01x28 - Episode 28

[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 ♫

Are You the One

[Episode 28]

Get in.

Ms. Liu.

-Madam Su, you're so inquisitive.
-No.

What a coincidence. I also love to inquire.

Last year,

Mr. Su gambled extravagantly in Huizhou.

He even wagered his own fabric shop.

But in the end, he lost everything,

and is 850 taels of gold in gambling debts.

Madam Su, out of deep love for your son,

you moved the entire family
to Beizhou overnight to escape the debts.

But you couldn't stay quiet and instead tried
to marry a lady from the Qiao Family,

hoping to use the dowry
to pay off her gambler son's debts.

Ms. Liu, you misunderstand.

Madam Su, you know well
if it's a misunderstanding.

But I want to remind you

that the creditor is already on the way.

They should arrive in two or three days.

Madam Su, if you don't leave now,
you won't be able to escape.

Liu Miantang, you...

Alright, put it away quickly. It's not a big deal.

Don't let it escalate to a fatal situation.

Alright.

Good for you.

Aunt, welcome back.

-What are you so proud of?
-Me?

I know very well what you used to do.

You never went to the capital to marry Cui.

A woman wandering alone for three years,

>what good could come of it?

I heard you found a man in Xizhou.

You must have been so disliked
that you came back in disgrace.

Aunt, you're so angry.

It seems the
engagement with the Su Family failed.

Your cousin is different from you.

Even without the Su Family,
there will be other wealthier families.

I have already asked the matchmaker
to arrange a date in the next few days.

However, I advise you to stay put
and behave yourself.

Don't come out and make a fool of yourself.

Otherwise, don't blame me for
spreading the truth about you.

I wouldn't do that.

At this critical moment,

you will surely treat me like your own daughter

and risk your life to protect my reputation.

Otherwise, how could my cousin Qingying
get married?

But here I am,
a petty jealous woman,

living a miserable life.

And I have to watch my cousin marry gloriously.

Take care, Aunt.

[That dog often visits the courtyard,]

[pretending to be friendly
while actually disliking me.]

A secret letter?

After Lord Huaiyang fell asleep,
I sneaked in and read the letter.

-Was it a plea for help?
-This is what Lord Huaiyang wrote.

"That dog often visits the courtyard,"

"pretending to be friendly
while actually disliking me."

-He called me a dog?
-It might not be referring to you.

-What about the rest?
-Lord Huaiyang also wrote,

"That dog seems to know my fears. He makes it difficult for me
to enter and exit the front yard freely."

He is clearly referring to me.

If he hadn't broken the rules himself, would I have nothing better
to do than to confine him?

I even gave him a courtyard
with the best sunlight.

So, my lord, what should we do next?

Keep him confined until he dies.

-Stuff the door cracks with cloth.
- Yes.

Wait a moment.

First, find a doctor

to cure his annoying cough.

Don't let him die in my courtyard. Go now.

Yes.

Summon Lord You for an audience.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

I wish you good health.

Lord You, you may rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, Lord You has traveled
thousands of miles

to wish you well.

This shows his sincerity
and sets an example for the vassal lords.

He should be richly rewarded.

What you said is very true.

I deeply agree.

Lord Liu Qi of Youzhou is loyal and upright,
and adheres to principles and propriety.

His resolve is unbreakable, and his mind
remains unshaken by any distractions.

He shall be elevated to a duke
and promoted to Minister of Rites.

He will also oversee the mining,
smelting, and minting of the Northern Region,

namely Youzhou,
Yanzhou, Beizhou, and Yunzhou.

Thank you for Your Majesty's grace.

I usually feed the fish here.

These red carp often wait nearby.

They grow fat and large.

But the small fish are left hungry.

I...

need to take care of them as well.

Your Majesty's grace is unpredictable.

Your Majesty, look,

these red carp
wait here every day.

They never slack off.

Originally,
they earned their food through hard work.

But unexpectedly, they are worse off
than those small fish that do nothing.

Their food is easily taken away. This is...

Which red carp has been treated unfairly,

and complained to you, Uncle?

Your Majesty,

Zhang Di is both talented and virtuous,

and he has also worked hard for Your Majesty.

I think he's an honest and loyal person,

which
is why he was given an important position.

Originally, I intended for him to manage the
minting of the North Region for Your Majesty.

But...

Why didn't you tell me about this earlier,
Uncle?

With the bond between you and me,

would I deliberately use this favor
to gain personal advantage?

The decree has been issued.

It is difficult to change it.

Uncle, now that the Lord You has submitted,

it is a joy for the court as well.

Uncle, you are wise and just.

You wouldn't make things difficult for me,
would you?

Your Majesty, how could you say that?

For the benefit of the country and its people,
how could I be so petty?

That's good to hear.

Sorry to disturb Your Majesty's enjoyment.

[Jian'an Gate]

My lord.

Liu Yu has extended his hand to my domain.

I could let slide the position
of Minister of Rites.

But even the minting of the four prefectures
has been granted to Lord You.

This is clearly an attempt
to dismantle my power.

I thought of using one villain
to deal with another

and Cui Xingzhou would either
suffer physical pain on this trip.

I didn't expect Lord You
to come to the capital so quickly.

Maybe His Majesty has already allied with him.

Whether they have secret dealings
is not important.

As long as their common weakness is in my hands,

I can still take them down.

You mean Ms. Liu in Beizhou?

I have no feelings of pity for that girl.

Find an opportunity to capture her alive.

It's alright if you have to break her

arms or legs.

How are you, Great Grandmother?

It's all old ailments, nothing serious.

Come, sit.

Lord You's submission

sets an example for all the other lords.

Cui Xingzhou has done well in this matter.

In my opinion,

Lord Huaiyang has previously achieved merits in the western campaign.

Yet he remains humble and unassuming.

Now he is also dedicating himself
to the future of the Qi Kingdom.

He is truly a hero of our times.

If the Imperial Court had more capable ministers like him,

I would be at ease.

Your Majesty,

Lord Huaiyang has made great contributions this time.

How do you plan to reward him?

Great Grandmother, rest assured,
I will reward him generously.

Zhong, time to cross the fire basin!

- Come on.
- Alright.

Stop it. That's enough.

- Is the prison food good?
- Shut up.

Is the manager Liu Miantang?

What is it, young lady?

She was so sick before that she
couldn't even sew a handkerchief properly.

Yet she can command a group of men
to escort goods.

Since you recognize Ms. Liu,

then you should know
she is the best businesswoman in the world.

She wouldn't tolerate anyone mocking her on her property,

and still be able to walk out safely.

Great. I don't plan to leave right now.

Lu Zhong, Lu Yi.

Sister.

Sister.

I should have come to visit
when I found out you were back.

But I was busy firing porcelain a few days ago,
and couldn't get away.

You won't blame me, will you?

So the new porcelain is finished?

Why didn't you bring some to show me?

Well, it's finished.

As per the guidance in your previous letter,

there is indeed a purple gold clay mine
in Ruben Mountain in the suburbs of Beizhou.

As soon as I arrived in Beizhou,
I started setting up a kiln site.

Under high fire, it indeed produces black clay.

I brought some down the mountain this time, and
intended to present them to Lord Beizhou first

so that Lord Beizhou would allow me to open a trade route in Beizhou,

and earn some capital.

I didn't show you because I was afraid my
porcelain wouldn't meet your expert standards.

I'm no expert.

Then wait until I produce porcelain
that can rival Lingquan premium.

I'll let you be the first to appraise it.

You are meticulous and never tire of hard work.
You will definitely succeed.

By then,
I'll be responsible for supplying the goods,

and your escort agency
will handle the delivery.

Let's work together sincerely
and make a fortune.

Miantang, what was happening outside just now?

Is it to ward off some bad luck?

Indeed, some bad luck has come.

Bad luck from Zhenzhou.

But didn't you say in your letter that you two had already...

parted ways?

How come...

Is he already at the door?

Yes, even Master Qiao was alarmed
and went over with your husband.

That carriage is quite impressive.

I just don't know which family
is coming to visit.

We'll know once we see him.

[Qiao Residence]

You must be Master Qiao.

I didn't know you were coming, Lord Zhennan.
I apologize for not welcoming you properly.

- It's alright.
- My lord.

I have been a close friend of your eldest son
for many years.

Passing by your esteemed place,
I have to pay a visit.

Please.

Let's go.

My lord.

How much money did you give the matchmaker
yesterday to get a lord to come?

I didn't give any money.
How could I have any money?

Didn't give any?

Isn't this a visit for a marriage proposal?

This...

Come.

My lord, please.

Come and greet His Lordship.

No need for formalities.

Many years ago, I passed through Zhenzhou
while escorting a caravan.

I had the honor of meeting
His Lordship's father.

At that time,
my sons were still young and weren't with me.

Xian, when did you become
acquainted with Lord Zhennan?

Lord Zhennan and I...

I met him at Lingquan.

We met while watering our horses
at Lingquan in Xizhou.

Watering horses?

That's quite a serendipitous encounter.
When did this happen?

Let me think.

My lord, it was one autumn.

My lord, please try this pastry.

Do you know my granddaughter?

- No, I don't.
- Then what are you looking for?

As soon as I arrived,

I noticed that all your descendants
are talented.

Even the young ladies in the family
are so graceful.

Indeed, you're so lucky, Master Qiao.

My lord, you flatter us.

My daughter, Qingying, has been skilled
in the four arts since childhood.

Grandfather, you have many important matters
to attend to.

We should leave my uncle
and His Lordship to chat

so as not to disturb His Lordship
with other matters.

Alright.

Ms. Liu, don't.

It's me.

Zhao Quan.

I'm your friend.

We're not friends.

You can't push me away
because you're angry with someone else.

Is that so?

Don't.

Miantang, I'll stand guard outside for you.
Be quick.

Alright.

Thank you.

Wasn't it you
who helped Cui Xingzhou deceive me?

When I woke up,
you called him "Cui Jiu", didn't you?

Misunderstanding, a huge misunderstanding.

At that time,
I was only thinking of saving you.

It was all that Cui Xingzhou
who forced me to lie.

But even so, I cannot shirk my responsibility.

That's why I came to Beizhou specifically
to apologize to you.

What is this?

I have always been worried about your
hand injury, so I found an ancient remedy.

My hand has long since healed.

If you can't see it,
we can have a little contest.

That won't be necessary.

I know you can move freely now,
but after all, it was a reattached tendon.

Even if it has healed, it still hurts
in cold and rainy weather, doesn't it?

Apply this medicine to the injured area
once a day.

It will be fully healed within three months,
with no lingering effects.

This remedy contains a rare ingredient,
the eagle flower, which is hard to come by.

I went through a lot of trouble
to find it and prepare this.

This is the only one in the world, Ms. Liu,
please don't waste it.

How much money do you want? I'll pay you.

Talking about money hurts our friendship.

But I have indeed hurt our friendship.

However, this medicine is worth a
thousand gold, consider it my apology.

Ms. Liu,
please don't blame me anymore, alright?

Eagle flowers?

I've been searching for so long and
couldn't find any. How did you get these?

Just follow your recipe and make the remedy.

And there's one more thing
I need your help with.

What is it?

Give the remedy to her for me.

Aren't you going to Beizhou?
Why don't you give it to her yourself?

If it's from me, will she use it?

I'm not going.

I'm begging you.

I can't go.

[Draft]

If you don't accept it,
then take the medicine back.

Fine, I'll accept it.

Ms. Liu, do you know that Xingzhou is
now trapped in Lord Beizhou's Mansion?

What does his whereabouts have to do with me?

So you haven't seen him for a long time.
Neither have I.

I was thinking of going to the mansion to build some connections and say a few good words for him.

But who would have thought that Lord Beizhou
kept making excuses to avoid me?

Do you think they might t*rture Xingzhou,

or even k*ll him over a disagreement?

You know, I'm rather slow-witted.

So I came here specifically
to discuss countermeasures with you, Ms. Liu.

Aren't you worried at all?

I only know that if I stay with you any longer,
my uncle will start to worry.

Light dust rests on weak grass.

Things have changed.

Miantang, darling. Is the man you met

- in Xizhou...
- Aunt, don't get it wrong.

I am just the abandoned woman you mentioned.

Miantang, it was all my fault.

That day, I was angry with the Su Family
and ended up offending you.

How could I be angry with you?

Look, in our family, I like you the most.

I am just worried that
as the Qiao family is in decline,

your cousin Qingying
might not find a good match.

She is your cousin, after all.

Do you remember?
When you two were little, you lived together,

learned embroidery, and flew kites together.
You both even...

Aunt, you just need to know that
the Su Family is not a good match.

Yes.

And soon, I will have to congratulate you.

Congratu...

Which one is Mrs. Qiao?

- Have you seen Mrs. Qiao?
- No.

- Is it this one?
- Here she comes.

- Mrs. Qiao.
- Mrs. Qiao.

- Mrs. Qiao.
- Mrs. Qiao.

- Mrs. Qiao.
- I came first. Let me speak first.

- Let me speak first.
- I usually let you go first.

- This time, I will speak first.
- I will speak first.

What exactly do you want to say?

A marriage proposal.

The news has spread throughout the town.

The Qiao family are friends with the noble Lord Zhennan. And they never boast about it.

This shows their modesty and noble character.

Exactly. Yesterday, five families
asked me to propose a marriage.

I have eight families here. Don't you have
two young ladies ready for marriage?

Do you?

Ms. He.

I have already presented the porcelain vases you brought to His Lordship.

Thank you, sir. What does His Lordship say?

We have a distinguished guest today.
His Lordship is meeting him now.

However, please rest assured, Ms. He.

With such excellent porcelain,
His Lordship will surely agree

to grant you some business permits to sell them
in the various counties of Beizhou.

Please rest in the north room first
and wait for His Lordship to summon you.

Thank you.

Please.

Cui Xingzhou called me a dog.

And on my territory, he seizes by force,

commits crimes, and bullies men and women.

If it were you, could you tolerate it?

I could.

I know you could.

You two were inseparable in Zhenzhou.
You're his cunning partner.

You canceled your engagement
before your wedding, and so did he.

Anyone with eyes can see the relationship
between you two.

Nonsense!

How dare you! You're a mere marquis, and you come in demanding I release him.

And you offend me.
Aren't you afraid of dying in Beizhou?

Fine, if you dare, we'll die in your Beizhou.

Let's see if the Imperial Court and my Zhenzhou
army don't wipe you out completely.

Farewell.

[Lord Beizhou's Mansion]

Isn't this the runaway young lady...

who made my family lose face and dignity?

My lord, do you intend
to take me back to Zhenzhou?

That is unnecessary.

Ms. He, you ran quite far to avoid me.

My lord, you jest. Merchants seek stability and livelihood.

I opened a kiln in Beizhou to make porcelain.

Is this porcelain vase yours?

Among all the vases I made, this is the
one and only item to present to Lord Beizhou.

I hope to obtain
the ceramics merchant evidence of Beizhou.

Unfortunately,
it was shattered by an esteemed guest.

- It wasn't me.
- Then it must be Lord Beizhou.

I heard from the steward that Lord Beizhou
was in a very good mood today.

Why would he break a vase for no reason?
To hear the sound for amusement?

He... he imprisoned Cui Xingzhou.

I argued with him. He...

- He scolded me and Cui Xingzhou.
- Shouldn't you two be scolded?

No.

When...

I... I just couldn't explain it clearly.

Then don't.

Sorry.

It was me who broke it.

Why should I take the blame?

Slow down.
[Qiao Residence]

It's a grand occasion. The Qiao family
is marrying off their daughter today.

- What a grand spectacle!
- Truly magnificent!

The bridegroom is quite a handsome man.

The Qiao family is really fortunate.

Lift the sedan chair.

Lord Huaiyang, you haven't
eaten for several days, have you?

Not hungry.

Then it must be that the food in my mansion
doesn't suit your taste.

I'll immediately have some dishes
from Zhenzhou prepared and sent over.

No need.

Lord Huaiyang, do you always
say two words at a time?

Any other businesses, please?

I have good news and bad news.

Which one do you want to hear first?

As you said, Lord You indeed went to the capital

to meet the Emperor a few days ago.

- Is this the good news?
- No.

Lord You encountered assassins
on his way back to Youzhou from the capital.

However, when the assassins showed up,

several secret guards appeared to protect Lord You.

They have safely escorted Lord You
back to his mansion.

That's the good news.

Those secret guards are all your people,
aren't they?

You knew all along that someone
would try to assassinate Lord You.

If Lord You died,

you would have enough reason to k*ll me.

At that time,
the Zhenzhou Army would march north.

You and I, like the snipe and the clam,
would fight, and someone else would benefit.

You mean someone is manipulating
all of this from behind the scenes?

My lord, you appear to be fearless,

but in reality, you are the most adept
at assessing the situation.

After observing for a long time,

you naturally understand the general trend.

Naturally, you can also
make the most appropriate decisions.

But I just want to be a stable vassal lord.

I don't want to get involved
in the court's intrigues and deceptions.

My lord, you are just stalling me.

I haven't promised you anything.

Lord You is currently safe,
and you have no ill intentions.

I can only grant you freedom.

Listening to more would be of no benefit.

Alright.

Cui, why don't you ask me what the bad news is?

The Qiao family is marrying off a young lady today.

It's her cousin, isn't it?

No, no, that's completely wrong.

The groom is not Mr. Su.

Master Qiao carefully selected Mr. Qian.

He not only has a prosperous family background and a handsome appearance,

but he also is a promising scholar.

Ms. Liu of the Qiao family can definitely be described as extraordinarily beautiful.

The people coming to propose marriage to the Qiao Mansion

have practically worn out their threshold.

When Mr. Qian saw Ms. Liu, he was completely captivated.

He sincerely and earnestly proposed several times.

Master Qiao accepted it.

She agreed just like that?

It's the parental order and the matchmaker's words.

She has no right to disagree.

I knew that the six rites were proceeding smoothly, and it was done quickly.

Given the time, the bridal sedan chair is...

Stop. Let him go.

You scared me!

[Auspice and Fortune]

Get down. You can't borrow this horse!

This is a Ferghana horse that I transported from Xizhou!

This is a Ferghana horse that even I'm reluctant to ride!

- Congratulations.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

Congratulations.

Congratulations. Congratulations.

Thank you. Thank you.

Who are you to dare to disrupt the wedding procession on the street?

What is he trying to do?

Is he here to kidnap the bride?

I am a recommended official of the Qi Kingdom. I'll...

I apologize for any offense. Please forgive me.

I'm not here to kidnap the bride.

I just have something to say to the bride in the sedan chair.

Bride, don't interfere. Don't break the etiquette.

Sir, stop making a scene.

They're married with proper rites. The six rites are complete.

It must be mutual affection and true feelings. What are you trying..

Are you truly willing to marry this person?

You rat, where did you come from?

Someone, quickly drive him away!

If you truly care for him and are willing to spend your life with him, I bless you.

But if you have even a moment of hesitation,then come with me.

Nonsense.

Miantang.

I am not Liu Miantang.

If you continue to make a scene, I will report you to the authorities.

I'm leaving. I'm leaving. I'm leaving.

Quickly leave. Leave.

Lift the sedan chair.

This person must have a problem with his mind.

Indeed, he must have gone mad.

Truly insane.

Congratulations!

That is Lord Huaiyang.

Thank you, my lord.

My lord, I've brought you tremendous good news.

What good news?

I came with the decree of the Grand Empress Dowager.

You have achieved military merit, and the Grand Empress Dowager is greatly pleased.

She intends to marry Princess Wuhua to you.

Cui Xingzhou, Lord Huaiyang, receive the decree.

My lord, listen to the decree.

Now, Princess Wuhua, with her noble character, and exceptional talents, is gentle, respectful,

and possesses the qualities of virtue and grace.

With her gentle and virtuous nature, she is in the prime of her youth.

To avoid wasting her prime years,

the Office of the Imperial Clan is specially ordered to select a suitable husband for her.

It is heard that Cui Xingzhou, Lord Huaiyang,

is proficient in both civil and military affairs, and his talents and virtues match hers.

His loyalty and dedication to the country make him a perfect match for the princess.

It's a perfect match made by Heaven.

The officials will choose an auspicious date for the ceremony.

The decree is to be carried out by the appointed officials.

My lord, receive the decree.

Congratulations, my lord, it's double happiness.

My lord, you must be overjoyed.

Before coming here, I already met with Lord Beizhou.

He said that your affairs in Beizhou are finished.

As long as you are willing, he can send people to escort you out of Beizhou at any time.

Well, I...

I have other matters to attend to.

Other matters?

Are they more important than the Grand Empress Dowager's decree?

This audience with the Emperor cannot be delayed.

My lord, it is better to pack up, and set off for the capital as soon as possible.

Then I will take my leave first.

[Auspice and Fortune]

By the grace of Your Majesty,

an Imperial Envoy has come to me to bestow military honors upon me.

In addition to this honor,

I hope to ask a favor for an old friend.

With Your Majesty's favor, this old friend will not be mistreated.

In the future, when she gets married, no one will dare to slight her.

Seeking rewards for achievements.

What a demeanor.

Who does Cui Xingzhou think he is?

If I want to reward Liu Miantang, why do I need him to ask for it?

Rise.

Yes.

How is the conferment of titles for the imperial women and officials' wives?

It was initially reviewed by the Ministry of Rites,

and the Hanlin Academy is drafting the Imperial Edicts.

Once Your Majesty approves them,

they will be handed over to the Cabinet for final writing and sealing.

I want to bestow the title of Commandery Princess upon Liu Miantang.

In the previous Dynasty, there was a precedent

for rewarding non-imperial women who contributed to the throne

with the title of Commandery Princess.

If Your Majesty has made up your mind,

the Imperial Clan and the Ministry of Rites should have no objections.

However, the honorary title still
needs Your Majesty's approval.

Huaisang.

Huaisang?

Your Highness, what is the meaning behind these two words?

Huai sang evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of one's homeland.

His Majesty is trying to remind that wretch not to forget their past.

Take everything down. Be careful.

Yes.

So this is the important matter you mentioned, which I must attend.

In two days, you will be leaving.

Previously, I confined you to my residence. It was quite offensive.

I feel deeply regretful about it.

Today, I invite you to go on an outing, riding horses and sh**ting arrows.

Consider it a farewell and an apology.

You're so considerate, my lord.

♫ 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 ♫