01x33 - Episode 33

[bunniefuu]

♫ Flowers falling by the river again ♫

♫ Turning the clear waves red ♫

♫ Sparrows singing in celebration ♫

♫ Calm years pass by the silent bustling city ♫

♫ Sitting at home ♫

♫ No one knows love's outline like I do ♫

♫ If one day the river breeze blows again ♫

♫ I won't be a mere reflection in the mirror ♫

♫ Dreams can shatter; Memories remain ♫

♫ Rich fragrance A*DS; Light ink writes ♫

♫ In the deep red windows lies mundane dust ♫

[Episode 33]

How dare Cui Xingzhou
treat our Lian family with such disrespect?

Back in the day...

Mother!

- You!
- The Lian family

has been known for integrity for generations.

You tarnished the reputation
we've upheld for so long!

- Father, what are you doing?
- Silence!

And you!

Just as the banquet ended,
Cui Xingzhou spoke with me in private.

As his uncle-in-law, I was harshly reprimanded.

Why?

Isn't it because you two dared to send those
three women to his mansion to cause trouble?

- Cause trouble?
- Mother.

That vixen was just a mistress.

Do you dare admit to the Consort Dowager
that you arranged it?

The joke's on you.

Let alone you're just a relative.

Even if you were the goddess,

it's not your place to meddle
in the affairs of the Princess of Huaiyang.

The princess should have been Binglan.

The Cui family owes us.

Heavens.

Over the years, I've shamelessly
gone there to ask for favors

and handed over recommendation letters.

And you say the Cui family owes us?

I can't even bring myself to say that word.

How did you get the nerve to say it?

Lian Hanshan, you usually keep it to yourself.

What's gotten into you today?
Are you drunk?

Whose side are you even on?

- I...
- Enough, stop arguing!

Father, instead of venting your anger, why
don't you tell us what my cousin said to you?

Xingzhou said that since
there is no engagement,

we should not visit their home uninvited,

as the futures of our younger generation
are in his hands.

He wouldn't dare.

I'm going to see my sister and reason with her.

He also said
that if the younger generation isn't enough,

he'll add mine to the mix, and drive
the Lian family out of Zhenzhou entirely.

Mother.

From the Beizhou Escort Agency
to the Lingquan Town's Yushao Porcelain Shop,

and now to the Mansion of Lord Huaiyang,

within just a few months, you have accomplished
what others couldn't in a lifetime.

I don't know whether to say you've
had it tough, or that you are truly remarkable.

Regardless of what you think, you spared me
from embarrassment in the front hall.

Thank you for your kindness.

What else could I do?

You're the one Xingzhou has chosen.

Even if not for you,
I must consider the family's reputation.

Today, I finally understand that his words
were to silence me.

But should you truly become the Princess,
things won't be as simple as you imagine.

Greetings, Consort Dowager.

I pay my respects to the Princess.

Now that you're here,
you should stay in the mansion.

Since you're marrying into our family, staying
in Lingquan Town would bring disgrace to us.

This is Madam Wang, experienced from
the palace who has trained many noble ladies.

She was granted permission
to leave the palace this year,

and I have specially invited her for you
to learn from her.

Xingzhou has done so much for you.

You must do your best to live up to him,
and this family.

Thank you, Consort Dowager.

Just as I expected,
once you come here, there's no going back.

Had I known this, I would have stayed
in Lingquan.

Before we get married,
we should keep a distance.

There are many in the mansion who gossip.

Even if you don't care,
I must protect my reputation.

You've learned quickly,
picking up things as you go.

Why do I feel like I'm marrying Madam Wang?

If that's the case, remember this lesson well.

Don't disappoint Mother or me.

Cui Xingzhou, are you out of your mind?

How did I do today?

Does it deserve a commendation
from the Princess?

My Lord.

Mother.

Xingzhou, what urgent matter
brings you here at this late hour?

There's something I must report to Mother.

- Mother.
- Xingzhou.

Are you also getting married?

I called Xingdi here.

Prince Lu has rebelled.

The Emperor has ordered me to march east
immediately to quell the uprising.

Xingzhou, you can't go.

Just... Just say you're ill.

Why should you get involved
in the Liu family's dispute?

Mother, I must go quell the uprising.

If not, other vassal lords will rise up,
and the court will be thrown into chaos.

If I disobey the order,
I'll be guilty of the same crime as Prince Lu.

Mother, please have some rest.

I need to speak with Xingdi.

I'll explain everything to you later.

Don't go risk your life, Xingzhou.

I won't. Ma'am, please send my mother back.

All right. Let's go, Consort Dowager.

- Let's go.
- Worry not, Mother.

Let's go.

Xingzhou, why did you want me here?

What do you need me to do?

I want to entrust the Mansion
of Lord Huaiyang to you.

This battle is more dangerous than any before.

If I fall in battle,
you shall become Lord Huaiyang.

Why me, a cr*pple?

Even though you're constrained,
you are fair and generous.

I trust only you.

Fine.

I shall guard the mansion for you.

But you must promise me you'll return safe.

I'm looking forward to your wedding.

Great Deities, protect my son Xingzhou.

May he return safely
and cause little bloodshed.

If he returns to Zhenzhou unharmed,

I shall offer daily incense and prayers,
devoutly serving the Dao.

Guilty.

Guilty.

Greetings, Mother.

You're leaving tomorrow, so don't linger here.

Go spend more time with her.

I can't help but worry about you, Mother.

That's why I've come to pay my respects.

You've never said such things to me before.

- Did she teach you this?
- Of course not.

I feel guilty.

I rarely have time to be with you, Mother.

I even missed your birthday
while I was in Beizhou.

Now, when Lord Zhennan's family is celebrating,
I'm too busy with military duties to join you.

If you truly feel this way, then fine.

But recently, you've been extra attentive,
serving me and bringing me tea like a child.

Are you not afraid that I might
spit out the tea you serve me?

You won't.

Are you so uneasy about Liu Miantang?

If she knows her place, I'll naturally
care for her as my daughter-in-law.

Could you care for her just a bit more, Mother?

What do you mean?

I'll say it then.

Could you care for her just a bit more?

Don't even think about it.

This is a family heirloom.

But it's also the heirloom
for the future princesses, isn't it?

We've already signed the marriage certificate.

Once the six rites are completed,
I shall give it to her.

Mother.

There's no need to say more.

Back then, your grandmother didn't give me
the token until I entered the bridal chamber.

I was the legitimate daughter of the Count,
yet she is only a princess.

How could she break the rules?

In that case, I'll just have to stay a few more
days, and complete the marriage ceremony.

What did you say?

Mother, you need to follow the rules, then.

I understand that it's not your fault.

I can only blame myself
for being so suspicious.

I must see her having this token before
I can set my mind at ease and go to battle.

If I don't, I'll be guilty of delaying
military orders.

So I'll bear that responsibility.

Where are you going?

I'm going to issue an order
to delay my departure.

No, you're not. I...

I shall give it to her. Happy?

Thank you, Mother.

And thanks to the Great Deities
for their blessing.

Mother, I am determined to return safely.

I just sent Madam Wang away.

Mother has brought you an instructor,
so I had to come and check on you.

But you look good.

It doesn't seem like you had a hard time.

It's only been a day and a night.
What are you talking about?

Move aside. I need to study.

Study what?

Madam Wang's lessons are just about scaring you
with the power of those noble families.

There's no harm in learning.

At the very least, I won't call someone
by the wrong name and offend them.

Do you know how many cousins you have in
Zhenzhou, according to these family relations?

One hundred and forty-seven.

No. They're all distant relatives.

But they're sure to mention it.

What will you do if a cousin comes to greet
you happily, and you can't remember his name?

I'd just ask his name directly.

Then I'd follow up by saying,
"Of course, I know your name.

I'm asking to make it seem more intimate."

- Cunning.
- That's called wisdom.

As long as I don't have over
a hundred female cousins.

I want to discuss something with you.

This battle will be far more treacherous
than the letters suggest.

There will be many undercurrents.

- So...
- So this time,

my military dispensary
will be larger than last time.

I'll organize a women's battalion
to follow the vanguard.

If we win, we'll cook soup.
If we lose, we'll go back to the front.

We can sing "The Magpie Bridge Immortal"
on the b*ttlefield.

- "If love between both lasts for aye..."
- Liu Miantang.

These are things you don't want.

And neither do I. I will stay in Zhenzhou.

I know what you are about to say.

The uprising in Dongzhou happened swiftly,
and is near Huizhou.

You're not wrong, honey.

With the Lord of Zhenzhou
leading the troops away,

villains will take the chance to cause trouble.

I am your Princess of Huaiyang.

I will stay here and defend Zhenzhou
in your stead.

I know that your informants are everywhere
in the six surrounding counties,

and nothing escapes your notice.

- You flatter me.
- But,

no matter how far your eyes can see,
when watching over Zhenzhou,

you must also take care of yourself.

Come home safe.

I will.

[Zhenzhou]

My Lord, the troops are ready,
awaiting your command.

Soldiers, heed my command.

At your service!

- March!
- Aye.

[Zhenzhou]

Lord Zhao, Prince Lu has rebelled.

My Lord has been ordered to suppress
the rebellion, and sent me to inform you.

Very well.

Is there any news from Zhenzhou?

Prince Lu has rebelled, and Lord Huaiyang
has been ordered to lead the troops.

What are you worrying about?

I'm worried that the string might go loose,
and the porcelain will shatter.

Don't worry.

With me, the hereditary Grain Supervisor
of Zhenzhou, nothing will break.

Are you going to w*r?

Finally, you're saying something sweet to me.

So...

are you going?

No.

Besides, if I did go, and the porcelain broke,

wouldn't I be extorted
by a certain long-faced shopkeeper?

Stop joking.
Who would hold you responsible?

Besides, what do you mean

- by long-faced?
- I can find you a mirror

so you can see for yourself.

[Ceremonial Rites]

Consort Dowager.

On your knees.

Aren't you going to ask
why I'm making you kneel?

You are my future mother-in-law.

It is only right
that a mother teaches her children the rules.

I accept with sincerity.

From now on, you are a part of the mansion.

So mark my words today.

This is the heirloom of the
Mansion of Lord Huaiyang.

Every Princess of Huaiyang has worn it.

Many noble ladies have longed for it in vain.

Today, I am passing it to you.

Mother.

It's too early to call me that.

Thank you, Consort Dowager.

Since you are about to marry into the
Cui family, you should broaden your horizons.

Open it and have a look.

But don't be too surprised.

How is it?

This hairpin may look...

simple,

it's an ancient piece of jewelry.

Your vision is still too narrow.

Moyao, close the door
and put out the candles.

Yes, ma'am.

Now you understand
what it means to be an heirloom, don't you?

A night-glowing pearl hairpin?

I didn't expect the Consort Dowager
to give it away so easily.

I told you we should go today,
but you insisted on taking things slowly.

What were you thinking?

No.

It must have been my cousin
who pressured Aunt to give it to her.

I rarely get to see that hairpin.

That little wretch got it for nothing.

Could it be that I was too greedy?

Binglan, all of this should have been yours.

I've worked hard to raise you,

teaching you and instructing you
as befits a Princess.

Why should a mistress come in,
and take away your future?

But now that things are set, what could I do?

Weren't you going to discuss w*r strategies?

Why did you bring me here?

I heard from the Empress
that His Majesty has lost his appetite

due to the rebellion of Prince Lu in Dongzhou.

As your father-in-law, I am deeply concerned.

- So...
- So...

you took me here for a walk.

No. How could I dare
waste Your Majesty's time?

Where is that music coming from?

[Tranquil Flow]

This... this girl...

Your Majesty, please don't be angry.
This is my fourth daughter, Xuelu.

I apologize for disturbing you, Your Majesty.

Be careful with that.

Lift it higher.

Your Highness, everything has been moved in.

Xuelu greets the Empress.

You sure have a taste for delicacies.

The Deer Calls cakes we used to make at home
never made it to your courtyard.

If you miss that taste,
I shall often make them for you from now on.

How long do you plan
to stay in the palace with me?

Let me make arrangements.

I only know that both His Majesty
and Father were very happy today.

I mentioned that I missed my sister, and wanted
to visit the Imperial Garden and Baojun Garden,

and His Majesty agreed.

There's no set time limit.

Father said that since I'm visiting my sister,
I can stay as long as I want.

Actually, there's no need to go out.

This Chonghua Palace was very quiet before.

With my help, His Majesty will
visit more often, and it will be livelier.

How is it?

It truly is a rare treasure.

But there's a hint of an herbal scent.

An herbal scent?

If I'm not mistaken, you rushed back this time
to bring your new porcelain

to participate in the imperial selection,
didn't you?

This year is unlike any other.
Thing are different.

The porcelain merchants in Lingquan Town
are all preparing urgently.

I'm not intended to compete with them.

I'm participating in the selection
just to earn my father's recognition.

If I can gain his approval from the
bottom of his heart, it will all be worth it.

What if I told you
that the He family is sure to lose this time?

I know that His Majesty dislikes the intricate
and elaborate designs of Lingquan's celadon.

The replacement of imperial tribute items
is only a matter of time.

Moreover, officials from the Ministry of
Revenue have already arrived in Lingquan Town,

which is quite telling.

If Lingquan's celadon
loses its status as an imperial tribute,

the He family's generational foundation
as royal merchants will be shaken.

Fortunately, I have some black-bodied celadon
that can be presented for selection.

These are the fruits of your hard work.

Are you willing to give them up so easily?

I'm part of the He family anyway.

I can't compete with them
during such a critical time,

especially when the trade guild is in crisis.

You're willing to put aside past grievances
to help your family out of loyalty.

That is truly touching,
even to an outsider like me.

But do you think they will
appreciate your kindness?

In the past, they took your efforts for
granted, belittling you because you're a woman.

If this time brings about a change,
it might not be a bad thing.

But if they remain unrepentant,
and even become more excessive,

I hope you'll think more about yourself.

As a woman, it's crucial to rely on
what you own for your well-being.

Lord Jiang, you've traveled a long way
on behalf of the Ministry of Revenue

to oversee the imperial tribute selection.

It must have been quite exhausting.

Allow me to offer you a toast.

- Come, let's toast to Lord Jiang.
- A toast to Lord Jiang.

- Lord Jiang.
- Mr. He.

Drink up.

I know what you're going to ask.

It's just...

I feel sorry for Lingquan's celadon.

I'm afraid there's no hope for it being
selected as the imperial tribute this year.

Without being selected,
business will be tough in the future.

Lord Jiang, what do you mean?

The He's porcelain has always
been the first choice for imperial tribute.

- That's right.
- Times have changed.

His Majesty now favors simplicity,
and detests ornate celadon.

He has grown to despise anything
that's overly luxurious or ostentatious.

The pieces in the palace
have already been put away.

That... that can't be right.

Then, what kind of things
does His Majesty prefer?

He prefers items that are simple and serene.

However, the items used in the palace must
still possess an elegant and dignified charm.

It's quite a dilemma for me as well.

This year's porcelain selection
is likely to be a difficult one.

Not just for your kilns,
but for those from other regions as well.

Well, it's...

- This is...
- What are we going to do?

- This shall be a big problem.
- Lord Jiang, it's been a long time.

He Zhen greets you.

Greetings, Miss He.

Zhen, why are you here?

- You...
- I just returned from the kiln.

The black-bodied celadon
from the new kiln is finished.

I hurried back to town
to show it to Lord Jiang.

Black-bodied celadon.

Wonderful.

Absolutely wonderful.

Great.

- There's hope now.
- Indeed.

[Mansion of Lord Zhennan]

My Lord!

My Lord, you've finally returned.

I've just returned to Zhenzhou and
must see my mother. I'm not seeing guests.

My Lord, are you still angry?

Angry? About what?

My worthless sister, that runaway bride
He Zhen, has returned as if nothing happened.

It's utterly disgraceful.

She's back?

- Where is she?
- At home.

It was entirely her idea
to run away from the marriage.

Now that she's back,
she must be punished properly.

Lead the way.

The ash glaze has a warm luster.

It gives a rustic elegance.

Each piece here represents
the He family's finest craftsmanship.

Zhen.

Father.

I shall forgive you,
for leaving without a word this time.

Though it was a minor matter,

how could the Lord tolerate such insolence
as fleeing from a marriage?

- My Lord.
- My Lord.

Your brother was shouting outside my residence,
so I had no choice but to come.

You don't blame me, do you?

Mr. He, about the engagement
your son mentioned,

you should be well aware
of how disgraceful that was.

Miss He is as pure as these porcelain pieces
she crafts, genuine and sincere.

Let me tell you both.

Among these porcelains,
some were shaped by my own hands.

Miss He is the shopkeeper, and I have
witnessed her dedication to the craft.

I respect her deeply.

Now, as for your He family, you take her
porcelain to compete for imperial selection

while looking down on her.

You even use the engagement
as a bargaining chip against her.

Your family owes her an apology.

This... This...

- I'm going to faint again.
- Father, father.

Wasn't I impressive? Your worker
can not only labor but also protect you.

What are you thinking?

None of these pieces were shaped by you.

Well, even without the credit,
I've at least put in the effort.

I've been by your side all along.

[He Mansion]

If your father and brothers
cause any more trouble,

I'll come back tomorrow
and give them another lesson.

You should head back now.

Good day.

All right.

Quan.

Mother?

I was just about to go find...

- You rascal.
- Ouch.

I heard you went to Beizhou, but when you
returned, you came straight to Lingquan Town.

There's someone here.

And this is?

Greetings, Madam.

I'm He Zhen, and I admire your son greatly.

[Tavern in the West of the City]

[Draft]

You should understand what this means.

Madam, you misunderstand.

Rest assured, the Lord and I
haven't reached that point yet.

Then hurry up and get to that point.

Don't hesitate any longer.

Take the money and prepare your dowry.

If it's not enough, come to me for more.

But I have brought shame to you
and your family before.

Quan has told me about
the He family's situation,

and your experiences in recent years.

How could such a good young lady
be mistreated at home?

I must say, running away from that marriage
was the right decision.

Furthermore, as for the imperial selection,
if you need any help, just let me know.

Our family will support you.

Madam, I deeply appreciate your kindness.

However, a woman must learn to stand on her own
in this world, and handle matters herself.

Good girl.

As you wish.

Mother said that after the selection is over,
she will come to your home to propose.

Did I agree to that?

You must agree.

- Or I'll...
- Or...

you'll follow Lord Huaiyang's example
and go off to w*r, and call it off, right?

How do you know what I'm about to say?

You're just planning to pack up and leave,
determined to cling to me, right?

I didn't pay you wages,
so now you want me to marry you in return?

I hadn't thought of that.

That's a good idea.

You're truly a brilliant shopkeeper.

Excellent.

My lord, as you instructed, I've sent all three
ballista blueprints to the Western Camp.

Good. And the rest?

The rest?

The family letters I gave you earlier... today.

Earlier?

Yes.

Yesterday's and the day before's letters
were all sent back by the Shadow Guards.

The family letter I gave you earlier today.

I...

I didn't know there was a family letter in it.
I sent it to the military camp.

This ballista has 36 intricate mechanisms.

Do you remember them all?

Yes.

Good. Let's look at the next one.

[From Xingzhou]

Lord Huaiyang used his name on this.

It must be extremely confidential.

To my beloved wife...

Huang Gui.

- My Lord.
- Yes, my Lord.

You were loud.

I could hear everything from outside.

My apologies.

You're meticulous, my Lord.

I admire your foresight.

But what is this ingenious strategy
in your letter?

Forget about strategies for now.

In such a setting, you opened
this secret letter like that in public.

- Was that appropriate?
- It was not.

All warfare is based on deception.

This was a test for you.
Do you really think it's inappropriate?

With such a mindset,
how will you lead troops into battle?

You're too careless.

It's...

Were we loud?

Not really.

No.

To my beloved wife.

One day seems longer than months three.

One day seems long as seasons three.

One day seems longer than years three.

Such affectionate writing.

Since I didn't leave you a calligraphy sample,
let this letter serve as one.

Please copy this "To Gather Vine" poem
ten times.

I will check upon my return.

This Cui Xingzhou...

Madam, Madam.

The Consort Dowager has arrived.

All right.

Consort Dowager.

This is...

The birthday of Lord Zhennan's mother
is coming,

and they invited the noble ladies of Zhenzhou
to a banquet.

The head seamstress at our mansion
made a few new styles.

I brought them for you to try on.

Thank you for your kindness, Consort Dowager.

His Lordship just sent me many clothes,
and I haven't had the chance to wear them yet.

What would a man know?

We noblewomen don't compete in clothing,
but in dignity.

Please rest assured.

At the Mansion of Lord Zhennan,
I won't let you lose face or dignity.

Why are you all standing there?

Hurry and help the Princess change.

- Now?
- Please, my lady.

Fangxie.

Does this need to come off too?

- Loosen the waist a bit.
- More.

It's too tight.

This is acceptable.

Try another one.

♫ Sitting at home ♫

This isn't bad either.

You can carry off any outfit.

When I was young, I loved this color.

It suits you.

Try one more.

♫ Weary birds nest, boat kisses the willows,
pondering the paths lie ahead ♫

The color isn't dignified enough.
Try another.

Beautiful. Truly beautiful.

Turn around. Let me see.

The back is beautiful too.

Now turn back.

You're truly a beauty.

Such a beautiful outfit,
but it's too plain with this headpiece.

Moyao, go to my room and bring
all the jewelry I wore when I was young.

- Hurry.
- Yes, ma'am.

So beautiful.

♫ The boat drifts,
bringing back the sunset ♫

♫ When we reunite, we still joke
about the cause and effect ♫

♫ Who passed by, the crab apple
falls with a turn ♫

♫ Loving rightly but choosing wrong ♫

♫ With joys, sorrows, partings and reunions ♫

♫ Everyone travels far,
seeing clouds and snow ♫

♫ Always hard to stay, yet easy to part ♫

♫ Crossing spring waters and autumn trials ♫

♫ A couple under the moonlight,
can stay together ♫

♫ Long hidden in the eyes,
flickering in and out ♫

♫ Let go of the flowers blooming
in the yard last night ♫

♫ Let go of the waves in the stream
in half a lifetime ♫

♫ Let those dust and chaos go on endlessly ♫

♫ In this lifetime,
my wish is to the vast sky ♫

♫ There are many more ♫

♫ Everyone travels far,
seeing clouds and snow ♫

♫ Always hard to stay, yet easy to part ♫

♫ Crossing spring waters and autumn trials ♫

♫ A couple under the moonlight,
can stay together ♫

♫ Time flows as we dream through four seasons ♫

♫ I wish to journey with you forever ♫

♫ Year after year ♫

♫ For many years to come ♫