hateful.

Go home and mourn. That's fine.

Just leave Bianjing and be done.

Why spy on the Li family's door?

His lust is still alive, clearly.

He got punished but was saved by Lady Cui.

When leaving, he left a bloody robe.

Can you believe this?

Who does such a strange thing?

Was it unintentional or deliberate?

Is he secretly behind Lady Cui's schemes?

The Cui family's jailed, but he's clean?

Don't overthink it.

How could he know Cui killed someone?

How could it be so coincidental?

At least things are fine for now.

Thank heavens.

Where's Fan?

That fool ran off to buy fireworks.

Says he'll set them off all night to ward off bad luck.

He's so clueless and unrepentant.

He'll trip up big time someday.

He may be spoiled but has a pure heart.

He truly cares about you and the Li family.

If he didn't see us as family,

he wouldn't have stepped up.

Chai is sharp.

I thought he was too cunning before.

I worried he'd trick my sister, but today, he helped with Cui.

He's not cold-hearted.

You were right about him.

You speak so wisely.

But isn't your husband good too?

I heard from Leshan.

Even those officers are usually arrogant,

and their boss is just a small figure.

When they come across Du, they still bow to him.

This time, we get rid of this trouble.

We can't ignore his support.

With such a husband, you're the lucky one too.

Talented yet stubborn, strategic yet impatient.

I'll have my hands full later.

Shouhua, guide him more gently.

Don't.

If he hears she praises another man, he'll die of jealousy.

The soldiers in the water fight all looked incredibly lifelike.

Even if you've never been to Jinming Pool, it feels like you've seen it all today.

We're lucky to see His Majesty's throw.

In my opinion, adding swimmers would make it better.

It'd make this boat race even more thrilling.

It's all just flattery and showmanship.

Trivial tricks, hardly worth mentioning.

-Commander Zhang. -Commander Zhang.

-Commander Zhang. -Commander.

His Majesty says, peace across the land.

Enjoy the garden with no formalities for everyone.

Relax and celebrate this peaceful time.

-His Majesty's gracious. -His Majesty's gracious.

At Jinming Pool earlier, His Majesty set a poetry challenge.

He asked the Secretariat to judge it.

His Majesty said, the top winner gets a royal flower pin.

Mr. Du, you're known for your modesty,

but this gift is a great honor.

You absolutely must not refuse it.

Come, let me pin it on you.

I dare not decline such kindness. Thank you, Commander Zhang.

Master, isn't it hot today?

You're covered in sweat.

Don't remove it.

The eunuch warned against it earlier.

By custom, the royal flower pin must be taken home as it is.

Breaking this rule is seen as disrespect.

Pin it. Pin it now.

It's okay.

Wearing it is dangerous.

Silk and paper flowers are fine.

But His Majesty gave me this rare flower.

It can't withstand any bumps or shaking.

Holding it is much safer.

Whose family are you from?

Do you know where you are? How dare you run around?

Forgive me, masters.

My master hates the heat. He sent me to fetch ice.

If I'm late, I'll get whipped.

Please forgive me.

Thanks a lot.

Wait right there.

-Lingyao. -Hey.

Forget it. It's a small matter.

This is no small matter.

You saw how people stared in the garden.

Some envy your royal gift.

Their luck's too poor to earn one.

They're fuming with jealousy right now.

Everyone knows you got the flower pin.

If you go home without it, someone will report you.

Just wait.

I'll fetch that troublemaker now.

Lingyao.

It's too late.

Bastard.

Such a bastard.

My lady saw everything.

Out of kindness, she offers this flower pin to help.

Well, this works out perfectly. You can pass with this one.

Thanks for your help.

But we don't know each other.

Though I'm in a tough spot, I can't accept this favor.

Please, take it back.

When you first came to our house, you left a poem.

My lord was napping at the time.

If not for my lady accepting it,

asking you to wait in the study, you'd still be waiting outside.

And now, you act like you don't know her?

Who's she?

Plenty bring flowers and fruits here.

Don't know her? Just a passerby.

Who cares? Let's go.

Lingyao.

YU XIU'E

Put this over there.

My lady.

They'll do these repairs fast.

All will be done by noon tomorrow.

Shouhua.

You're home early.

Aren't the flowers here growing fine?

What's going on now?

Madam says city food prices are steep.

It's not as cozy as the countryside.

My lady wants to clear a space to build a veggie patch for her.

It'll make her happy.

As for these flowers, well,

they'll be planted on racks instead.

These flowers.

Mother-in-law had them specially moved here.

For my mother, you even uprooted your favorite flowers.

-And that one. -Runyue.

Runyue?

My lady said, a girl like me shouldn't be called Chou'er.

It's just not right.

I was born in the leap month.

I'll be called Runyue.

Right, my lady?

You seem so happy.

I've never had a name before.

My father never cared about me.

Now, I finally have a name.

And it's so pretty.

My lady, could you call me again?

Runyue.

Runyue.

What are you laughing at?

Get back to work.

My mother's used to country life.

Your efforts with these flowers show great thoughtfulness.

I don't know how to thank you enough.

Don't say that.

We're a family. No need for such words.

If you must thank my lady,

why not gift the flower in your hair?

Would it be better?

I'll buy better flowers next time to gift you then.

Don't mind her.

She was just joking.

It's too hot outside. Let's go in.

In the kitchen, herbal tea and iced lychee jelly are ready.

I'll bring some over.

Thank you.

Giving with borrowed hands? Suits you well.

Aren't you afraid of stirring up trouble?

I only have one wife.

What trouble could there be?

Sang Yanrang.

Sang Yanrang.

Didn't you want to play Go?

Keep it.

-My lady. -What's wrong?

Look, this flower's golden center.

Everyone wears flowers in the market, but the quality's so crude.

I haven't seen one this fine.

Palace goods are unmatched.

Look.

My lady.

I heard His Majesty

used to visit Jinming Pool and Qionglin Garden.

The flowers gifted to officials are often palace flowers.

They were often silk or fabric.

Men wear flowers for good luck.

This flower is like a real lotus.

Incredibly intricate.

Imagine the effort it took to craft it.

It seems more fit for a woman's hair.

My lady, let's just keep it.

Wait a moment.

I've asked Lingyao already.

It's just a nobody

flying her flag in front of Shouhua.

Du is such a scoundrel.

That's not fair to say.

All famous scholars, aren't they always chasing beauty?

It's like being charming is their duty.

Why get jealous over this?

You'll drown in jealousy your whole life.

What?

He wants to take concubines?

How could he? Fan and Chai, they own land and wealth.

They dare to do that.

He's out of control.

More fragrance shops are popping up.

We can't sell stuff.

Mom wants to shut down our shop.

What a shame.

Market flowers are so coarse and gaudy.

Nothing like this delicate flower pin.

Why don't you design a sample?

Use cheaper silk or satin instead.

Pre-scent it with our fragrances.

Kangning, you always get me.

Scent lotus pins with lotus fragrance,

osmanthus with sweet osmanthus.

Peonies have no scent?

How about rose or perpetual bloom?

Gold threads cost too much.

Switch to gold dust, silver, or beads.

Make it elegant, and it'll sell easily.

For this business to work, ten or so won't cut it.

Sort them by material and craftsmanship into different tiers.

That way, buyers of lower tiers will aim for the higher ones.

Ask Fuhui to discuss it.

The premium ones go to the ladies in the wealthy families.

The market has silk and satin flowers.

Make unique, intricate designs.

In no time, they'll be everywhere.

To stand out, we need a bold name.

Since it uses gold and silver,

let's call it

Dripping Gold.

Yes, Dripping Gold Flower.

That's perfect.

What? How much did you say?

TOP-NOTCH FRAGRANCE SHOP

My pearl pin is only 600 coins.

Is your flower pin made of gold?

-Let me see it. -This is

-a bit pricey. -Oh.

Yours uses seed pearls.

Look at mine.

Real gold and silver, handcrafted, embedded so finely.

Look at this craftsmanship.

Eight hundred coins is fair.

I'll trade one string for that.

Impossible.

We only make one Dripping Gold flower a day.

There are cheaper ones.

Silk, satin, or brocade.

They're all beautiful. Look at this one.

This one's nice too.

But none compare to that one.

Give me one.

-Yeah. -I want one too.

-Me too. -Yeah.

No.

This is only one per day.

But you can pre-order them.

Then I'll reserve one.

-Me too. -I want one.

Sure.

-I want one too. -I want one.

Give me one.

-I'll take one as well. -Yes.

-This one's great too. -That one's also lovely.

Subtitle translation by: Yi Yang