WEBVTT 00:08.960 --> 00:11.600 Sir, we have a new performance, The Tale of the Silken Robe. 00:11.720 --> 00:13.800 A lost mother, an abandoned child, and a courtroom trial of the father. 00:13.880 --> 00:15.880 A life adrift, tangled with love and resentment, 00:16.320 --> 00:17.720 and an unbreakable bond between a father and a son. 00:17.760 --> 00:18.760 Please step inside. 00:31.960 --> 00:32.960 Please come in. 00:38.840 --> 00:40.120 That young lady in the fox mask, 00:40.640 --> 00:42.600 -keep an eye on her. -Yes, sir. 00:42.680 --> 00:45.920 Let's see what happens next. 00:47.120 --> 00:48.760 The entire family 00:49.080 --> 00:53.960 was murdered by the bandit, Xu Neng. 00:55.200 --> 00:56.920 Xu Neng? 00:58.160 --> 01:01.200 That's my father's name. 01:01.560 --> 01:03.840 Could my father be... 01:05.120 --> 01:10.560 Unbelievable! 01:15.200 --> 01:16.200 The play is excellent. 01:17.640 --> 01:20.400 But the son discovering his father is not only a bandit 01:20.680 --> 01:22.200 but possibly his mother's killer. 01:22.760 --> 01:24.480 I suppose this must end in tragedy. 01:24.840 --> 01:26.400 Please listen on and see for yourself. 01:30.800 --> 01:31.920 Not necessarily. 01:32.680 --> 01:33.840 People love plays because, 01:34.400 --> 01:35.560 no matter how great 01:36.320 --> 01:37.600 the conflict, 01:37.680 --> 01:39.280 they often end with reconciliation. 01:39.560 --> 01:42.640 Life, on the other hand, is far less forgiving. 01:44.840 --> 01:46.160 It's easy to find companions in joy 01:46.240 --> 01:47.840 but rare to find those who share your sorrows. 01:47.920 --> 01:49.280 Young Lady, if you doubt me, 01:49.760 --> 01:51.120 why not watch the ending together 01:51.560 --> 01:53.560 and see whether it's a tragedy or a happy ending? 01:54.280 --> 01:55.280 Alright. 01:55.760 --> 01:56.760 Remove this screen. 01:56.840 --> 01:59.480 It'll feel more spacious with the candlelight and breeze. 02:00.680 --> 02:02.600 Waiter, remove the screen, please. 02:02.680 --> 02:03.680 Right away! 02:20.280 --> 02:23.320 Bravo! 02:23.400 --> 02:24.360 How strange. 02:24.440 --> 02:26.280 It's neither a tragedy nor a happy ending. 02:26.800 --> 02:27.960 Is the play unfinished? 02:28.360 --> 02:30.560 The son is an official, and the father is a bandit. 02:31.400 --> 02:32.840 Family bonds and justice 02:33.160 --> 02:35.000 stand as irreconcilable opposites, 02:35.640 --> 02:37.480 so naturally, the ending is hard to write. 02:37.560 --> 02:40.400 If the second act really depicted the son putting his father on trial, 02:41.400 --> 02:43.240 wouldn't that be shocking and unconventional? 02:43.560 --> 02:46.400 You think a son shouldn't judge his father? 02:47.000 --> 02:48.800 That familial bonds outweigh justice? 02:50.160 --> 02:51.280 What I mean is, 02:51.440 --> 02:53.840 what's wrong with being unconventional? 02:54.840 --> 02:56.040 Filial piety is essential for a son, 02:56.120 --> 02:57.560 and loyalty is paramount for an official. 02:57.680 --> 02:58.680 It all comes down 02:58.840 --> 03:00.560 to whether he chooses to be a good son 03:00.800 --> 03:02.160 or a good official. 03:03.280 --> 03:05.000 When there's no way to satisfy both, 03:05.400 --> 03:08.000 any choice leads to tragedy. 03:10.000 --> 03:12.720 This protagonist is a pitiable man. 03:14.160 --> 03:17.160 (This gentleman must also be torn between family and justice,) 03:17.320 --> 03:18.640 (which is why he's so sorrowful.) 03:23.520 --> 03:25.400 And if it were up to you to write the ending? 03:27.280 --> 03:29.880 In the courtroom, judge as the law requires. 03:31.280 --> 03:34.400 Outside the courtroom, behind closed doors, return to being a son. 03:35.000 --> 03:36.600 Set aside grand principles 03:37.720 --> 03:39.400 and offer some gentle words. 03:39.680 --> 03:40.680 If that doesn't work, 03:41.080 --> 03:42.560 then just kneel on a washing board. 03:45.280 --> 03:46.920 Well, that would turn it into a comedy. 03:50.040 --> 03:51.680 Ladies and gentlemen, you're in for a treat! 03:51.760 --> 03:53.360 In celebration of the Granary Festival, 03:53.400 --> 03:57.720 I've prepared a riddle game with small prizes 03:57.960 --> 04:00.000 to entertain and delight you. 04:20.600 --> 04:22.960 The objects hidden are from the tavern. 04:24.280 --> 04:26.520 The actors will perform clues as hints. 04:27.040 --> 04:29.040 Everyone is welcome to guess. 04:29.280 --> 04:31.160 The one with the most correct answers wins. 04:33.840 --> 04:35.960 Now, let's begin with the first question! 04:37.480 --> 04:41.200 Empty city walls, galloping warhorses, 04:41.480 --> 04:46.200 year after year, corpses pile high and crows wail. 04:47.200 --> 04:48.200 Warhorses? 04:49.520 --> 04:50.920 That wouldn't fit under the cover! 04:51.280 --> 04:52.600 That's from the Three Tunes of Yuyang. 04:52.720 --> 04:54.840 Mi Heng beat the drum and rebuked Cao Cao. 04:55.760 --> 04:57.040 The object must be drumsticks. 04:57.840 --> 04:58.840 Correct! 04:59.160 --> 05:00.160 Bravo! 05:03.840 --> 05:06.080 You even know about historical military references? 05:06.960 --> 05:09.320 Could you be a man disguised as a woman? 05:11.520 --> 05:13.240 A woman can be just as capable as any man. 05:20.640 --> 05:22.080 Now for the second riddle! 05:22.520 --> 05:25.400 Surrounded by women's attire, 05:25.720 --> 05:27.840 yet standing tall as if holding up the sky. 05:27.920 --> 05:32.040 Who says it's the domain of men? 05:32.920 --> 05:34.920 Hua Mulan joined the army in place of her father. 05:35.080 --> 05:37.680 To disguise herself as a man, she had to wipe away her makeup. 05:37.840 --> 05:38.960 The object in the box 05:39.200 --> 05:41.200 must be rouge used by opera actresses. 05:42.400 --> 05:43.400 Correct! 05:44.280 --> 05:45.280 Bravo! 05:46.520 --> 05:48.640 You're so knowledgeable about women's cosmetics. 05:49.280 --> 05:50.960 Do you often frequent brothels? 05:51.800 --> 05:53.920 In books, there is beauty to be found. 06:04.040 --> 06:06.200 Hey, why don't the two of you take your bickering home? 06:06.280 --> 06:08.520 Spare us all this back-and-forth. Right, guys? 06:08.920 --> 06:10.280 Yes, yes. 06:10.640 --> 06:11.640 What's the fun in that? 06:12.440 --> 06:13.960 It's only interesting if there's a winner! 06:14.080 --> 06:15.920 Exactly. To give up without a fight 06:16.160 --> 06:18.080 would be unworthy of a man. 06:20.640 --> 06:22.400 Is there a third riddle? 06:22.760 --> 06:25.400 Yes, is there? 06:26.640 --> 06:28.400 Here comes the third riddle! 06:28.480 --> 06:32.200 Hearing the Song of Chu stirs sorrow. 06:32.280 --> 06:36.320 Tears flow as one longs for home. 06:36.520 --> 06:38.600 The Battle of Gaixia, surrounded by the Song of Chu. 06:38.720 --> 06:40.600 -The Chu army longs for home. -The Chu army... 06:41.480 --> 06:43.400 And longing for home means a desire to return. 06:45.720 --> 06:47.640 The item must be from the tavern's menu, 06:48.160 --> 06:49.560 angelica root, which also symbolizes return home. 07:02.400 --> 07:04.440 -Correct! -Bravo! 07:04.520 --> 07:06.840 Correct! This young lady wins by a slight edge. 07:06.920 --> 07:08.280 We both answered, 07:08.480 --> 07:09.480 I was just quicker. 07:10.200 --> 07:11.520 Thank you for letting me have this one. 07:11.640 --> 07:13.720 Those two words you blurted out, "return home", 07:14.040 --> 07:15.600 are a luxury I dare not hope of. 07:16.520 --> 07:17.520 I concede wholeheartedly. 07:28.400 --> 07:30.520 What do you think is on his mind? 07:31.680 --> 07:33.040 He's upset about losing? 07:36.760 --> 07:39.680 He's thinking about the family he's at odds with 07:40.160 --> 07:42.400 and the hometown he hasn't returned to in a long time. 07:45.720 --> 07:46.720 Congratulations, madam. 07:48.360 --> 07:49.360 Thank you. 07:54.000 --> 07:56.040 A painting of the Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars? 07:56.520 --> 07:57.520 Too bad. 07:58.040 --> 07:59.040 It's of no use to me. 08:11.160 --> 08:12.160 Young Master! 08:13.520 --> 08:14.520 Young Master! 08:16.400 --> 08:18.160 My young lady would like you to have this. 08:26.880 --> 08:29.040 (I dare to take a guess at the riddle of your heart.) 08:29.760 --> 08:31.440 (Though I'm not sure if I'll get it right.) 08:31.920 --> 08:33.560 (You are knowledgeable and talented,) 08:34.000 --> 08:35.160 (losing not in wisdom) 08:35.520 --> 08:37.120 (but to the weight of family sorrow.) 08:37.680 --> 08:39.200 (If your loved ones are still here,) 08:39.680 --> 08:41.040 (why not try humbling yourself,) 08:41.680 --> 08:43.520 (just as in the story of entertaining one's parents with colorful clothes?) 08:58.160 --> 09:00.880 A mask hides her face, and our meeting was brief. 09:01.800 --> 09:03.640 Yet she is so perceptive and insightful. 09:09.640 --> 09:10.640 Young Master, 09:11.120 --> 09:12.280 Grand General has sent an urgent message. 09:12.360 --> 09:13.520 A typhoon has struck Futing. 09:13.640 --> 09:15.600 Disaster relief requires your immediate return. 09:20.440 --> 09:21.560 A scented sachet? 09:32.000 --> 09:33.000 That's an item for women. 09:33.760 --> 09:35.040 Were you at... 09:35.640 --> 09:36.640 Don't overthink it. 09:36.760 --> 09:37.760 I went to watch a play. 09:39.040 --> 09:42.080 It must have gotten caught on me while I was walking alongside other guests. 09:42.280 --> 09:44.560 Given your discreet departure from the army, 09:45.200 --> 09:46.800 it's best to keep your whereabouts hidden. 09:46.840 --> 09:48.120 You should just discard it. 09:50.040 --> 09:51.360 A lady's belonging 09:51.400 --> 09:53.240 falling into the wrong hands could cause unnecessary trouble. 09:54.280 --> 09:57.000 I'll return it to her myself when we meet again. 09:57.680 --> 10:01.400 Oh, and pass this lantern to my father. 10:06.800 --> 10:08.520 I'll see you at the inn an hour later. 10:39.120 --> 10:41.040 Send her home at dawn once I'm done with her. 10:41.280 --> 10:43.360 Get out of here and lay low for now. 10:43.440 --> 10:44.920 -Yes, sir. -Go. 10:56.120 --> 10:57.120 Pang Kun Bai? 10:58.920 --> 11:01.280 -What are you trying to do? -What am I trying to do? 11:01.520 --> 11:03.880 I'm going to enjoy a good time with you, of course. 11:08.000 --> 11:09.000 How did you... 11:14.800 --> 11:17.920 -How did you... -Well, let's enjoy a good time then. 11:18.240 --> 11:19.240 Beat him! 11:21.800 --> 11:22.800 Please stop! 11:23.440 --> 11:24.440 Show me mercy! 11:26.360 --> 11:28.920 I came here to stargaze to turn into watching such a good show. 11:29.400 --> 11:30.400 Interesting. 11:32.680 --> 11:33.680 Please spare us! 11:34.040 --> 11:35.560 We're just hired hands doing a job! 11:35.640 --> 11:37.800 You have the skills but refuse to use them for good. 11:38.040 --> 11:40.400 Instead, you defile women and ruin their reputations. 11:40.920 --> 11:42.200 Killing you would be justified. 11:47.160 --> 11:48.680 Dou Zhao, it's a misunderstanding! 11:48.760 --> 11:50.840 I was knocked out and brought here by them too. 11:50.920 --> 11:52.360 I don't know anything! 11:52.680 --> 11:54.280 Don't hit me! I'll take responsibility! 11:54.480 --> 11:55.920 I'll marry you. 11:55.960 --> 11:57.200 No one will speaks ill of you. 11:57.280 --> 11:58.280 Shut up! 11:58.400 --> 12:00.920 When I saw you exchanging glances with Wang Ying Xue at the banquet, 12:01.040 --> 12:03.080 I knew you were up to something. 12:03.680 --> 12:04.960 I had someone look into you. 12:05.160 --> 12:07.160 You're her nephew. 12:07.400 --> 12:09.080 You two bank on the idea that a woman 12:09.160 --> 12:11.040 values her reputation above all else, 12:11.160 --> 12:13.240 thinking Young Lady would choose to marry you in the end. 12:13.320 --> 12:15.720 You wanted her private wealth, which she works hard for over ten years, 12:15.800 --> 12:17.520 to become her dowry and fill your coffers. 12:17.600 --> 12:19.680 Let's see who's more afraid of the scandal 12:20.520 --> 12:21.760 reaching the authorities, 12:22.280 --> 12:24.760 me or your Wang family losing its reputation entirely. 12:24.920 --> 12:25.920 Take them away! 12:34.800 --> 12:35.800 Scram! 12:42.520 --> 12:46.040 Little dreamer, looks like Grandmother has been taking good care of you. 12:46.520 --> 12:48.560 It's a book left by a carefree recluse, 12:49.000 --> 12:50.680 meant for someone destined to find it. 12:51.120 --> 12:53.520 Looks like you're that lucky one. 12:55.920 --> 12:56.920 Yuan Tong? 12:59.280 --> 13:00.280 It really is you. 13:01.160 --> 13:02.200 What are you doing here? 13:02.280 --> 13:03.440 Since you're a friend, 13:03.880 --> 13:06.040 why did you let Pang Kun Bai, that scoundrel go? 13:08.520 --> 13:09.920 You were putting on an act for me. 13:13.520 --> 13:14.520 Aunt! 13:14.920 --> 13:15.920 Aunt! 13:17.760 --> 13:20.520 -What are you... -Aunt, we're in trouble! 13:20.800 --> 13:22.920 What... What happened to you? 13:24.000 --> 13:26.360 You're a grown man, and you even brought some men with you. 13:26.600 --> 13:28.400 How did you get beaten up by a girl? 13:28.800 --> 13:31.360 Aunt, she... She knew what we were up to. 13:31.520 --> 13:32.760 We walked right into her trap! 13:33.040 --> 13:34.160 Useless! 13:34.640 --> 13:36.360 Madam! Madam, it's bad! 13:36.520 --> 13:38.400 Young Lady Zhao is here with the authorities! 13:40.560 --> 13:43.280 Quickly, hide in the side room! Go! 13:48.640 --> 13:49.640 Madam! 13:50.160 --> 13:51.480 Is everything alright here? 13:51.640 --> 13:54.040 I was out admiring the lanterns and got attacked by bandits. 13:54.160 --> 13:55.600 Together with Constable Wang and his men, 13:55.720 --> 13:56.880 we chased them all the way here. 13:56.920 --> 13:59.440 And turns out this is my own family's estate! 14:00.280 --> 14:01.680 This is Dou's Residence. 14:02.200 --> 14:03.640 Bandits wouldn't dare to hide here. 14:03.760 --> 14:04.920 What a ridiculous notion. 14:05.760 --> 14:07.760 -Let go of me! -Constable Wang. 14:08.040 --> 14:09.040 He's here. 14:09.160 --> 14:10.160 You... 14:11.560 --> 14:14.480 How dare you! These two children are family. 14:15.120 --> 14:17.560 What's this outsider doing here making baseless accusations? 14:18.120 --> 14:19.680 Madam Wang, a pleasure to meet you. 14:20.040 --> 14:21.040 My name is Ji Yong, 14:21.240 --> 14:22.920 a distant relative of Old Madam Cui. 14:23.400 --> 14:24.520 I'm the one who reported this to the authorities. 14:24.640 --> 14:26.360 Young Master Ji is the latest top scorer in the provincial exams. 14:26.680 --> 14:27.680 Take him away! 14:29.440 --> 14:30.440 Let go of me! 14:30.760 --> 14:32.040 Aunt! Aunt! 14:32.560 --> 14:33.640 Help, Aunt! 14:33.920 --> 14:35.160 Aunt! 14:35.280 --> 14:36.280 Madam. 14:37.640 --> 14:40.240 It really hurts when you're betrayed by your family, doesn't it? 14:40.560 --> 14:42.880 Or was it your idea all along? 14:43.440 --> 14:44.440 You... 14:44.640 --> 14:46.440 This is a serious matter, very serious. 14:46.640 --> 14:48.320 I'll go fetch Fifth Master and Seventh Master 14:48.400 --> 14:49.400 to accompany us to the authorities. 14:49.920 --> 14:52.000 Any misunderstandings can be cleared up there. 14:54.280 --> 14:55.520 No! They... 14:56.000 --> 14:58.160 They're already asleep. 14:59.000 --> 15:00.680 Let's not trouble them over this, alright? 15:02.920 --> 15:04.320 You put on quite the performance. 15:05.520 --> 15:07.120 If you had taken him to the authorities yourself, 15:07.200 --> 15:11.040 they wouldn't have dared charge him due to the Wang or Dou families' influence. 15:12.040 --> 15:13.920 But being arrested by them is a different story. 15:14.440 --> 15:16.920 Wang Ying Xue will have a hard enough time explaining this 15:17.640 --> 15:19.000 to my father and the Wang family. 15:20.440 --> 15:22.640 Preposterous! You've gone too far! 15:23.280 --> 15:25.160 He's just a distant nephew. 15:25.520 --> 15:27.680 You'd rather believe him than me? 15:27.920 --> 15:29.440 I can't believe he would accuse me 15:29.680 --> 15:31.600 of something as serious as kidnapping! 15:31.800 --> 15:33.840 Your own nephew turned against you and accused you, 15:33.880 --> 15:35.000 how can that be false? 15:35.320 --> 15:37.120 I just can't understand. 15:37.400 --> 15:39.920 You used to be such a kind and patient woman. 15:40.600 --> 15:42.600 Why have you become like this? 15:45.600 --> 15:46.600 Master, 15:47.720 --> 15:50.480 is it me who's changed, or is it you? 15:51.880 --> 15:54.920 No matter how others mocked me in the past, 15:55.640 --> 15:58.000 you always defended and protected me. 15:58.560 --> 16:00.520 But somewhere along the way, 16:01.680 --> 16:05.680 we ceased to be just Shi Ying and Ying Xue, 16:06.640 --> 16:08.640 we became merely Master and Madam. 16:09.440 --> 16:11.040 Ever since we slept in different rooms, 16:11.440 --> 16:13.400 you've seen me as a villain. 16:13.880 --> 16:16.680 Anytime something bad happens to Dou Zhao, 16:16.800 --> 16:18.720 you pin the blame on me! 16:22.960 --> 16:25.280 Let's stick to the matter at hand. Don't bring up unrelated issues. 16:25.960 --> 16:27.600 This isn't unrelated! 16:28.120 --> 16:30.200 I know you've never moved on from Gu Qiu's death, 16:30.480 --> 16:33.040 and so you blame everything on me. 16:33.600 --> 16:34.720 It's been 16 years. 16:35.640 --> 16:37.720 Has Dou Zhao ever shown filial respect to you? 16:38.240 --> 16:39.720 But I, Wang Ying Xue, 16:40.800 --> 16:43.400 whether at home or in the court, 16:43.880 --> 16:46.280 have poured everything I have into supporting your family. 16:47.200 --> 16:48.840 What more do you want from me? 16:48.920 --> 16:50.600 You might as well divorce me! 16:51.600 --> 16:53.120 Ying Xue, Ying Xue! 16:53.520 --> 16:54.960 That's not what I meant. 16:55.120 --> 16:57.040 But Shou Gu has indeed been wronged. 16:57.280 --> 16:58.280 Father. 16:59.320 --> 17:00.320 Mother. 17:03.320 --> 17:05.880 Zhao has ordered for the carriage. She's leaving. 17:07.400 --> 17:08.400 Ming, 17:09.040 --> 17:11.560 your mother's eyes are irritated by pollen. 17:11.920 --> 17:13.200 Wipe her tears for her. 17:14.640 --> 17:15.640 Yes, Father. 17:22.480 --> 17:24.320 Mother, you've devoted yourself to managing the household. 17:24.400 --> 17:25.760 Father knows this in his heart. 17:26.120 --> 17:27.120 I know. 17:28.040 --> 17:30.040 But he always takes Dou Zhao's side. 17:30.520 --> 17:32.280 If I didn't cause a scene today, 17:32.600 --> 17:34.600 how else would I remove this thorn from his heart? 17:35.160 --> 17:37.160 Father longs for family harmony. 17:37.880 --> 17:39.120 Why not be more magnanimous 17:39.440 --> 17:41.880 and try to mend your relationship with Zhao and Grandmother? 17:41.960 --> 17:43.320 I'm the matron of this house. 17:44.120 --> 17:45.400 Why should I bow to them? 17:46.040 --> 17:47.240 Have you lost your mind? 17:48.440 --> 17:49.800 As long as she stays unmarried, 17:50.120 --> 17:51.680 your marriage can't even be discussed. 17:51.880 --> 17:53.400 Her enormous wealth 17:54.080 --> 17:56.120 should be used as your dowry! 17:56.600 --> 17:58.120 Whether my dowry is more or little, 17:58.400 --> 18:00.120 whether I'm getting married early or late, 18:00.320 --> 18:01.680 I don't care about all of that. 18:01.840 --> 18:02.880 Foolish girl! 18:05.080 --> 18:09.520 I didn't give the Dou family a son, 18:10.560 --> 18:12.200 so I have no choice 18:13.120 --> 18:14.600 but to fight for what's ours. 18:15.200 --> 18:16.680 But I never expected 18:16.920 --> 18:18.920 you to grow up such a spineless coward. 18:19.800 --> 18:22.320 Now I don't even know what I've been fighting for all this time. 18:23.720 --> 18:25.200 If I'd known you'd become like this, 18:25.520 --> 18:28.920 I would never have let someone else raise you! 18:30.400 --> 18:31.400 Mother, 18:32.160 --> 18:33.400 I know I'm useless, 18:33.560 --> 18:37.120 but I really don't want you taking such great risks for me. 18:38.920 --> 18:41.040 Loan-sharking is explicitly forbidden by the court. 18:41.160 --> 18:44.160 Over the years, you've been working with the Cangbei Gang... 18:44.240 --> 18:45.240 Silence! 18:45.840 --> 18:48.200 You mustn't speak of such things. 18:50.960 --> 18:51.960 You're crying? 18:52.240 --> 18:53.360 All you ever do is cry. 18:53.560 --> 18:54.680 What good does crying do? 18:54.840 --> 18:55.880 I know that, 18:56.440 --> 18:58.600 but I just can't help it. 18:59.400 --> 19:00.720 I'm so useless. 19:04.680 --> 19:05.680 Ming, 19:05.880 --> 19:07.400 since you know crying is useless, 19:07.800 --> 19:09.400 you must do everything I say. 19:10.800 --> 19:11.800 Remember, 19:12.040 --> 19:15.120 your dowry, your family's influence, and your reputation 19:15.560 --> 19:17.280 will all affect your marriage prospects. 19:18.360 --> 19:19.880 If I don't fight for you today, 19:20.480 --> 19:23.720 your future will be nothing but a life of walking on eggshells. 19:25.240 --> 19:27.160 You can't even control your tears now. 19:27.840 --> 19:30.160 How will you ever endure 19:30.440 --> 19:32.040 the hardships of being a wife? 19:36.120 --> 19:37.120 Shou Gu. 19:39.960 --> 19:40.960 Shou Gu, 19:41.320 --> 19:42.680 I failed to protect you. 19:43.440 --> 19:44.920 This is all my fault. 19:45.680 --> 19:47.440 I promise I'll make it up to you. 19:48.200 --> 19:49.320 It's not your fault, Father. 19:50.720 --> 19:53.080 It's mine for ever having expectations in the first place. 20:53.000 --> 20:54.000 Done. 20:54.400 --> 20:56.400 Peony Fish Fillet, a famous dish of Sichuan. 20:56.680 --> 20:58.960 The preparation for Peony Fish Fillet is so intricate. 20:59.160 --> 21:01.000 Even restaurants in the capital rarely serve it. 21:01.080 --> 21:02.760 Shou Gu, who taught you how to make this? 21:04.440 --> 21:05.440 Let me try a bite first. 21:05.800 --> 21:06.800 Zhang Ru, 21:07.080 --> 21:08.400 I made this for Ji Jian Ming. 21:08.920 --> 21:10.840 It wouldn't be proper for you to eat it first. 21:11.240 --> 21:12.240 Alright then. 21:12.560 --> 21:14.120 I'm not sure if he likes spicy food, 21:14.920 --> 21:17.400 so I also made him Thousand Threads Shrimp. 21:18.240 --> 21:19.760 Zhang Ru, what are you doing? 21:19.920 --> 21:22.400 Su Su, what have you been busy with over there? 21:23.960 --> 21:26.200 I wanted something auspicious, so I made a dessert. 21:26.840 --> 21:28.400 Gold and Jade Treasure. 21:30.400 --> 21:31.400 It looks great. 21:31.880 --> 21:33.680 I wonder what he's thinking. 21:33.840 --> 21:35.640 He gives up the comforts of the capital 21:36.240 --> 21:37.440 and insists on staying in this countryside estate. 21:37.600 --> 21:38.600 Yes, Zhao, 21:39.000 --> 21:40.840 tell us how you two met. 21:42.240 --> 21:45.200 I met him when I was little, 21:45.840 --> 21:46.840 at the Wanfo Temple. 21:49.000 --> 21:50.160 Given your condition... 21:50.720 --> 21:51.800 You might as well 21:52.400 --> 21:53.760 just return to to heaven instead. 21:56.120 --> 21:57.120 Go. 21:57.200 --> 22:00.000 Within misfortune lies fortune, you two are bound by fate. 22:00.920 --> 22:02.640 The course of destiny is now in your hands. 22:04.640 --> 22:06.640 With Young Master Ji's ethereal looks, 22:06.720 --> 22:08.400 becoming a monk would be such a waste. 22:08.640 --> 22:11.080 I wonder if he'd be willing to become a live-in son-in-law. 22:11.920 --> 22:14.400 Zhao, how far have things progressed between you two? 22:14.480 --> 22:16.560 I haven't seen him in ages. 22:16.880 --> 22:18.240 And yet you're making Peony Fish Fillet for him. 22:18.320 --> 22:19.800 -You've never made it for me. -That's right. 22:19.880 --> 22:21.160 I'll make it for you next time. 22:21.360 --> 22:24.240 Young Lady Zhao, Old Madam is having migraines again. 22:27.360 --> 22:29.400 Doctor, how is Grandmother's condition? 22:30.680 --> 22:32.880 Her migraines are a result of years of accumulated stress. It can't be rushed. 22:32.960 --> 22:35.400 Just follow the prescription, and she'll recover gradually. 22:36.440 --> 22:38.240 -Thank you, Doctor. -I'll take my leave now. 22:40.720 --> 22:41.720 Quack! 22:42.920 --> 22:44.360 -Who are you calling a quack? -Whoever is answering me. 22:44.440 --> 22:46.560 -You... -Quack! Quack! Quack! 22:46.680 --> 22:48.440 I won't argue with a brat like you! 22:48.600 --> 22:49.600 Good day! 23:13.640 --> 23:16.080 If you're going to follow that quack's prescription, 23:16.200 --> 23:17.440 not even the gods can save her. 23:17.920 --> 23:18.920 Don't jinx her! 23:19.360 --> 23:21.480 Oh? And do kind words save lives? 23:26.000 --> 23:27.360 Take off Old Madam's clothes. 23:31.680 --> 23:32.680 You can save her, right? 23:34.440 --> 23:35.680 The root of her illness is blocked energy, 23:35.800 --> 23:37.640 stuck in the Zhongwan and Taichong acupoints. 23:37.760 --> 23:39.760 One above the navel, the other on the top of the foot. 23:39.880 --> 23:41.720 Her clothes must be removed for proper needle therapy. 23:41.800 --> 23:42.800 You're a man, after all. 23:42.880 --> 23:44.840 Shouldn't we find a female doctor instead? 23:44.960 --> 23:46.640 Female doctors are scarce to begin with. 23:47.480 --> 23:49.320 Grandmother hasn't eaten or drunk anything. 23:49.720 --> 23:50.720 There's no time to delay. 23:55.920 --> 23:56.920 Grandmother. 23:57.120 --> 23:58.560 Everyone has their fate. 23:59.920 --> 24:02.200 Perhaps my time has come. 24:03.360 --> 24:04.400 This is unbelievable. 24:05.040 --> 24:07.200 It's a treatable illness, yet you refuse to treat it. 24:07.360 --> 24:10.000 If everyone clung to propriety and rules, what's the point of doctors? 24:10.120 --> 24:11.120 Old Madam, 24:11.200 --> 24:14.000 isn't your life more important than some outdated proprieties? 24:16.000 --> 24:17.000 Grandmother, 24:17.120 --> 24:19.640 to a doctor, there's no distinction between men and women, 24:19.720 --> 24:20.720 only patients. 24:21.680 --> 24:24.800 I don't want to lose you because of societal conventions. 24:25.400 --> 24:26.720 For my sake, 24:27.160 --> 24:28.240 please just give it a try. 24:29.400 --> 24:30.400 Grandmother. 24:38.560 --> 24:39.560 Shou Gu! 24:40.480 --> 24:41.480 Shou Gu! 24:42.600 --> 24:43.920 Grandmother finally took her medicine. 24:44.000 --> 24:45.400 I'll go serve her some plain porridge. 24:45.480 --> 24:48.000 -Go on. -Avoid meat and stimulating food. 24:48.080 --> 24:49.080 Got it. 24:50.680 --> 24:51.680 Thank you. 24:52.400 --> 24:53.400 It's nothing. 25:04.920 --> 25:05.920 Thank you. 25:06.840 --> 25:08.400 Grandmother has finally fallen asleep. 25:08.840 --> 25:11.000 Momentary peace doesn't guarantee lasting health. 25:11.560 --> 25:14.560 Her illness stems from emotional stagnation, unresolved worries. 25:14.960 --> 25:17.280 If the root cause isn't addressed, she won't live long. 25:20.480 --> 25:23.440 Grandmother has always carried a heavy burden in her heart. 25:25.040 --> 25:26.280 She refuses to talk about it, 25:26.720 --> 25:28.080 and I don't know how to help. 25:28.800 --> 25:30.920 If she doesn't want to resolve it, that's her choice. 25:31.360 --> 25:32.400 Everyone dies. 25:32.800 --> 25:34.480 Just spend more time with her when she's still here. 25:36.840 --> 25:38.160 That glare you just gave me, 25:38.200 --> 25:40.640 you think I'm heartless and cruel, don't you? 25:42.560 --> 25:43.600 I just don't understand 25:44.120 --> 25:46.400 why you treat life and death so casually. 25:52.480 --> 25:54.440 My father said I was born with a closed heart, 25:54.560 --> 25:55.560 indifferent to feelings. 25:55.640 --> 25:58.240 I've never shed a single tear since I was little. 25:58.800 --> 26:00.920 When I was four, he fell gravely ill. 26:01.920 --> 26:03.400 He gave me this telescope 26:03.880 --> 26:06.360 and told me he would become a star. 26:06.680 --> 26:08.560 So, every night I used it to watch the stars. 26:08.840 --> 26:10.480 I even learned astronomy by heart. 26:11.680 --> 26:12.680 But I knew, 26:14.120 --> 26:15.120 I wouldn't find him, 26:16.160 --> 26:19.160 because when people die, they just turn to dust. 26:19.600 --> 26:20.600 Everyone dies. 26:21.840 --> 26:23.240 Living is but a path to death, 26:23.840 --> 26:25.480 and death is the beginning of life anew. 26:25.560 --> 26:26.560 That's right. 26:27.640 --> 26:29.160 What matters is how we live our lives. 26:30.160 --> 26:31.160 So, little dreamer, 26:32.080 --> 26:33.080 how do you want to live? 26:37.160 --> 26:38.680 Honestly, I haven't thought that far. 26:39.840 --> 26:40.840 To live a single lifetime 26:41.440 --> 26:43.000 is already hard enough. 26:44.840 --> 26:46.160 To live it well, 26:48.560 --> 26:49.920 that's a luxury. 26:51.320 --> 26:54.000 If I can spare some energy to help those around me, 26:54.880 --> 26:55.880 that's more than enough. 26:56.400 --> 26:58.160 You're content with such a simple wish? 27:00.160 --> 27:02.440 What about you? Have you given up on becoming a monk? 27:02.880 --> 27:05.880 I was only sent to the temple as a child because of my poor health. 27:06.040 --> 27:07.920 While there, I learned medicine from the abbot. 27:08.080 --> 27:10.560 A small doctor heals the sick, a great doctor heals the nation. 27:10.720 --> 27:12.080 I want to become Grand Secretary. 27:12.480 --> 27:13.880 That would be interesting. 27:14.560 --> 27:17.360 I've studied the biographies of grand secretaries from the past 300 years. 27:17.480 --> 27:19.280 The typical path involves gradual promotions and enduring the grind. 27:19.360 --> 27:21.920 Most of them took at least 50 years to reach the second rank. 27:22.200 --> 27:24.040 Too slow and not worth it. 27:24.120 --> 27:25.360 I need to find another way. 27:26.880 --> 27:28.920 There's no shortcut to becoming Grand Secretary, 27:29.600 --> 27:32.600 unless you want to be a sycophant or a traitor. 27:33.120 --> 27:34.120 That's an option too. 27:36.920 --> 27:38.400 Talking to you is always so fun. 27:38.920 --> 27:40.760 Let's talk more when I return from the capital 27:41.000 --> 27:42.560 as the top scorer in the imperial exam. 27:44.800 --> 27:48.160 Before you leave for the capital, I have a favor to ask. 27:50.400 --> 27:51.880 I want to learn medicine from you. 27:53.640 --> 27:57.120 Even though people are destined to part ways eventually, 27:57.880 --> 27:59.160 I want to do my best 27:59.400 --> 28:01.080 to prolong the time we have together. 28:23.240 --> 28:24.240 Not bad. 28:24.680 --> 28:26.480 Young Master Ji and Shou Gu meet in private every day. 28:26.560 --> 28:28.440 They must be in love. Want to bet on it? 28:28.720 --> 28:29.920 Bring it on. 28:33.400 --> 28:34.640 A chicken and a duck. 28:34.920 --> 28:35.920 What a perfect match. 28:39.920 --> 28:40.920 Let's do it. 28:47.200 --> 28:49.000 Your dissection of the hen today was decent, 28:49.360 --> 28:51.080 but we'll have to try on a human body next. 28:51.200 --> 28:52.920 We're going to the mass grave tonight. 28:53.240 --> 28:54.240 Alright. 28:54.360 --> 28:56.400 They're going on a date in the mass grave? 28:57.840 --> 28:58.840 You win. 29:08.640 --> 29:10.360 Ji Yong? Ji Yong? 29:11.440 --> 29:13.160 Ji Yong? Ji Yong? 29:15.840 --> 29:18.000 I invited Ji Jian Ming here 29:18.680 --> 29:21.160 just to see if he and Shou Gu might be a good match. 29:21.720 --> 29:23.280 You're so perceptive. 29:23.360 --> 29:25.240 Look how well they suit each other! 29:26.320 --> 29:28.480 One doesn't know how to love, and the other isn't interested in it, 29:28.560 --> 29:29.760 they do make a fitting pair. 29:32.080 --> 29:34.120 Too bad 29:34.800 --> 29:36.360 it's never going to work out. 29:37.760 --> 29:39.080 Study the medical texts regularly. 29:39.160 --> 29:40.720 If I find out you've been slacking off when I return, 29:40.880 --> 29:42.040 you'll be in for some needles. 29:42.160 --> 29:43.160 Fine. 29:43.320 --> 29:45.640 But if you fail the exam, you'll also be in for needles. 29:46.400 --> 29:48.400 But failing the exam would be too easy. 29:48.720 --> 29:50.840 If I don't top the exam, I'll let you do whatever you want. 29:54.880 --> 29:56.400 The nation is suffering from deep-rooted problems, 29:56.480 --> 29:57.480 and I've diagnosed it. 29:59.000 --> 30:02.200 I've heard the higher the rank, the harder it is to retire. 30:04.120 --> 30:06.840 Becoming a historically renowned statesman isn't necessarily fun. 30:07.080 --> 30:08.680 Local officials' laziness is just a symptom, 30:08.760 --> 30:10.600 systemic flaws in administrative structures are the root cause. 30:10.800 --> 30:12.960 If reforms are enforced from the top down, streamlining and discipline 30:13.160 --> 30:14.360 could save countless taels 30:14.440 --> 30:16.400 and restore vitality to the nation. 30:17.120 --> 30:18.120 I'm off. 30:23.960 --> 30:26.680 He is extraordinarily gifted and ambitious. 30:27.360 --> 30:30.400 But why did he shave his head and became a monk in my dreams? 30:31.320 --> 30:32.480 Amitabha. 30:34.160 --> 30:35.960 A prodigy to rival Wenchang, 30:36.640 --> 30:38.480 daring to teach Confucius the stars. 30:39.680 --> 30:42.320 Loyalty and treachery, gratitude and enmity, all dismissed with a smile. 30:42.680 --> 30:45.880 The green bamboo and yellow blossoms mark the end of the mortal form. 30:50.800 --> 30:54.080 (Futing) 31:12.960 --> 31:18.720 The Grand Preceptor has instructed me to explain the reasoning. 31:18.800 --> 31:21.880 Duke of Ding is in Futing now for disaster relief. 31:22.360 --> 31:24.080 Our government is out of grain. 31:24.920 --> 31:28.200 We'd better keep a low profile and avoid drinking banquets these days. 31:29.080 --> 31:30.280 What's there to be afraid of? 31:31.000 --> 31:34.080 You don't understand. That Song Mo is like a living Yama. 31:34.600 --> 31:37.080 I've heard that once he locks onto someone and questions them, 31:37.160 --> 31:38.840 -Did you take bribes or not? -he'll uncover crimes without fail. 31:38.960 --> 31:39.960 No, I didn't. 31:40.080 --> 31:42.960 Whether it's imperial relatives, wealthy merchants, or high-ranking officials, 31:43.080 --> 31:44.600 he investigates them all the same. 31:49.360 --> 31:51.360 Song Mo, how dare you raid our Tang family! 31:51.440 --> 31:53.080 Do you even know who my brother is? 31:54.480 --> 31:56.080 Do you know who I am? 31:56.400 --> 31:58.720 The eight Tang brothers control all the salt affairs, stone mines, 31:58.800 --> 32:00.160 and canal transport in Futing. 32:00.240 --> 32:02.400 Our family won't let you get away with this! 32:12.880 --> 32:13.880 Who else? 32:20.800 --> 32:22.920 This is disrespectful! Go back to your stage! 32:23.320 --> 32:25.160 How dare an actor like you jump on our table! 32:27.400 --> 32:28.400 Duke of Ding's Army? 32:36.120 --> 32:37.120 General Song? 32:42.400 --> 32:43.720 General Song! 32:43.800 --> 32:45.720 General Song, spare me! 32:45.800 --> 32:48.320 I'll give you half of my money. Just let me live! 32:48.400 --> 32:49.400 Alright. 32:49.960 --> 32:53.200 I'll leave you with half your limbs and organs too. 32:56.320 --> 32:57.320 General, have mercy! 32:57.440 --> 32:59.360 All the embezzled money is here. 33:02.400 --> 33:03.880 Enough to leave you a whole corpse. 33:06.040 --> 33:07.400 If you don't want to die, tell me 33:07.840 --> 33:11.280 where you're hiding the private grain reserves. 33:17.680 --> 33:19.040 Your Grace, please reconsider. 33:19.560 --> 33:22.760 It's His Majesty's decree to let the crown prince to oversee disaster relief. 33:23.080 --> 33:24.400 While your intentions are good, 33:24.480 --> 33:25.960 speaking against an imperial order 33:26.400 --> 33:28.880 (Ding Wei) is something I dare not do. 33:29.200 --> 33:30.200 Eunuch Ding, 33:31.960 --> 33:34.960 tens of thousands of people are dying. 33:35.720 --> 33:36.800 They can't afford to wait 33:36.840 --> 33:39.800 for a royalty to travel thousands of miles here just to put on a show? 33:40.440 --> 33:42.920 Do they even know how many people starve to death every day? 33:43.720 --> 33:47.360 I've opened the granaries for disaster relief on my own. 33:48.480 --> 33:50.320 -Your Grace... -Relay my words as I said them! 33:51.200 --> 33:53.000 If there are consequences, I'll bear them. 33:54.560 --> 33:55.560 Grand General. 33:56.560 --> 33:57.960 General has bought grain from the neighboring county 33:58.080 --> 33:59.400 with confiscated embezzled fund. 33:59.520 --> 34:01.240 The grain is being sent to the porridge stations. 34:04.040 --> 34:05.040 Well done! 34:06.760 --> 34:08.480 -I have to go take a look. -Old Madam. 34:08.560 --> 34:10.440 -Let me go take a look. -It's fine. 34:10.520 --> 34:11.880 The rain is too heavy. You can't. 34:11.960 --> 34:13.560 -Grandmother. -Shou Gu. 34:13.640 --> 34:14.960 Your health has just started to improve. 34:15.000 --> 34:16.040 You shouldn't be out in the rain. 34:16.280 --> 34:17.480 I have to check it myself. 34:17.760 --> 34:19.200 With such heavy rain, 34:19.440 --> 34:20.920 though we've prepared grain 34:21.080 --> 34:23.440 and repaired the foundations and roofs, 34:23.600 --> 34:26.240 how can they withstand such a deluge? 34:26.320 --> 34:29.280 The ordinary thatched houses will collapse. 34:29.400 --> 34:31.600 The tenant farmers will be left homeless and starving. 34:31.880 --> 34:33.040 Don't worry, Grandmother. 34:33.640 --> 34:35.200 I'm going to work with the farmers and craftsmen 34:35.280 --> 34:37.000 to repair the canals and distribute food. 34:37.040 --> 34:38.800 I promise to keep the villagers safe. 34:39.320 --> 34:42.000 You should stay here at the estate and allocate the supplies. 34:42.600 --> 34:44.600 Tuo Niang, stay with Grandmother and assist her with the arrangements. 34:44.720 --> 34:45.920 Leave the rest to me. 34:46.040 --> 34:48.080 -Then... -Don't worry, Young Lady Zhao. 34:48.400 --> 34:50.720 You have to be careful, Shou Gu. 34:50.880 --> 34:52.040 Don't worry. I will. 34:54.560 --> 34:55.720 Stay safe! 34:58.120 --> 35:00.480 Don't push! One at a time. Don't crowd. Step back! 35:00.560 --> 35:02.280 Line up! There's enough for all of you! 35:03.080 --> 35:05.040 (Corrupted thief) One by one. Hold it still. 35:05.600 --> 35:06.880 Next! 35:07.600 --> 35:09.320 You will all get some. 35:09.560 --> 35:12.240 -One by one. -I'm here first! 35:14.120 --> 35:15.120 Mister, 35:15.880 --> 35:19.560 why is this hairpin made of white stone? 35:19.840 --> 35:22.960 Isn't it heavy to wear a stone on your head? 35:26.920 --> 35:27.920 Look. 35:31.080 --> 35:32.680 It's not heavy anymore. 35:32.880 --> 35:35.600 No matter what it's for, it can be exchanged for 30 catties of rice. 35:35.760 --> 35:37.760 Now you and your parents won't go hungry. 35:38.480 --> 35:39.480 Take it. 35:40.560 --> 35:41.680 Thank you, mister! 35:44.280 --> 35:45.400 The grain carts are here! 35:45.560 --> 35:47.240 The grain carts are here! 35:47.360 --> 35:48.960 -Careful. -Hurry! 35:49.040 --> 35:50.040 Careful! 36:05.040 --> 36:06.040 Watch out! 36:17.480 --> 36:19.080 -Young Lady? -What's wrong, Young Lady? 36:25.560 --> 36:26.800 -General? -Mister! 36:26.880 --> 36:28.200 General? General? 36:28.280 --> 36:31.560 General? General! General! 36:32.080 --> 36:33.440 General! General! 36:51.400 --> 36:52.400 Who are you? 36:53.960 --> 36:55.760 Why are you here? 37:00.560 --> 37:01.560 It's you. 37:07.400 --> 37:08.840 We haven't found each other yet. 37:09.800 --> 37:10.800 You cannot die now. 37:34.400 --> 37:35.400 General is awake. 37:35.640 --> 37:37.560 He's awake. 37:37.720 --> 37:38.720 Thank goodness. 37:39.280 --> 37:40.400 I'll inform Grand General. 37:42.880 --> 37:43.920 General. 37:43.960 --> 37:47.360 You injured your head three days ago. 37:48.000 --> 37:50.280 We tried everything, decoctions, acupuncture, 37:50.480 --> 37:51.720 but you just wouldn't wake up. 37:51.960 --> 37:54.920 Fortunately, Grand General saw this item and decided to ignite it. 37:55.360 --> 37:57.040 Amazingly, it actually worked. 38:15.480 --> 38:17.280 Doctor, what incense is this? 38:17.440 --> 38:18.440 It's benzoin incense. 38:19.040 --> 38:20.960 Legend has it that after Yang Guifei's death, 38:21.000 --> 38:23.760 Emperor Xuanzong had been unable to sleep. 38:23.920 --> 38:25.520 Only this incense could help him sleep 38:25.800 --> 38:26.960 and dream of his lost love. 38:28.240 --> 38:30.760 Oh, I know! General must have dreamed of his sweetheart! 38:30.840 --> 38:31.840 Shut up. 38:35.880 --> 38:37.280 She saved my life. 38:40.600 --> 38:41.600 Where's Grand General? 38:41.920 --> 38:43.960 Grand General stayed by your bedside all night. 38:44.320 --> 38:47.000 He went to inspect the newly repaired seawall before dawn. 38:48.400 --> 38:50.120 The weather this year has been strange. 38:50.200 --> 38:51.360 Heavy rains have fallen in many places. 38:51.600 --> 38:54.400 Even Jinmenwei and Zhending have been affected by disasters. 38:56.960 --> 38:58.080 Zhending... 39:04.840 --> 39:07.200 -There's more. -Here, have some. 39:10.560 --> 39:12.040 -Here. -Thank you. 39:15.960 --> 39:18.400 -Have a bun. -Thank you. 39:21.560 --> 39:22.880 -Thank you. -Eat up. 39:23.000 --> 39:25.360 -Thank you. -Have a bun. 39:25.960 --> 39:28.000 -Here. -Thank you. 39:29.400 --> 39:30.400 How is it? 39:35.680 --> 39:37.000 Here. 39:37.840 --> 39:39.080 Distribute it to them. 39:46.600 --> 39:47.600 Thank you. 39:47.960 --> 39:49.280 Don't worry, he'll get better. 40:19.520 --> 40:21.640 (Two weeks later) 40:32.360 --> 40:33.680 Pardon our intrusion. 40:33.800 --> 40:36.120 My master's surname is Mei, a merchant from the south. 40:36.680 --> 40:38.560 We humbly request lodging for the night. 40:53.080 --> 40:54.080 Young Lady, you're awake. 40:55.200 --> 40:56.200 What time is it? 40:57.000 --> 40:58.840 Just past the third quarter of the Yin hour. 41:01.480 --> 41:02.480 Young Lady, 41:03.000 --> 41:05.320 a group of merchants arrived at the estate seeking lodging. 41:05.440 --> 41:07.320 Their leader calls himself Young Master Mei. 41:07.520 --> 41:09.920 But these men have calloused palms 41:10.000 --> 41:11.040 and move silently. 41:11.560 --> 41:14.440 Mr. Chen has sent people several times asking if you're awake yet. 41:16.920 --> 41:18.200 Invite Mr. Chen over now. 41:34.440 --> 41:35.680 They've surrounded exits of the estate. 41:35.800 --> 41:37.200 They're going to slaughter everyone. 41:37.280 --> 41:39.480 We only took the baby to ask for a chance of negotiation. 41:39.560 --> 41:42.400 Whether it ends in bloodshed or discussion is up to you. 41:42.520 --> 41:44.560 Young Lady Zhao, you're not involved in politics. 41:44.680 --> 41:47.240 How do you know so much about Duke of Ding's case? 41:48.040 --> 41:49.760 Who are you, really?