WEBVTT

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Your Grace.

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Your Grace, the duke has sent someone to summon you.

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The elders from other branches are there as well.

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We're not going. There's no reason for me to pay respects to him.

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We already fell out. Why bother with the pretense now?

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Your Grace, His Majesty just issued a decree not that long ago.

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If word gets out,

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people will say you and Madam lack decorum and disregard filial piety.

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You'll risk being labeled as ungrateful and dishonorable in court.

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My reputation's never been great anyway. I don't care about it.

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We should go.

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It'll be good to get a sense of the situation.

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Shougu.

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Even in battle, courtesy comes before conflict.

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Besides, the days ahead are long.

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We can't avoid them forever.

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Since when were you the type to hesitate?

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What's wrong? Are you scared?

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Scared of them? Never.

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But I promised you that I wouldn't let you deal with these things.

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And it's only the first day after our wedding.

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It's fine. Let's go.

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[Duke of Ying Residence]

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So you went to pay respects to Hui Sun first?

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Serving the dead before the living, no sense of propriety at all.

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I didn't realize you all had been waiting for us.

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However, "honor the departed and never forget those who came before us,"

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those were His Majesty's own words during the royal hunt.

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What a sharp tongue you have.
[Eldest Aunt of the Song family]

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The tea is cold. Is this how you serve your elders on your first day here?

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Exactly, the tea's cold.

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Niece-in-law, why don't you make a fresh pot for us?
[Third Aunt]

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Bring it up.

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Uncle Maochun and Uncle Fengchun, have you forgotten what happened before?

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Yizhi Hall and the Duke of Ying Residence separated after the 7-day mourning period after my mother's passing.

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Isn't it only natural that relationships grow cold, just like the tea?

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But don't forget, you're still the heir here.

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Father, you're right.

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Now that I've married the heir to the Duke of Ying, that makes me his wife.

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Father, please enjoy your tea.

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This is a gift I prepared for you, Sister-in-law.

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My brother used to play chess with me every time he came back.

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Though there may be fewer chances now, I'm glad he has you to keep him company.

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Thank you, Brother Han.

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Do you think I'm going to keep your brother all to myself?

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You'd be like my brother too, so you'd better visit often.

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Look at that, Han'er is so thoughtful.

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Actually, we all prepared gifts for you, Niece-in-law.

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It just slipped my mind earlier. Bring them in.

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The care and attention from you are, of course, meant to guide me as the new daughter-in-law.

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Since I've married into your family, I will humbly accept any advice.

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Oh, it's not really about advice.

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We from the second branch of the family didn't contribute much to Yantang's wedding.

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So, we'd like to offer to renovate Yizhi Hall, as a little gesture of goodwill.

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That's a fine idea.

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Once the dowry is accounted for and entered into the registry,

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Sister-in-law, you can start organizing it.

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First a show of authority, then a sugar-coated gesture,

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this is just an excuse to get your hands on Dou Zhao's dowry.

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In any household, it's the eldest daughter-in-law who manages things.

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Eldest Aunt, it's one thing that you won't hand over the treasury keys and tokens,

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but you're even eyeing my wife's dowry.

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Yantang, that's uncalled for.

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Even though we've divided the households after your mother's passing,

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your eldest aunt has been managing all the household affairs,

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including the finances.

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Your wife has just joined the family.

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Surely, someone needs to teach her and guide her.

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That won't be necessary. My wife has audited accounts for both capitals

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and thirteen provinces in front of His Majesty.

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Her methods of management were even taken by the Ministry of Revenue as a model.

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I didn't care to argue about these matters before, but since you're eyeing her dowry,

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we might as well divide the treasury as well to make things clean and simple.

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Nonsense. Harmony within the family is exactly what His Majesty wishes for.

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We can't go against his will right after the wedding, can we?

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Besides, managing a household is a thankless, exhausting task.

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With dozens of matters to oversee every day, your aunt is often up until late night handling them.

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- Third Aunt...
- Third Aunt, what you've said

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is exactly what Yantang and I worry about the most.

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Money and possessions are fleeting, but family harmony is what truly matters.

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Since you care so much for me, I'll entrust my dowry to Eldest Aunt for safekeeping.

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- Su Lan, call Mr. Chen over.
- Yes, Young Lady.

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Ah, my daughter-in-law is so sensible.

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Since your elders are offering to take on the burden for you, you must always be grateful.

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Yes, Father.

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How...

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Didn't you lose all your assets in Futing?

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I did. But what's lost can always be earned back.

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I invested 80% of my capital in the Miao family's potato business.

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Young Lady, I've just made a quick estimate. It's roughly 70,000 taels.

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Zhao has an incredible eye for business. This is just this year's dividend.

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Are you saying the 70,000 taels here is only the dividend?

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These two chests alone could sustain a noble household for ten years!

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Don't act like you've never seen money before. It's embarrassing.

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I was going to combine my dowry and the profits into the household accounts

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to help ease the elders' burdens, and assist in managing the estate's finances.

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With an estimated annual growth of 20%,

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investments in properties, businesses, and agriculture

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would yield at least 70,000 to 80,000 taels.

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Now that it's all entrusted to Eldest Aunt,

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I'm sure she'll earn even more.

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Earning 70,000 to 80,000 taels a year? I couldn't possibly manage that.

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That's right.

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My dowry also includes some estates and shops

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co-invested with some noble ladies in the capital.

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If the earnings fall short of expectations, it could jeopardize those relationships.

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When doing business, the most important thing is reputation. If you lose your reputation

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not only would the ventures falter, but we might also offend our partners.

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You're known, for your financial acumen.
[Eldest daughter-in-law of Song family]

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Compared to your ventures, managing the household budget truly pales in comparison.

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Perhaps it's better to keep the management of our finances separate,

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so there's no risk of family conflict arising over money.

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A real man doesn't rely on a woman's dowry for wealth, that's just shameful.

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Young Lady Miao, move these chests back

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before people start saying our family is taking advantage.

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All right, I'll just keep managing Sister's money.

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Take them back.

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Hang on...

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Zhao'er, tell me. How did you manage to earn so much money?

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I never expected you to be so capable.

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Second Brother, I think we should entrust our family's private assets to Dou Zhao to manage.

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She's family, after all. We can trust her, right?

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Yes, that's a good idea!

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Uncle, your request is an honor. I wouldn't dare refuse.

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However, without my father-in-law's approval,

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I really wouldn't dare go against his wishes.

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Second Brother, come on.

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Second Brother!

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I don't care anymore!

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Hang on...

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- Second Brother!
- Second Brother!

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- Second Brother!
- Second Brother, don't just walk away.

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Sister-in-law, could you reserve a place for our family in your business ventures as well?

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That's right, Zhao'er.

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We've got some savings. We'd be happy to invest.

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I always thought she had the talents to navigate and assist in court politics,

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but it turns out she's just as skilled in managing the intrigues of the household.

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I know you're trying to protect Young Lady.

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But the deaths of the Duke of Ding and Lady Jiang are intricately connected.

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In such a large household, uncovering the truth often comes down to tracing

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the flow of money and the behavior of the servants.

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Young Lady is securing control of the estate not for herself, but for you.

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Winning their favors now will pave the way

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for her to gain full authority in due time.

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Second Brother, you can't just leave this alone.

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We're talking about 70,000 to 80,000 taels here.

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As the saying goes, profit comes first.

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Yes. There's nothing to worry about.

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The treasury keys and tokens are still in our hands.

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That's right.

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Have I treated you poorly all these years?

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She's only been here a day, and she's already got all of you wrapped around her finger!

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We're not...

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You've brought shame to our ancestors!

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You're narrow-minded!

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Come on!

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I say, Brother, why can't you get along with money?

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Old Third, don't bother arguing with him. Come on!

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Your Grace.

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Don't worry. The residence is filled with your loyal servants.

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She's new here. They won't obey her.

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She'll soon realize how difficult it is to gain any footing.

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I've underestimated Dou Zhao.

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I didn't know an uncouth girl like her could act with such cunning and precision.

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Could it be that I overlooked something,

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and fell right into my ungrateful son's trap?

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Everyone in the capital knows that my father and I have split households.

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Don't bother worrying about my relatives and their little assets.

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It's best to avoid them altogether, no need to upset yourself.

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I wanted to see them not because I wanted to make myself miserable.

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Your father doesn't want me managing the household,

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so he's roped in your uncles to sabotage me.

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But they're not really united.

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Your uncles are driven purely by profit.

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Your eldest aunt is all bark and no bite,

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while your third aunt wears her emotions on her sleeve.

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They appear to follow your father's lead, but each has their own agenda.

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The only one who sees the situation clearly is your eldest cousin-in-law.

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She probably realizes that trying to mediate between you and your father

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isn't a deal worth making. She could be our way in.

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What?

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You figured them out so clearly after meeting them just once.

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You're so brilliant, my dear wife.

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Back at the country estate, when I saved Wu Shan,

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didn't you also see through my family's schemes in an instant?

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Your ability to read people is much more impressive.

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If my relatives and my father try any more tricks,

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send Mr. Chen to the Imperial Guards to find me.

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Don't take it all on yourself.

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You were just calling me Lady Zhuge last night.

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Are you doubting me already?

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I don't doubt you, I'm just worried about you.

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By the way, let me give you something for your protection.

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This is my first time.

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It's all right.

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Keep your balance, focus on the target, and aim.

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That's louder than firecrackers!

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- Careful, it's hot.
- You didn't even blink.

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It's normal to feel scared the first time.

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The more afraid you are, the more you have to stay calm.

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Steady your nerves.

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Don't worry, I'm right here with you.

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I missed.

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You're doing great.

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If you hit that wind chime today, you'll have mastered the basics.

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Take your time.

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I'll go freshen up.

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I hit it!

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I hit it!

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Wife, you're a natural.

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What's wrong with your hand?

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Let me see.

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Why is it bleeding again?

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It's nothing. Don't worry about it.

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Yantang.

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Didn't I say I can bathe myself?

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Your hand is injured.

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You can't let it get wet until the wound scabs over.

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Let me help.

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It's fine.

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I can handle it myself.

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No, I insist.

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If I can't even take care of you when you're hurt, what kind of wife would I be?

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You're the mighty General Song, are you getting shy now?

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♫ Urging the horse, the rain is pounding, I cross the ravaged hill ♫

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♫ Hearing the wind raging in the night, it is coming again ♫

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♫ The fog has yet to dissipate from the cloud platform ♫

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♫ Knowingly, there are many things in this world ♫

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♫ Walking alone, it's hard to live up to everyone's expectations ♫

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When I said I could do it myself, it wasn't because I was shy,

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I didn't want to scare you.

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Back at the Zhaowen Bookstore,

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Mr. Chen said that your back was covered in scars when he was bandaging you.

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I never thought I'd actually see them.

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♫ If you are the light of redemption in the darkness ♫

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♫ Having you is a gift ♫

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♫ My heart is bathed in warm sunshine, I am by your side,
my life is full ♫

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Shougu, I'm sorry.

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These scars were earned for the country and the people.

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And you got this scar on your shoulder because of me.

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You have nothing to apologize for.

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Yantang, when two people share a life,

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the most important thing is to make each other feel comfortable and at ease.

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From now on, no matter what happens,

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let's be honest with each other, and face everything together. All right?

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All right, I promise you.

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[Warm and Harmonious Spring Day]

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My Lord.

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Ming'er, you're here.

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You won't let me see it?

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Now I have to see it. Let me see.

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Ming'er, I'll let you see it when I finish it.

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No, I want to see it now.

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Ming'er, it's a secret.

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Fine.

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Have some fruit.

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Let me see! Why won't you let me?

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- I'm not letting you.
- Come on!

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You're impossible, My Lord.

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I'll show you once I finish it.

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Ming'er, you look beautiful today.

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Master. Madam. The Bazhen Soup prepared for your great-aunt has been served.

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It's time to pay your respects.

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Paying respects again! She's always paying respects!

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Isn't it exhausting?

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- We got it, you may go.
- Yes, Master.

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I'm going then.

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It must've been hard for you.

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Go on.

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How dare you talk back!

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What happened? What did Nanny Zhou do?

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I overheard some servants gossiping about you, so I scolded them.

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You're the nanny of the marchioness, and I'm the nanny of the duchess.

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You scolding me is the same as the daughter-in-law disrespecting her mother-in-law.

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You'd better remember your place, and the proper rules for the sake of Madam.

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- Madam... Madam...
- Nanny...

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Ming.

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Serve the soup.

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Hurry up!

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Madam, you must kneel and hold the bowl above your head.

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That's the proper way to show respect.

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I personally roasted and added the rehmannia to this Bazhen Soup.

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It's especially beneficial for replenishing your blood and energy, Sister-in-law.

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The higher the status of a family, the stricter the rules.

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From helping your mother-in-law dress in the morning

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to setting down her bed netting at night,

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these are all duties of a daughter-in-law.

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Learn these rules over the next few days, and follow them one by one.

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Since your sister married into the Duke of Ying's family,

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she has contributed money and effort to support their estate.

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What about you?

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Do you even know the accounts of the estate, or how much money we have left to sustain us?

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The deficit in the accounts was due to the expenses

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for the funerals of the late master and madam a few years ago.

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Surely you have heard how extravagant Dou Zhao's dowry and personal wealth are.

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Our family accepted you, yet you show no gratitude,

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putting all your energy into coaxing my foolish brother.

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Have you thought about the future of our family?

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Where's the dividend your mother promised me?

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What's going on here?

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Ming'er, get up.

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Are you all right? Let me see your hands.

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A sister-in-law is setting rules for her younger sister-in-law. It's only right.

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This doesn't concern you.

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This is the Marquis of Jining's residence, not the Duke of Jing's residence.

22:29.080 --> 22:31.040
How could it not concern me?

22:31.040 --> 22:34.800
If this is about money, I'll sell some of my paintings to cover the expenses.

22:34.800 --> 22:37.280
I know you're jealous of Dou Zhao's dowry,

22:37.280 --> 22:39.560
but that doesn't mean you can take it out on Ming'er!

22:39.560 --> 22:41.480
What did you just say?

22:41.480 --> 22:45.520
All these years, I've used my own savings to help you, and you never once appreciated it.

22:45.520 --> 22:49.720
Now I'm just asking her to contribute a little to the household,

22:49.720 --> 22:51.800
and you think I'm being unreasonable?

22:51.800 --> 22:56.080
Heaven must be blind not to strike you down with lightning, you ungrateful wretch!

22:56.080 --> 22:59.160
Sister-in-law! Sister-in-law! It's my fault.

22:59.160 --> 23:01.280
I shouldn't have let you argue with Peijin over this.

23:01.280 --> 23:06.400
About what you just asked me, I'll bring it up with Mother when I return home to visit.

23:09.080 --> 23:12.200
Be careful as you lift them up.

23:13.000 --> 23:14.800
Set it down here.

23:19.200 --> 23:23.640
So many gifts for returning home. This must be unmatched in the entire capital.

23:33.320 --> 23:36.120
I've simply brought a few modest gifts for the return visit.

23:36.120 --> 23:39.320
Let's talk inside. Please come.

23:49.720 --> 23:52.640
You're trying to humiliate my daughter.

23:53.200 --> 23:56.600
Without all this wealth,

23:56.600 --> 24:00.200
I don't believe Song Mo would treat you the same way.

24:00.200 --> 24:04.520
Unlike my Ming'er and the marquis, who are deeply in love.

24:04.520 --> 24:07.320
They don't rely on such worldly possessions.

24:07.320 --> 24:12.480
You, on the other hand, are nothing but a pitiful person.

24:12.480 --> 24:16.480
Hearing this from you is so ironic.

24:16.480 --> 24:20.880
Money is hard to earn, but love fades easily.

24:20.880 --> 24:25.760
That's a lesson I learned from watching you all those years ago.

24:32.200 --> 24:36.000
Madam, the Marchioness of Jining has arrived for her return visit.

24:37.560 --> 24:40.920
All these years, you haven't aged a day.

24:40.920 --> 24:45.080
Standing next to me, you look more like my sister than my mother now.

24:45.080 --> 24:46.680
Isn't that right?

24:46.680 --> 24:50.120
Without you in this household, I've had far fewer worries.

24:50.120 --> 24:53.080
Naturally, my complexion turns better.

24:54.360 --> 24:56.520
But look at you,

24:56.520 --> 25:01.040
you haven't been married for long, and you've lost weight.

25:01.040 --> 25:04.200
Is Wei Tingzhen mistreating you?

25:04.200 --> 25:07.720
What kind of duchess behaves like that?

25:07.720 --> 25:11.920
I'll find an opportunity to settle this score with her.

25:11.920 --> 25:16.960
Mother, Peijin looks out for me. He treats me well.

25:16.960 --> 25:21.920
Treats you well? When you returned home the other day, what gifts did he bring?

25:21.920 --> 25:24.040
Compared that to Dou Zhao, it's worlds apart.

25:24.040 --> 25:27.000
Peijin and I don't care about material things.

25:27.720 --> 25:31.600
But what about the daily expenses at his residence?

25:31.600 --> 25:35.880
Even if he doesn't care, can his sister not care?

25:35.880 --> 25:39.000
Mother, you really don't have to worry about me.

25:39.000 --> 25:41.360
Sister-in-law has been treating me well, too.

25:41.360 --> 25:44.640
Enough. Stop trying to fool me.

25:44.640 --> 25:48.760
You think I don't know what kind of person Wei Tingzhen is?

25:48.760 --> 25:52.040
If she finds out how much dowry Dou Zhao has,

25:52.040 --> 25:56.360
she's going to make your life so hard.

25:56.360 --> 25:59.920
You risked everything to marry into that family.

25:59.920 --> 26:03.200
Now that you're suffering, you don't even dare to tell me.

26:03.200 --> 26:05.960
You're such a useless coward.

26:06.720 --> 26:11.960
It's one thing that others envy my sister's dowry, and gossip about it,

26:11.960 --> 26:15.120
but why do you have to use it to mock me, too?

26:15.120 --> 26:16.960
How was I supposed to tell you?

26:16.960 --> 26:20.800
All you've ever seen in me are flaws.

26:20.800 --> 26:24.800
Fine then, I'll get out of your sight and stop upsetting you.

26:27.400 --> 26:30.240
- Young Lady...
- Look at her!

26:30.240 --> 26:33.080
Her in-law mistreated her, and she came back to argue with me.

26:33.080 --> 26:35.880
Her temper is exactly like her father's!

26:35.880 --> 26:41.720
Madam, you don't know how difficult Ming's days have been.

26:51.960 --> 26:53.560
Ming'er.

26:56.160 --> 26:58.040
What's wrong?

27:05.240 --> 27:07.320
Why are you crying?

27:08.400 --> 27:12.240
She's probably just feeling a little homesick.

27:14.440 --> 27:16.240
Let the sisters talk.

27:16.240 --> 27:19.280
I'll keep you company with a drink.

27:32.160 --> 27:38.560
It wasn't until I got married that I realized all your advice back then came from the heart.

27:38.560 --> 27:43.240
These noble families aren't as glamorous as they appear to outsiders.

27:43.240 --> 27:47.120
The foundations are hollow, and yet appearances must be kept up.

27:47.120 --> 27:53.240
I'm not capable enough to fill the gaps, or maintain the facade.

27:53.240 --> 27:55.680
What's done is done. Don't dwell on the past.

27:55.680 --> 27:59.160
What matters most is making the best of the days ahead.

27:59.760 --> 28:04.200
The more prestigious the family, the bigger the holes in their accounts.

28:04.200 --> 28:06.080
You have to take it easy.

28:08.200 --> 28:13.440
Compared to these massive deficits, my dowry is nothing but a drop in the bucket.

28:13.440 --> 28:16.640
I'm just a mere housewife, and yet I'm being forced to figure out

28:16.640 --> 28:18.960
how to conjure money out of thin air.

28:20.720 --> 28:23.360
Many trivial household matters may seem insignificant,

28:23.360 --> 28:26.000
but there's a lot of strategy involved.

28:26.000 --> 28:29.000
Take rice, for example. Liaodong rice is soft and sticky, costing 900 coins per dan,

28:29.000 --> 28:32.240
while Jiangnan Indica rice is firmer, and only costs 700 coins.

28:32.240 --> 28:35.080
For porridge, use two parts Liaodong rice to one part Indica.

28:35.080 --> 28:36.240
For cooked rice, reverse it.

28:36.240 --> 28:38.320
Both the porridge and rice will turn out delicious.

28:38.320 --> 28:41.720
Over a year, this simple method could save 500 to 600 taels.

28:41.720 --> 28:45.040
If you save half into the bank and lend the other half to tea merchants,

28:45.040 --> 28:46.760
you could earn over 1,000 taels in profit.

28:46.760 --> 28:48.760
What a clever idea!

28:48.760 --> 28:52.360
Sister, you must have been the God of Wealth in your past life!

28:53.200 --> 28:56.640
And don't forget, the family's investments need to be reviewed, too.

28:56.640 --> 29:02.080
For instance, any loss-making businesses like old inns or grain stores should be sold off.

29:02.080 --> 29:04.080
Reinvest in trending businesses like perfume shops or boutiques...

29:04.080 --> 29:05.880
That won't be necessary.

29:06.960 --> 29:08.640
Ming'er.

29:19.200 --> 29:21.680
Ming'er has the support of her maternal family.

29:21.680 --> 29:24.240
She doesn't need to stoop to penny-pinching like you.

29:24.240 --> 29:28.480
I will never let Ming'er lack money.

29:28.480 --> 29:33.200
In a few days, I'll have her grandfather secure a proper position for the marquis.

29:33.200 --> 29:38.840
When his career takes off, she won't have to worry about trivial matters like this.

29:39.760 --> 29:41.280
Let's go.

29:52.880 --> 29:56.480
Mother, is what you said true?

29:56.480 --> 29:58.880
But Grandfather has always been upright and impartial.

29:58.880 --> 30:00.680
He despises nepotism.

30:00.680 --> 30:01.880
Why would he agree?

30:01.880 --> 30:09.560
When one has children, they can't live only for themselves anymore.

30:09.560 --> 30:11.680
Back when my father was demoted,

30:11.680 --> 30:15.880
I had to swallow my pride and sell porridge to make ends meet.

30:15.880 --> 30:18.280
Now, for your sake,

30:18.280 --> 30:22.960
I'll have to humble myself again, and ask him to make an exception.

30:25.680 --> 30:27.560
Take these.

30:32.160 --> 30:34.680
Mother, I can't accept these.

30:34.680 --> 30:38.480
I know exactly what situation you're in right now.

30:38.480 --> 30:40.880
Where did you even get this much money?

30:42.240 --> 30:46.800
I may be useless, but I can't be unfilial.

30:50.720 --> 30:52.880
Lending money to bandits is a serious crime.

30:52.880 --> 30:55.000
The court is cracking down hard.

30:55.000 --> 30:59.720
Mother, let's think of another way. All right?

31:06.280 --> 31:09.200
But what other options do women in this household have,

31:09.200 --> 31:14.640
apart from taking advantage of the title of an official's wife?

31:16.080 --> 31:18.280
Do you want to end up like Dou Zhao,

31:18.280 --> 31:22.640
associating with questionable people and running disreputable businesses?

31:23.360 --> 31:25.160
Ming'er,

31:28.160 --> 31:31.680
remember this, you're the marchioness.

31:31.680 --> 31:34.480
Never lower yourself to such things.

31:36.480 --> 31:40.680
Take this money, and stand your ground in the marquis's residence.

31:40.680 --> 31:43.280
I'll always have your back, understand?

31:44.880 --> 31:50.480
When the marquis has a solid career, your sister-in-law won't treat you poorly anymore.

31:50.480 --> 31:52.360
Really?

31:54.080 --> 31:58.680
When that day comes, I'll finally be at ease.

31:59.960 --> 32:01.760
Mother...

32:04.760 --> 32:06.480
Silly girl.

32:12.040 --> 32:13.840
Careful.

32:16.160 --> 32:17.960
Go on.

32:23.360 --> 32:28.880
Madam, you may be tough on Young Lady, but you actually love her dearly.

32:29.800 --> 32:34.240
Getting a position for the marquis means greasing palms all around.

32:35.080 --> 32:39.880
Take another chest from my private savings and pawn it.

32:39.880 --> 32:41.480
Yes, Madam.

32:43.400 --> 32:45.560
[Yizhi Hall]

32:45.560 --> 32:48.160
The accounts for these purchases are full of discrepancies.

32:48.160 --> 32:49.680
Go through them carefully.

32:49.680 --> 32:50.960
Find out how much the stewards have been skimming.

32:50.960 --> 32:54.480
Madam, without the authority token, the servants won't listen to us.

32:54.480 --> 32:56.160
Repairs that need to be done, medicine that needs to be restocked,

32:56.160 --> 32:57.880
everything is outright ignored.

32:57.880 --> 33:01.360
At this rate, we'll be forced to use our own money to cover the expenses.

33:01.360 --> 33:02.880
That's just one issue.

33:02.880 --> 33:08.480
The other is that everything you say or dois constantly being spied on,

33:08.480 --> 33:10.760
with reports sent back to the Duke of Ying's residence by nightfall.

33:10.760 --> 33:12.480
I've written down their names.

33:12.480 --> 33:15.880
These servants are loyal to the duke, not us.

33:15.880 --> 33:20.360
We've become unwelcome guests in the Duke of Ying Residence.

33:22.080 --> 33:24.280
What do you think, Your Grace?

33:24.280 --> 33:27.960
Should I replace all the servants here?

33:27.960 --> 33:29.880
Since we can't control the duke's servants,

33:29.880 --> 33:33.080
at least we can make sure Yizhi Hall is staffed with our own.

33:33.080 --> 33:34.880
It's not that simple.

33:34.880 --> 33:38.760
Most of the servants have ties going back three generations,

33:38.760 --> 33:40.680
many of them having served my ancestors.

33:40.680 --> 33:42.480
Some even watched me grow up.

33:42.480 --> 33:46.680
Replacing them all isn't just difficult, it feels heartless.

33:46.680 --> 33:48.480
But we can't just let these servants grow bolder

33:48.480 --> 33:50.160
and let Her Ladyship endure such indignities.

33:50.160 --> 33:54.080
Su Lan, I'm married to His Grace.

33:54.080 --> 33:56.680
You can't treat him like an outsider anymore.

33:56.680 --> 33:57.960
I was wrong.

33:57.960 --> 33:59.880
I'm sorry, Your Grace.

34:01.680 --> 34:03.680
Replacing all the servants now would be risky.

34:03.680 --> 34:08.160
It takes time to cultivate loyal servants, and there's a chance spies could infiltrate.

34:08.160 --> 34:11.480
Both the crown prince and Prince Qing are trying to win over His Grace.

34:11.480 --> 34:14.960
If their people infiltrate the household, things could become worse than they are now.

34:14.960 --> 34:20.680
Madam. Your Grace. Not all the servants need to be replaced.

34:20.680 --> 34:24.880
Their loyalty lies with the Duke of Ying's title, not specifically with Song Yichun.

34:24.880 --> 34:27.680
Your Grace, you acted tyrannically before.

34:27.680 --> 34:31.360
They assumed that you were against the Duke of Ying's status.

34:31.360 --> 34:34.080
That's why they sided with Song Yichun.

34:34.080 --> 34:35.280
That's a good point.

34:35.280 --> 34:39.480
Your Grace, if you inherit the title and take control of the residence,

34:39.480 --> 34:43.280
and Madam secures the treasury keys and household authority,

34:43.280 --> 34:45.280
their allegiance will naturally shift to you.

34:45.280 --> 34:49.280
But the real issue lies in the mysteries surrounding His Grace being attacked

34:49.280 --> 34:51.960
and my mother-in-law's sudden death.

34:51.960 --> 34:54.680
Even though many of the servants have been replaced,

34:54.680 --> 34:58.480
there may still be those among them who know the truth.

34:58.480 --> 35:01.080
That's why you can't remove them, Your Grace.

35:05.160 --> 35:07.960
Did I say something wrong, Your Grace?

35:07.960 --> 35:12.880
You just scolded Su Lan, for treating me like an outsider.

35:12.880 --> 35:15.040
But what did you just call me?

35:17.840 --> 35:19.440
Yantang.

35:20.800 --> 35:22.600
Say it again.

35:24.280 --> 35:25.960
Yantang.

35:26.840 --> 35:29.000
They're all here. What are you doing?

35:29.000 --> 35:31.080
- We'll take our leave.
- We'll take our leave.

35:35.640 --> 35:38.200
Why are you looking at me like that?

35:38.200 --> 35:41.280
I used to say I had a bad reputation,

35:41.280 --> 35:44.960
but now that I think about it, you weren't exactly spared from gossip either.

35:44.960 --> 35:49.880
I didn't care what they said because I wasn't planning on getting married.

35:49.880 --> 35:52.600
But now that we're married, your reputation is tied to mine.

35:52.600 --> 35:54.080
If you're to advance in your career,

35:54.080 --> 35:59.640
I can't allow Wang Yingxue or Song Yichun to spread rumors and damage your reputation.

35:59.640 --> 36:02.560
I'll make sure they lose the ability to do so.

36:02.560 --> 36:05.800
I wanted to let you live freely and happily,

36:05.800 --> 36:09.080
but now you're caught up in these endless domestic battles.

36:09.080 --> 36:10.360
I've let you down.

36:10.360 --> 36:12.560
My family was a den of wolves and tigers, too.

36:12.560 --> 36:14.520
So, you don't owe me anything.

36:14.520 --> 36:17.000
Besides, you said I'm your strategist, didn't you?

36:17.000 --> 36:19.400
Of course, I have to share your burdens.

36:23.000 --> 36:25.200
Strategist again, huh?

36:25.200 --> 36:27.200
What's wrong with that?

36:27.200 --> 36:30.520
Look at you. What are you doing?

36:30.520 --> 36:33.360
We were discussing serious matters.

36:33.360 --> 36:36.800
This room isn't meant for discussing those matters.

36:36.800 --> 36:39.600
Then what matters are meant to be discussed here?

36:40.320 --> 36:43.320
- Call me "husband."
- Song Mo!

36:47.080 --> 36:53.840
♫ I wish to be like the moon hidden in the sea,
like a butterfly in love with the flowers ♫

36:53.840 --> 36:59.960
♫ Like a thousand inksticks fading into my heartstrings, blurring my longing ♫

36:59.960 --> 37:07.600
♫ Like the sun waiting for flying geese, the golden spears chasing long whips ♫

37:09.440 --> 37:11.480
I was wondering why His Grace had been sulking.

37:11.480 --> 37:13.480
Turns out it was because Young Lady hadn't addressed him properly.

37:13.480 --> 37:17.440
I never thought we'd end up as advisors under the same roof.

37:17.440 --> 37:20.440
Just a few months ago, we were enemies.

37:20.440 --> 37:22.280
Life is full of surprises.

37:22.280 --> 37:26.600
I was just thinking, what if my arrow hadn't missed during the siege that day?

37:26.600 --> 37:28.040
How different things might be.

37:28.040 --> 37:32.280
Well, Brother, the scar from that arrow is still here.

37:34.520 --> 37:38.040
Mr. Chen, Yizhi Hall has some excellent Ganlubai wine.

37:38.040 --> 37:40.440
Let's have a small drink. I owe you an apology.

37:40.440 --> 37:41.520
All right.

37:41.520 --> 37:43.120
Let's go.

37:54.320 --> 37:57.640
Your Grace, something has happened!

37:57.640 --> 37:59.120
Why are you yelling?

37:59.120 --> 38:01.000
Where are your manners?

38:01.000 --> 38:03.560
Something is amiss.

38:08.560 --> 38:11.440
The entire Yizhi Hall is busy moving goods.

38:11.440 --> 38:15.480
The camphorwood chests are packed full of money.

38:15.480 --> 38:18.120
Six or seven people in the main hall are calculating on abacuses

38:18.120 --> 38:20.480
without even stopping for a drink of water.

38:20.480 --> 38:23.120
Even during our estate's annual account settling,

38:23.120 --> 38:26.600
it's never taken more than a day or two.

38:28.040 --> 38:30.360
How much of a dowry must that be?

38:30.360 --> 38:33.840
The Dou family may be known for their wealth as merchants,

38:33.840 --> 38:36.360
but they couldn't possibly have this much money.

38:36.360 --> 38:38.160
That's right.

38:40.400 --> 38:41.960
Keep a close eye on it.

38:41.960 --> 38:44.480
Find out what's really going on.

38:44.480 --> 38:46.080
Yes, Your Grace.

38:48.600 --> 38:50.200
[The Marquis of Jining Residence]

38:50.200 --> 38:53.960
If you see bad weather coming, bring in the marquis's paintings.

38:53.960 --> 38:56.160
He'll be heartbroken if they get wet.

38:56.160 --> 38:57.840
Yes, Madam.

39:11.880 --> 39:14.920
[Jade Ice Jug and Autumn Moon]
(Idiom, from poem by Song writer Su Dongpo; fig. spotless white and pure flawless person)

39:39.640 --> 39:41.000
So?

39:41.000 --> 39:42.920
Do you like it?

39:42.920 --> 39:44.520
I love it.

39:44.520 --> 39:47.840
As long as you like it, I'm happy.

39:49.160 --> 39:51.520
Is this the one you were painting last time?

39:51.520 --> 39:52.720
Yes.

39:52.720 --> 39:55.400
I wanted to surprise you.

39:55.400 --> 39:57.200
It's beautiful.

40:00.320 --> 40:02.000
Madam.

40:04.440 --> 40:08.160
Madam, My Lady has summoned you.

40:08.960 --> 40:10.560
We got it.

40:11.960 --> 40:15.160
Will you come with me, My Lord?

40:16.200 --> 40:18.960
I have to finish my painting, Ming'er.

40:18.960 --> 40:20.120
- Maybe later.
- But...

40:20.120 --> 40:21.520
Ming'er.

40:21.520 --> 40:22.800
Don't worry, Ming'er.

40:22.800 --> 40:27.360
My sister may act like a matriarch, but you are my officially wedded wife.

40:28.440 --> 40:31.840
You have to carry yourself as the true mistress of this household,

40:31.840 --> 40:34.000
so they won't push you around.

40:43.280 --> 40:44.760
Sister-in-law.

40:45.560 --> 40:46.760
Look at this!

40:46.760 --> 40:49.320
Is this how a mistress of the house should act?

40:49.320 --> 40:52.640
The accounts are such a disaster. How could you let this happen?

40:52.640 --> 40:54.120
What a disgrace to the family!

40:54.120 --> 40:59.000
If it weren't for that bride swap nonsense, would our household be in this state?

41:01.360 --> 41:03.160
Say something!

41:04.680 --> 41:06.760
You're right, Sister-in-law.

41:06.760 --> 41:09.200
My mother just contributed some money last month.

41:09.200 --> 41:11.000
It hasn't been long since.

41:11.000 --> 41:15.240
I was wondering if we could cut back on expenses a little more.

41:15.240 --> 41:16.520
Cut back?

41:16.520 --> 41:20.360
Do you expect us to scrape by on your petty contributions?

41:20.360 --> 41:24.840
As the mistress, don't you feel ashamed for even suggesting such a thing?

41:24.840 --> 41:27.680
If the household only spends without bringing in income,

41:27.680 --> 41:30.120
no matter how deep our reserves, they'll eventually run dry.

41:30.120 --> 41:35.320
So, my mother went to ask my grandfather to secure a position for His Lordship at the Warden's Office of the Five Wards,

41:35.320 --> 41:38.200
as the Deputy Commander of the North City Patrol.

41:44.440 --> 41:46.680
Here's his appointment letter.

41:47.680 --> 41:52.280
I was planning to share this good news with you and His Lordship together.

41:57.720 --> 41:59.640
That's more like it.

42:18.160 --> 42:21.480
You killed Ming's child!

42:21.480 --> 42:25.640
If you can't give me an explanation today, we'll take this to the authorities!

42:25.640 --> 42:30.080
You warned me long ago that His Lordship wouldn't be a good husband.

42:30.080 --> 42:31.160
Do you regret it?

42:31.160 --> 42:32.480
I'm a terrible man!

42:32.480 --> 42:36.000
Please forgive me, Ming'er!
[Divorce Agreement]