01x12 - Episode 12

[bunniefuu]

[Pursuit of Jade]

[Episode 12]

[Yixiang Restaurant]

Madam Chen!

You are late.

You must drink a penalty drink later.

Madam Chen.

Madam Liu!

Look at Madam Song's outfit today.

She's looking more and more noble.

I'm flattered, Madam Liu.

It is my honor to be invited

by you ladies today.

It's an imperial green jade bracelet!

This is truly hard to come by.

Look at the transparency

and the color.

It must be worth a lot.

Let's talk while we walk.

Come on.

Let's go.

This bracelet is

a greeting gift
from the Magistrate's wife.

No wonder! So it was a gift
from your in-law.

Yes.

-Oh, my.
-My apologies.

You wretched girl!

You... Why are you here?

You didn't follow me here
just to cause trouble, did you?

What? Did you buy this building?

If you can come, why can't I?

Do you know each other?

No. Who would know her?

Madam Liu, let me tell you something.

My son's marriage was

entirely arranged by the Magistrate.

The Magistrate is from a scholarly family.

-Come often if you like it.
-He values

character and upbringing.

The betrothal gifts
followed ancient customs.

But my daughter-in-law brought
a generous dowry.

Marriage is

all about matching social status.

If the character and upbringing are poor,

such a marriage

-shall never take place.
-Indeed.

Right?

The Magistrate is truly generous.

Congratulations

on selling your Scholar Song
for a good price.

You...

Well...

Wretched girl!

Let's go inside quickly.

Don't let such a vulgar person

ruin our mood.

Right? Come on in.

What is she talking about?

Just nonsense. Forget about it.

Here's a toast to you both.

Manager Yu, you are very experienced

in receiving guests.

It seems you have indeed
met a lot of people.

Our restaurant welcomes guests
from everywhere.

We believe harmony brings wealth.

In business,

it's always good to know more people.

Please make yourselves at home, sirs.

I need to go attend to other guests now.

Manager, what's wrong?

You look pale.

The man in there just touched me.

I don't know why, but that single touch

gave me the creeps.

Another guest who tried to grope you?

How shameless.

It's not really about groping.

I feel like I've seen him
somewhere before.

Who was that young lady
we met at the door just now?

She is called Fan Changyu.

She's a famous disaster
from my hometown, Xigu Lane.

The fortune tellers all say

she is a rare jinx
seen only once in a millennium.

She not only caused her parents' deaths,

but her uncle was also k*lled
because of her.

It even went to court!

By the way,

just in the middle of this month,

a group of bandits
broke into her home at night,

having k*lled so many people!

Everyone in Lin'an knows about this.

I wonder

how many people have touched her hands

for her to stay so composed

and feel no shame at all.

I've searched everywhere
all these years, yet I failed to find her.

I didn't expect her to be
doing so well in Lin'an,

and to have met so many men.

Perhaps it's just her business dealings.

You are still making excuses for her.

I dare not.

Back then, she left false clues
about her fleeing beyond the pass,

causing me to search
for her in vain for 6 years.

Never thought she'd establish herself
in just 6 years

and open such a large restaurant.

This woman is really something.

Understood.

I will go investigate
her connections immediately.

Also, investigate the men around her.

For anyone who has touched her,

chop off the parts they touched her with,

and present them to me.

Yes.

I will give the orders right away.

Why would Manager Yu
hire someone like that?

In the restaurant business,

nothing's worse than bad luck.

Perhaps Manager Yu

doesn't know this girl's background,

so she let a jinx in.

Madams.

Manager Yu.

What "jinx"?

We don't have such a dish
at Yixiang Restaurant.

Manager Yu,

we are only looking out
for your best interests.

This jinx

can bring death to people.

Really?

But I heard

that she supported
a scholar fiancé for years.

Once the scholar passed
the provincial exam,

he betrayed her
and broke off the engagement.

In my point of view,

the mother and son are the real ingrates

and jinxes.

They not only harmed the young girl

but also her parents.

So this talk of a jinx

might just be a false rumor.

You're right, Madam Liu.

Mrs. Fan

not only takes care of her sister
all by herself.

Since she joined our Yixiang Restaurant,

my braised meat business

has been booming.

I think

she's actually an auspicious blessing!

However, Madam Song,

who told you she was a jinx?

Just some gossip, I suppose.

Why do women

have to make things hard for other women?

Spouting nonsense and gossiping all day

will bring about God's punishment.

As educated and reasonable
as you are, Madam Song,

how could you gossip
like some filthy trash?

You must have been deceived.

Why are there
still some dishes not served?

I'll go check on them.

Madams, please enjoy the food.

Okay.

You know what?

This manager

got pregnant out of wedlock.

Who knows whose b*stard

she carried in her belly?

"Why do women have to make things
hard for other women?" Ridiculous.

I think she's obviously

an immoral sl*t

just like Fan Changyu.

Let's

not let other people's gossip

ruin our mood.

Yes, exactly.

Let's get back to the point.

A bunch of noisy gossips.

According to them,

the child might be hiding
in this restaurant.

The one who talks the most,

teach her a lesson.

Understood.

-Madam Liu.
-Do you think I'm drunk?

You drank too much.

For this matter,
please put in a good word for me

-in front of your son's father-in-law.
-Don't worry. Just leave it to me.

"Bring about God's punishment"?

I think the one to suffer God's punishment

s-should be that wretched girl!

If God

really sees us all,

He should make that wretched girl...

You'd better think twice
before you speak nonsense

and watch your mouth.

If you spout nonsense again,

it won't end as easily as today.

O-Okay.

I-I get it.

Madam.

Madam!

Madam!

[Braised pork tongue]

[Braised pork belly]

[Fan's Braised Meat Shop]

Are there any pig ears left?

None left today.

You may come again tomorrow.

It's almost New Year.

Our braised meat is

selling better and better.

You've worked really hard.

You're the one working hard,

busy with so many things every day.

Making money is never easy.

However,

although our braised meat is selling well,

if we want to take it to the next level,

we could design an emblem
for our braised meat.

An emblem?

But my braised meat is
either sliced and served on a plate,

or wrapped in oil paper for takeout.

What's the use of an emblem?

It's exceptionally useful.

Come out here.

[Fan's Braised Meat Shop]

Look

at these shops downstairs from mine.

Fang's tea,

Li's wine.

[Luo's Pawnshop]

Doesn't every shop have an emblem?

[Fang's Tea Shop]

[Fang]

And each one is unique.

[Li]

[Hua San]

You can tell whose shop it is at a glance.

Later, think of a design for your emblem.

You can make a banner
to hang by the signboard,

so people can see it from afar.

And make some more oil paper.

Print the emblem on the oil paper, too.

When someone buys braised meat,

wrap it in that oil paper.

Your fame will surely surpass the Wang's.

I got it.

I'll find you

a scholar with nice handwriting.

Let's get this done today.

Qianqian.

[Fan's Braised Meat Shop]

My husband can write as well.

I'll just ask him to help.

How is your husband's handwriting?

Excellent.

Really.

Even more beautiful than his face.

That impressive?

Then he must be as great
as the legendary calligraphers,

Wang Xizhi and Zhong Yao!

Wang Xi...

I don't know who those two are,

but I think he's about that good.

Changyu,

I really love

your personality.

[Fan]

Sir, your handwriting is truly elegant.

-Yes.
-Having worked here for years,

I've never seen anyone's handwriting

as good as yours, sir.

Truly amazing.

-It's so well written.
-Manager, look.

[Fan]

It's so beautiful.

Do you want to take a break?

No need. I'll keep writing.

Changyu.

Your husband's handwriting...

It's really good!

Much better than that Wang...

Wang something.

Fine. Beauty is in the eye
of the beholder.

Of course it's good.

Yes. No matter what Zheng writes or draws,

I think it's the best.

Fuling, take Changning upstairs
to have some goodies.

You can eat whatever you want.

Thank you, Fairy Sister.

That's so sweet.

Off you go.

Changyu,

you really found yourself

a husband good with both brains and brawn.

Thank you for the compliment.

No need to thank me.

From today on,

we must stick together.

Show those gossips

that we young women are
also capable of great deeds!

[Fan]

-I want some, too!
-I also want some!

[Fan's Braised Meat Shop]

Me too! I want one!

[Fan]

Qianqian, you're so insightful.

You said drawing these things

would attract a lot of people,
and it really did!

You're mistaken.

The real attraction is

your husband.

[Fan's Braised Meat Shop]

Why are you still standing there?

Go help him.

Go, go, go.

I'll help you.

Here you are.

Isn't this the meat you wanted?

This was just wrapped up.

Yes.

Is what he takes different?

Yes, the meat he hands over smells better.

-I want some, too!
-I also want some!

Give it to me! Me!

That's mine! Give it to me!
I want some, too!

Here you are.

Here.

You can do it.

Come on.

It's fine. It's okay.

You weighed this wrong.

No rush, sir.

No need to rush.

It's underweight.

I cut an extra piece.

Here you are.

What does it have to do with you?

Stay out of this.

-I want some, too!
-I also want some!

-Me, too.
-Any meat left?

I shouldn't have let you come.

-Give it to me. I'll pay double the price.
-I also want some!

-I want some, too.
-Me, too.

[Fan's Braised Meat Shop]

Is there any left?

Sorry, sir.

We're sold out for today.

What about those in the back?

Those are just scraps.

Scraps are fine, too.

Are you selling them or not?

Yes. If you pay, I'll sell.

Here, take it.

Your hands are greasy.

Be careful not to dirty the paper on top.

[Fan]

This calligraphy is brilliant.

Using it to wrap meat is

squandering a treasure.

[Fan]

Really nice.

"Squandering a treasure"?

What does that mean?

Let's pack up.

[Welcome guests from far and wide]

I'm not drunk.

Take care, Mr. Wu.

Qianqian.

Go wait for me in the carriage.

Did you enjoy your drink, Mr. Wu?

It's getting late. It's time to go home.

Why go home?

Everyone knows I am

a regular here.

-Mr. Wu.
-Let's go.

Drink a few more cups with me.

I'm doing this for your own good.

If you go back late,

Mrs. Wu will come cause trouble

for our Yixiang Restaurant again.

Don't use that fierce woman
to pressure me.

Listen carefully.

If you don't keep me good company today,

don't expect to keep this place
running smoothly.

Mr. Wu, please mind your manners.

Go away!

How dare you, a maid,
talk to me like that?

-Who taught you to do that?
-Mr. Wu!

Mr. Wu.

Calm down, please.

I'll drink with you.

Bring the cups.

Cheers.

How dare you,

a scoundrel, run wild here?

I've dealt with countless men like you.

Send him back to the Wu's Mansion

and hand him over to Mrs. Wu!

Yes.

Let go!

Who do you think you are?

Let go! Let go of me!

Do you know who I am?

b*tch!

Are you alright?

Here you are, Mr. Qi.

Master, what should we do with him?

Do as Manager Yu said.

Send him back
to Mrs. Wu at the Wu's Mansion.

Remember, send him back alive.

Don't cause trouble for Manager Yu.

-Yes!
-Understood.

Manager Yu, you look pale.

Were you frightened just now?

I'm fine.

Thank you for saving me, Mr. Qi.

Farewell.

Manager, are you okay?

He behaves a bit like that guy,

but there's no scar on his face.

And the voice is different, too.

Don't scare yourself.

Why would he come to Lin'an?

Who?

Nothing.

[Permeating fragrance]

These snacks are all for you.

My sister can really eat as well.

She eats enough for 3 meals
in one sitting,

with her rice bowl as big
as a soup tureen.

Your sister is impressive!

Have you ever seen a pig slaughter?

No.

My sister can knock a pig out

with one single slap.

Really?

I've never seen anyone

as formidable as your sister.

Fuling, come over and help!

I'm going out for a bit.

I'll be right back.

Thief!

I... I'm not a thief.

I don't care who you are.

You are stealing food.

I'm going to tell my sister
and the Fairy Sister.

Don't!

Changyu, someone is stealing food!

Don't, please don't!

It's all because you're stealing food!

This is my home.

My mother owns this restaurant.

Why can't I eat it?

You are the Fairy Sister's son?

What's your name? How old are you?

I'm Yu Bao'er. I'm 6.

What about you?

Try this piece.

Just this piece is enough for me.

Mother doesn't let me eat too much.

She says too many sweets cause cavities.

What are cavities?

They're like...

Little worms will eat your teeth.

It hurts so much.

Worms will grow?

Like cabbage worms or rice weevils?

I don't know, either.

I've never had them.

Then we'd better not eat anymore.

How about we go play outside together?

Mother says I have a special fate,

and I should avoid seeing too many people.

Only then...

Only then can I stay safe.

Then let's play hide-and-seek.

You can't take this.

-Kids...
-Go away.

-Sorry.
-I'm sorry.

Bao'er?

Why are you here?

-This way.
-Let's go.

Your mother told you not to run around!

You two. Don't touch it.

It doesn't matter.

-Just a moment.
-OK, I'll go back later.

Where did you come from, brats?

You spoiled my mood. Get out.

You're still running here?

Stop!

Run!

You brats, how dare you ruin my day?

Get lost!

Changning?

Changning!

She's not here.

I'll go in and light the lamps
for you two first.

No need to light the lamps in this room.

Arrange the wine and dishes
the same as on our first day here.

Got it.

Keep this in mind.

No matter when or where,

never make decisions on my behalf,

even if we k*ll the wrong person.

Do you understand?

Yes.

I'm so sleepy.

Shh. Be quiet.

How is the investigation going?

I've asked around.

Based on the time she arrived in Lin'an,

the child was very likely conceived
in the Prince's Mansion.

To confirm her identity
with absolute certainty,

we need the Nanny to come to Lin'an
to verify it in person.

Then go arrange it now.

I'll get on it right away.

Who's there?

Sold out so early?

All sold out for today.

Please come again tomorrow.

Okay.

Make way.

Move.

Mr. Li, where are these soldiers from?

Advisor Guo,
who freeloaded here yesterday, said

the front lines are in trouble,
so they're requisitioning grain again.

Looks like

these soldiers are here for the grain.

Wei Xuan's bound to be defeated.

I just didn't expect that he couldn't even
hold on until the New Year.

I also heard

that in Chongzhou,
in order to collect grain,

they drove farmers to their deaths.

They all say Mr. He in our Jizhou is

a just and upright official.

I hope he won't be like those
in Chongzhou,

just to collect grain,

driving the common people to their deaths.

It all depends on
how the Jizhou Government will handle it.

What is this for?

It's yours.

I don't need it. You keep it.

No.

Half for each of us.

You wrote hundreds of paper packets.

I might lose it if I carry it.

You keep it for me.

Fine. I'll keep it for you.

Okay.

Have you seen Changning?

She's missing.

Those g*dd*mn bandits are after us again?

-Bao'er!
-Changning!

Bao'er!

Who is Bao'er?

My son.

Fuling!

Fuling!

Manager, Bao'er isn't in the secret room.

Changning was just here.

I went out for a bit,

and she's gone.

Qi...

It must be him.

Who is Qi?

That man comes every day.

Every time I see him,

I get goosebumps.

He must be the one who took Bao'er away!

Let's split up and search.

Okay.

Has that guest surnamed Qi left?

I-I don't know.

Manager, please calm down.

Where is that guy surnamed Qi?

He just left not long ago.

Did he have anyone with him when he left?

He left in a hurry.

I didn't notice

whether he had anyone with him.

-Manager!
-Manager!

Calm down, please!

Manager, are you alright?

How is your hand?

Let me see.

I'll get on it right away.

Who's there?

Sir, it's me.

Sorry, sir.

I accidentally knocked over
the lampstand just now.

Did I disturb you?

Give it to me.

You can go now.

Enjoy your meal.

[Heaven-class]

How have I taught you?

I... I dare not forget, Mother.

I was just...

Just what?

Just playing around?

Do you just let everything

I usually tell you go in one ear
and out the other?

Why won't you listen?

Why are you so playful?

Qianqian, your hand is hurt.

Why don't you go apply some medicine?

[Heaven-class]

Fairy Sister, please don't be mad.

It's my fault. I fell asleep.

Bao'er was just keeping me company.

I won't blame you.

Can I come play with Bao'er again
in the future?

Get up now. The ground is cold.

Mother.

[Heaven-class]

Qianqian is usually so nice to everyone.

But why does she treat her own son
like an enemy?

Her reaction today was

indeed more fearful than yours.

I'm going back to check on her.

Even close friends have their secrets.

She will tell you when she wants to.

I wonder what Qianqian has been through.

Changyu, I'm sleepy.

She's sleepy.

Come on, Changning.

Hold onto me.

[He]

[Peace at the border]

In our Great Yin's 1 capital city
and 17 prefectures,

the Northwest comprises 4 of them.

Jinzhou is barren,
and Chongzhou has rebelled.

That leaves only 2 prefectures,
Jizhou and Yanzhou.

Yanzhou is

a garrison post.

The Imperial Court strictly forbids
hoarding grain or farming there.

That means right now in the Northwest,

only our Jizhou prefecture
can supply grain.

Wei Xuan

clearly thinks the fire of w*r
in Chongzhou is

not raging enough.

Wei Xuan sent troops
to requisition grain by force.

The soldiers even took the seeds
farmers kept.

Forget about spring planting
of the common people.

[He]

It'll already be a blessing for them
to just survive the harsh winter.

Doing this is

like digging our own grave!

Why couldn't we collect enough grain?

I've had it investigated.

A month ago,

a group of merchants from out of town

bought up grain everywhere at high prices.

The people only kept seeds
and coarse grain for themselves,

and sold all the rest.

Buying grain in wartime.

Go investigate these merchants
from out of town.

-Yes, General.
-Yes, General.

Your Lordship, I've figured it out.

The one who bought grain in the city is

the manager of Lin'an Rice Shop,

named Zhao Xun.

He united grain merchants from many places

to buy grain at high prices
in Yanzhou and Jizhou,

totaling nearly 200,000 piculs.

Zhao Xun?

Has he been
closely interacting with someone recently?

Yes, someone who claimed
to be a rice merchant from the Capital,

surnamed Qi.

Qi?

Mr. Qi,

our manager hasn't recovered
from her cold yet.

She has been resting behind closed doors

and really can't see anyone.

Hope you can understand it, sir.

If it's a cold,

why didn't she accept

the medicine I had a famous doctor
prescribe for her?

She didn't even accept the fox-fur coat.

Is it not warm enough for her?

Or is it that

your manager is avoiding me on purpose?

No way.

Our manager doesn't mean to slight you.

She is just seriously ill.

How serious?

She's not dead yet, is she?

Tell her,

I always get to see the person
I want to see.

So it's you, Mr. Qi! Welcome.

Go serve the dishes. The best ones.

Yes.

Serve the most expensive ones.

It seems you're fine.

It's just a cold.

Nothing serious.

Besides, the physician said
it's more important to keep inner peace.

Don't get angry or sad,

and avoid looking at disgusting things.

That helps with recovery.

Don't move.

Men and women aren't supposed to
get intimate.

Please show some respect, Mr. Qi.

I said, don't move.

Your pulse was slow just now.

It's indeed like a chill.

But now it has quickened a lot.

This medicine is exactly what you need.

Thank you, Mr. Qi.

Manager Yu, you seem
to dislike me so much.

What are you talking about?

It's not that I dislike you.

It's just that I haven't recovered
from my cold,

and I'm afraid I'll spoil your mood

for enjoying the delicacies.

I'll take my leave then.

Where are you going?

None of your business.

I wanted you to take the medicine

for your own good.

There are plenty of men who care about me.

Go wait in line.

Who are they?

Let go.

Let go of me!

What are you doing?

Mr. Qi's concern for Manager Yu is

truly a grand gesture.

He actually booked
the entire Yixiang Restaurant.

Manager Yu,

now you can have a good rest.

You booked my Yixiang Restaurant?

Manager Zhao just said

he'd offer 100 taels a day

to book the Yixiang Restaurant
for 10 days.

Ten days.

I'm booking everything

in the Yixiang Restaurant.

Only 100 taels a day?

Did you not bring enough money?

At least 1,000 taels a day.

Not a wen less.

Do you have that much?

Just this little?

[Yixiang Restaurant]

That's strange.

How weird.

The Manager didn't notify us.

-Excuse me.
-The Restaurant is closed to reorganize.

We appreciate your understanding.

[The Restaurant is closed to reorganize.
We appreciate your understanding.]

Why is it closed all of a sudden?

Where is Manager Yu?

We also came to work early this morning

and just found out.

We haven't seen Manager Yu.

This is weird.

Madam Man, Mr. Li.

Why is the Yixiang Restaurant closed?

Mr. Qi booked the whole place.

He sent us back to rest for a few days,

saying he doesn't need us to serve.

It's weird, though.

Even the doors are all locked.

In all my years at the Yixiang Restaurant,

I've never seen this happen before.

Indeed.

Where is Qianqian?

She was sick yesterday,

so she must be inside now.

Yes.

I'll go take a look.

The doors are locked.

You're not actually thinking of flying...

She actually flew over.

Qianqian!

Qianqian!

-Qianqian!
-Don't come over!

Help!

Don't come over. Stay back.

-Qianqian.
-No...

No.

-No!
-Qianqian.

Get lost!

-Qianqian.
-Go away!

No!

No!

Changyu...

It's okay.

What's wrong?

What dream did you have

to scare you so much?

I dreamed of a madman.

Go away!

A masked madman.

Here you are.

Madam Man said the Yixiang Restaurant was

booked by Mr. Qi.

What's going on?

No.

I didn't dare take on this business.

Why?

I deliberately asked for 1,000 taels,

but he still agreed.

The more I thought about it,
the more scared I got.

So I just closed up the restaurant
to avoid him.

Is it possible

that he just likes you?

I don't know.

I just feel like

it's not that simple.

How about I tie him up in a sack,

beat him up,

and ask what he wants?

Beating people up isn't
a long-term solution.

Isn't Butcher Guo the best example?

Besides,
booking a restaurant isn't ill*gal.

That makes sense.

Why is this clingy guy so annoying?

I've seen enough
of this domineering, big-spending act.

If he really just likes me,

and I want him to give up completely,

I must sever his emotional attachment.

I have to let him know

that I already have a husband,

so he doesn't stand a chance.

But you don't have a husband.

You do.

I do, but you don't.