♪ Flowers falling by the river again ♪
♪ Turning the clear waves red ♪
♪ Sparrows singing in celebration ♪
♪ Calm years pass by the silent bustling city ♪
♪ Sitting at home ♪
♪ No one knows love's outline like I do ♪
♪ If one day the river breeze blows again ♪
♪ I won't be a mere reflection in the mirror ♪
♪ Dreams can shatter; Memories remain ♪
♪ Rich fragrance A*DS; Light ink writes ♪
♪ In the deep red windows lies mundane dust ♪
=Are You The One=
=Episode 7=
We did it!
We finally get the dragonfly pattern.
Good heavens.
I've been working for over ten years.
These plates are the hardest
I've ever fired.
Let's head to the trade guild now
and show them what we've achieved.
Let's go.
(Lingquan Town Porcelain Trade Guild)
Stop right there!
Please announce my arrival.
I need to see Young Mr. He.
The Young Mr. He said
he's ill
and isn't
seeing anyone, especially women.
My Lord,
the porcelain trade guild
has submitted a joint report,
accusing the Yushao Porcelain Shop in Lingquan
of ill*gal land acquisition.
Who?
Yushao Porcelain Shop
from the porcelain trade guild.
The trade guild
has been monopolizing
the porcelain business for years.
Ms. Liu only bought a piece of land.
It can't be considered
ill*gal land acquisition.
I must take this opportunity
to teach the trade guild a lesson.
B-But
the porcelain business
accounts for a third of
Lingquan Town's tax revenue.
Besides, the date for the royal tribute
is just around the corner.
Ms. Liu dared to do that.
She should be the one
to be punished.
Ms. Liu purchased the land legally.
What crime is there?
Sorry
I made a mistake.
How should we handle this case?
I await your instructions,
My Lord.
I've already
cut their taxes
to support their road expansions.
The routes they choose
are totally up to them,
and Zhenzhou authority
shall not interfere.
Yes,
My Lord.
What are you thinking?
Honey,
I was turned away
by the He family today.
Then I asked around and found out
they accused me of ill*gal land acquisition
to His Lordship.
I heard about that.
That's not your fault.
Even if this issue
reaches Lord Huaiyang,
you still have a valid case.
But those merchants
have held power in Lingquan for a long time.
I'm afraid Lord Huaiyang
will listen to them.
No, he won't.
From what I know
of Lord Huaiyang,
he will uphold justice
and remain unbiased.
Right.
How did I not think of that?
Do you trust him now?
No.
I trust you, honey.
We can't take a hit and stay quiet.
Let's go
meet Lord Huaiyang and petition him
to clear this up.
Honey?
Lord Huaiyang is very busy.
That's why you must help.
You play Go with His Lordship,
so you can introduce me to him.
- I
- Nanny Li.
Prepare a formal outfit for me.
We'll go to the Mansion of Lord Huaiyang
this afternoon.
(Cui Mansion)
To the Mansion of Lord Huaiyang.
Drive steadily.
Yes.
(Cui Mansion)
What a disaster.
Honey.
When we meet His Lordship,
follow my lead.
Follow your lead?
Well,
all you need to do
is build a good rapport with him.
I'll handle the business.
You won't need to say anything.
Don't be so nervous.
His Lordship and Ms. Liu will arrive soon.
You'll pose as a military officer
and meet them.
Don't give away
His Lordship's identity.
But
Why is it happening so suddenly?
Cut it out now.
If Ms. Liu insists on seeing His Lordship,
tell her he is still at the military camp.
Quickly. Go, go, go!
Alright, alright.
They're here!
Send the owner of Yushao Porcelain Shop in.
It's not the owner of Yushao Porcelain Shop.
It's the members of the trade guild.
They're on their knees at the door
to make a petition.
His Lordship and Ms. Liu are here.
Won't that give it away?
The 12 trade guild members
are asking Lord Huaiyang
to address the Yushao Porcelain Shop's
ill*gal land acquisition.
- Please rule and judge fairly, Your Lordship.
- Please rule and judge fairly, Your Lordship.
Honey, did you hear that?
These merchants are making
nasty accusations right here.
Can't hear it clearly.
Then come here.
- Look at them.
- I
Come and see for yourself.
I saw it. I saw it.
They won't succeed.
General Huang.
There he is.
Look. There he is.
But that's not His Lordship.
Crowding in front of His Lordship's residence,
how disgraceful!
Stand up!
We didn't mean to disturb His Lordship,
but Mrs. Cui
has been unfair in business
and illegally seized land.
If this isn't resolved,
our livelihoods
will be at risk.
Yes.
If I don't sell my stock soon,
my shop will go under.
(The Mansion of Lord Huaiyang)
Please rule and judge fairly.
Please rule and judge fairly, Your Lordship.
Where are you going?
Coachman, let's go back.
We're not seeing His Lordship?
With them causing a scene,
we'd better get out of here.
Exactly.
Besides,
they might not be targeting me.
What do you mean?
They might be targeting Lord Huaiyang.
Where is His Lordship?
Their carriage has left.
It's ridiculous.
This is a joint petition
from 12 trade guild members.
Please give it to His Lordship.
(Petition)
(Please favor the guild's annual tax)
Merchants only see profit
(and offer more benefits.)
in everything they do.
If His Lordship punishes me,
the Zhenzhou authority will
have to change its policies.
That will upset the people.
If he doesn't punish me,
those merchants
will definitely make
unreasonable demands.
That's not our problem
but Lord Huaiyang's.
Honey, is there a problem?
Are you not feeling well?
Just now,
I bumped into something.
It was too bumpy.
Dear,
that's Lord Huaiyang we are talking about.
Even if those members overstep,
His Lordship just needs to be a bit firm,
and they'll back off.
If Lord Huaiyang really
resorts to rough measures
If I were him,
I wouldn't do that.
Do you have any good ideas?
Great.
Great.
The colors are applied well,
the brushstrokes are strong,
and the composition is exquisite.
What a magnificent
"Snowy Evening on the Broad Road".
I'll take it.
Mr. Jia.
This painting has been sold.
Sold
Sold?
To whom?
Well
I made sure to come
on the agreed day.
The buyer
arrived as soon as the market opened
and offered this price.
She'll pick it up after it's mounted.
You know,
I thought it was fate.
Fate?
What's fate worth?
She offered this price.
I'll offer this price.
So, this painting
is mine.
I can see you really like this painting,
but I can't just back out
and tell the buyer that
the highest bid won it.
How about this?
The buyer seems like
a reasonable lady.
I'll introduce you to her.
And you two
can have tea and a nice chat
at the Zuixian Tavern.
This will be your treat.
See if she'll let you have the painting.
Alright.
Then,
everyone will look good.
Yes. Yes.
Hi, Mrs. Xue.
I've been waiting for you.
Whenever your shop gets new fabrics,
I'm always the first to buy them.
- Yes. Exactly.
- Tell me.
What fabric do you have today?
Rain silk brocade from Xizhou.
The weave is as delicate as rain threads,
perfect for jackets.
And we only have one bolt.
So it's better than
Liu's watered gauze?
I'll take the rain silk brocade.
Mrs. Xue,
what a coincidence.
I'm here first.
If that's the case,
I won't take what you love.
It's not that much.
Mrs. Cui,
since you didn't join the trade guild,
how's your business doing lately?
You've hit the nail on the head.
Someone invited me for business
and reserved the best private room
at Zuixian Tavern for the morning.
Right.
I heard
members of the trade guild
haven't been eating
or sleeping well.
Yet here you are buying fabric,
Mrs. Xue.
Then I guess your family
has figured out how to transport the porcelain.
I'd like to see
who is doing
business with her.
- Let's go.
- Mrs. Xue.
Do you want the fabric?
Mr. Jia, this way please.
This way, please.
Mr. Jia,
this is the buyer of the painting.
I heard someone wants to
get the painting from me,
but I didn't expect it to be an old friend.
Ms. Liu must have gone to
great lengths to see me.
So you know each other?
That would be best.
Whoever gets this painting will be good.
I'll leave you to it.
Call me if you need anything.
I have nothing to talk about with her.
It's just a painting.
I don't want it now.
Mr. Jia, are you really sure about that?
True.
The scenery in this painting
mirrors your current situation.
Not buying it to avoid troubling your family
is a wise choice.
What do you mean?
Mr. Jia,
since you're here,
why not sit down
and appreciate this painting with me?
It might ease your mind.
That's right.
Please, take your time to appreciate it.
I'll wait outside.
- Stay.
- Stay.
Alright.
Let's make a deal.
We'll only discuss the scenery in the painting.
No business.
Deal.
This painting is called
"Snowy Evening on the Broad Road".
Mountain villagers lead
a horse team carrying goods
but encounter a severe snowstorm.
When they reach the deep mountains,
they might run out of food
and starve.
Honestly,
what does that mean?
When resources are exhausted,
eating horse meat is also an option.
But which horse
will they choose to slaughter first?
A horse team can't do without a lead horse,
so the lead horse must be spared.
The young horse is strong
and has great potential.
But the second old horse
after the lead horse,
which bears the most burden
and suffers the most,
has a bleak future.
Wrong, wrong.
This painting focuses on
the snow and mountains,
not the horses.
Let her continue.
Why does the second horse
have a bleak future?
When the snowstorm hits,
the lead horse has its own
survival strategies.
The young horse,
though weak,
isn't burdened.
Only the second horse,
which isn't as strong as the lead horse,
carries a load equal to
the lead horse's.
With each layer of snow,
the risk increases.
While other horses can endure,
this second horse can't afford any delay.
If this continues,
the second horse
is likely to be the first one to die.
If the villagers spread the load
among these horses and work together,
they might make it through the snowfield.
Mr. Jia, you must know best
how the burden is shared.
As for the so-called unity,
is it about sharing the hardships,
or is it just an excuse from the lead horse
to prevent others from surpassing it?
After all, if I can figure it out,
so can you
and others, for sure.
Yes. That's right.
I didn't expect such a simple painting
to have such deep meaning.
I've gained a lot from it.
Ms. Liu.
Although you are a woman,
you truly have a great
understanding of paintings.
I admire you.
Are you saying that women
are only meant to manage the household,
and make meals and bed?
Are women not allowed
to appreciate fine art
and elegant porcelain?
What men can do,
women can do too.
The only real difference
lies in people's hearts.
Mr. Jia, if you buy this painting,
we'll become fellow art enthusiasts.
From now on,
we can appreciate
this "The Broad Road" painting
and the beauty of art together.
Mr. Jia, if you
could introduce more art enthusiasts,
we could enjoy it together.
It would turn personal joy into shared joy.
Wouldn't that be wonderful?
Mr. Jia,
since you bought "The Broad Road" painting
for a high price,
please take good care of it.
Gentlemen, please.
I didn't expect Ms. Liu to transfer
this painting to me.
Congratulations, Mr. Jia.
Madam, will Mr. Jia's words
really help you join the trade guild?
Let's go home.
Good news will come.
I saw and heard everything myself
at Zuixian Tavern.
Mr. Jia spent a fortune to buy
the painting "The Broad Road" from Liu.
They were talking in a private room
and had a middleman involved.
Yes, Master.
I also saw it clearly.
- Let them through.
- On the land in Shuangling Village,
Liu allowed a convoy to pass.
It's most likely from the Jia family.
They were talking
at Zuixian Tavern.
Jia even
found a middleman
to persuade Liu Miantang.
They were talking
about "The Broad Road" or something.
Also,
there was a lot of silver on the table.
I mean it.
My wife saw
and heard everything.
It can't be wrong.
Young Mr. He.
We have no tea here.
We haven't found the trade guild's
main transport route.
We didn't talk much,
and there was nothing we could do.
So we didn't feel thirsty.
Right.
Not thirsty at all.
Come.
Serve the tea.
Mr. Jia probably feels thirsty
because
he talks a lot.
Do you have any good ideas
about our main transport route?
I'm also worried about this.
What good ideas could I have?
Everyone is at a loss.
But just sitting here
and staring at each other
isn't
going to help.
True.
How about this?
Let's all
go to Shuangling Village,
take a look,
and see
that "broad road".
Okay.
That's a good idea.
Maybe
we can see Liu
in Shuangling Village.
We can also take this chance
to meet and talk to her.
- Yes.
- Mr. Jia,
what do you think?
What's the point
of going to a remote village?
Besides,
Liu might not even be there.
Mr. Jia,
that's not what I meant.
We might not
necessarily see Liu.
That place is flat.
Perhaps we can find a suitable place
to build a road.
As long as we
work together,
we will certainly find a solution.
Mr. Jia, what do you think?
The route in Shuangling Village
is the only flat one nearby.
And also,
building a road
would cost a lot of money
and consume much time.
No route would be better than the current one.
So, I think that is not a good idea.
I suggest
we give it another thought.
Give it another thought.
There might be a better solution.
A better solution.
By sowing discord.
Since you already know,
I won't tell you more.
No, no. Dear.
I'm not that smart.
Please tell me clearly
how to help our
Yushao Porcelain Shop
join the trade guild
openly and honestly.
Buying the land in Shuangling Village
seems like a way to control
the land transport route.
Actually,
I don't intend to trouble the merchants.
It's just that they are stubborn
and refuse to do business fairly with me.
So you sowed discord among them?
Merchants prioritize profit.
Even long-term partners
don't have
solid trust.
Especially when they hear
that someone has secretly allied with me
for transport benefits,
they'll waver.
Moreover, I let the so-called
Jia's convoy pass.
But Lord Huaiyang didn't
cut off their livelihood.
He only made them
wait an extra month.
Will they betray the trade guild
for this momentary loss?
Those merchants
are all sharp.
Every day goods are stored in the warehouse
is a day of real money lost.
Now,
they all think
Mr. Jia and I are in collusion.
At present,
the most anxious
are those from the trade guild,
except for the He family.
Especially the Xue family,
who hold the third leadership role.
They will definitely come
seeking help from me.
Dear, your reasoning
is very clear.
As long as we open the door with Mr. Xue,
the others in the trade guild
won't stay idle.
Once they get tangible benefits
from me,
who would risk
offending Lord Huaiyang
to cause trouble?
This way, we will gain benefits,
and Lord Huaiyang's troubles
won't affect
our family.
Our family can't get by
without you, dear.
Stupid!
How could you?
I was ill
for a few days,
and now the trade guild
is in such a major upheaval and mess!
Submitting the petition,
and protesting at the Mansion of Lord Huaiyang!
Who gave you the courage?
Who gave you the courage?
Are you trying
to k*ll me by doing that?
No, Father.
You can't blame me.
It's all Liu's fault.
She's going too far!
Besides,
aren't we close with the Prefect?
Why isn't he doing anything now?
Shut up!
You
You don't know your mistake yet,
do you?
From tomorrow,
hand over
all business matters to Zhen.
You need to start over from scratch!
Come on, Father, this isn't necessary.
Give me another chance.
I'll get that land back for you.
I-I'll definitely make
Liu Miantang regret it.
- Get out of here!
- Is that okay?
I don't
I don't want to see you right now.
Go.
Get out!
Get lost!
Father,
don't be angry.
Calm down.
(Lingquan Town Porcelain Trade Guild)
- Ms. Liu.
- Ms. Liu.
- Please come in.
- Please come inside.
Truly fine porcelain.
Fine porcelain.
- It's so beautiful.
- Look at the color.
So exquisite!
Yes.
This is high-quality porcelain.
Yes, it's top quality.
Such craftsmanship
is top-notch.
Amazing.
(Auspice and Fortune)
Ms. Liu.
Miss He.
I want to congratulate you.
Also, your porcelain dragonfly pattern
is lifelike.
I admire it greatly.
Miss He, you wouldn't believe
how many times I messed up
this dragonfly pattern.
But,
even with many difficulties,
as long as the raw materials are good,
it will succeed eventually.
Don't you think so?
My Lord,
news from Lingquan Town.
Ms. Liu has officially joined the trade guild.
If you want to meet with the guild members,
Ms. Liu will
You keep addressing her Ms. Liu.
She's very meticulous.
If one day, you say
something wrong in front of her,
what am I supposed to do?
From now on, call her Madam.
Yes.
My Lord,
here are today's letters.
The trade guild is causing trouble again.
(Celadon bowl with floral impressions)
This is the registry of imperial tribute
(Celadon bowl with floral impressions)
porcelain sent by Mr. He
(Celadon bowl with floral impressions)
for your review and approval.
Master, Madam,
the trade guild's caravans
have been allowed to pass as agreed,
and the merchants have ceased their protests.
Okay.
How does it taste?
It's a treat for the eyes and the taste buds.
Honey,
teach me to write a few more characters later.
Okay.
Today, let's write
"a strategic planning".
I'll go get the brush and ink.
Liu!
Come out here!
Liu!
Come out!
Liu!
Come out!
Nanny Li.
Liu Miantang! You played dirty!
- Who's that?
- Master.
- It's Young Mr. He.
- Own up to it!
- He's up to no good.
- Now you're a coward, huh?
Open the door.
(Cui Mansion)
Come out!
You must be
that woman's husband, right?
I'm Cui Jiu.
What do you want?
You really
have a big heart.
A woman
should be managing the household.
Now she is out in the public eye every day.
Are you totally fine with that?
I trust my wife.
I heard you are a Go player.
You must be seeing things
through rose-colored glasses.
After all,
you don't have much experience.
Do you know
who your wife deals with every day?
And do you know what she did to secure
that prime piece of land?
She deals with
the dirty trade guild.
She's come this far
through her own vision and determination.
Her vision?
Ridiculous.
We, the trade guild members,
couldn't get it done.
She's just a young woman,
and she managed to do it?
But this young lady
is more capable than all you men.
I'm not wasting my breath with you.
Bring Liu out here.
I need to ask her something.
What are you doing?
Let me go!
If you dare speak ill of my wife again,
you might
lose that arm.
Fine, you
You listen to everything that woman says, huh?
You're not much of a man!
You I
My husband is righteous and kind.
He supports his family.
Unlike you, who fails
at everything,
and is only capable of bullying
the weak and women,
he's a real standup man.
Alright.
You
Wait for it.
Just you wait!
(Cui Mansion)
Clear out!
- He escaped.
- Nanny Li.
Wipe the door.
Stop looking.
Go away.
You're good.
(Tea)
Take a look!
It's so fresh. Have a look.
(Cold Rain Courtyard)
Give me some of that.
- Okay, that's enough.
- Here you are.
Thank you.
Young Master.
(Cold Rain Courtyard)
Young Master?
You're back.
Young Master.
I sent Zhou Cuo to Lingquan Town
to pick someone up.
Yet, under my name,
you sent him halfway north
and went to Zhenzhou yourself
without bringing her back.
Sorry, I took matters into my own hands.
Why?
Ms. Liu left Mount Yang
in a huff with me,
so
I wanted to explain things to her in person.
Moreover,
I feared that might trouble you.
So I went alone without informing you.
How is she now?
Ms. Liu
found her true love
and married an ordinary merchant.
When she saw me that day,
she didn't want to say a single word.
She turned and walked away.
So I think
she still holds a grudge against us,
wanting to sever all ties
with Mount Yang.
Sever all ties?
Could she really let go?
What are you going to do?
Since she won't come to me,
I'll go to her
and explain everything.
No.
Lingquan Town is under Lord Huaiyang's control.
Going there
would be like walking into a trap.
Young Master, don't forget
we have more important things to handle.
Are you making crab roe rice?
Yes.
My mother taught me this.
When I was a child,
she often made this dish
for my father and me.
She said
crab roe rice
is best enjoyed
with someone you love.
We've bought
a lot of crabs in the past,
but I don't remember you ever making this.
Why do you suddenly want to make it now?
Are the scallions chopped?
Yes, they're ready.
Here.
What's wrong?
It's not hot.
Soft and glutinous.
Delicious.
Tasty, right?
I'll serve myself.
Why do you need to be coaxed
just to eat
like a child?
Madam, dinner is ready.
Okay.
I'll be right back.
Go ahead, taste it.
How is it?
Even more delicious
than the usual June yellow crabs.
I simmered the male crab's roe
to make crab fat,
and stir-fried the female crab's roe.
I used black pig lard for flavor
and mixed it with steaming hot rice.
The hotter, the better.
That's how to bring out the original taste.
Exactly.
Madam, even with your old injury,
you insisted on picking out
the crab roe yourself.
Next time,
just ask me to do it.
It's okay.
Is it hurt?
The rice will get cold.
It took me so long to make it.
My arms are sore.
Who's that at this late hour?
Coming.
Who is it?
It's me,
Physician Zhao.
Today,
I bought some crabs
and stopped by
to let Ms. Liu have a taste.
I-I didn't know why
Physician Zhao would bring crabs today.
I invited him.
It's better to save trouble.
Honey, you go meet Physician Zhao.
I'll go to the backyard.
Okay.
Master.
Where is she?
Who?
Well,
where's Ms. Liu?
Why do you care?
Do you even know where your true home is?
Cousin Lian asked me to bring this to you.
Good for her for finding you.
Although she didn't say anything,
I could see in her eyes that she was thinking,
"You, Zhao Quan, are no good.
All men are the same."
Give it to me.
So delicious!
This wasn't made by Nanny Li, was it?
Move your chopsticks away.
W-What do you mean?
It wasn't made for you.
If you want to eat,
go back home.
Are you jealous?
No.
It's mine.
Then why don't you share some with me?
These are for you.
Have as much as you like.
Are you really jealous?
Then it's right.
Right about what? I'm not jealous.
You
are not interested in her,
and in her confusion,
she mistakes you for her husband.
This doesn't even count as
the start of a romance.
What if she meets a man
who truly wins her heart
That won't be you.
Why not?
I'm so charming.
I can be the one.
Give me a bite.
What are you doing?
Nanny Li,
clear the dishes.
Since Ms. Liu joined the trade guild,
she's taken over the He's
imperial tribute business.
She's been well-regarded
by the other members.
Business at the Yushao Porcelain Shop
is thriving.
This month,
it brought in over 300 taels of silver.
My Lord?
My Lord?
Yes. She's more interesting
than I initially thought.
Ms. Liu has diligently taken
on the role of hostess for the Cui family.
But what if
she finds out the truth later on
Please forgive me for being blunt,
My Lord,
but have you started falling for her?
I don't want to trouble her with rules.
So let her be.
Let her
earn enough for her future.
Once I catch Lu Wen,
this playing house game
will be over.
Now I understand, My Lord.
♪ The boat drifts,
bringing back the sunset ♪
♪ When we reunite, we still joke
about the cause and effect ♪
♪ Who passed by, the crabapple
falls with a turn ♪
♪ Loving rightly but choosing wrong ♪
♪ With joys, sorrows, partings and reunions ♪
♪ Everyone travels far, seeing clouds and snow ♪
♪ Always hard to stay, yet easy to part ♪
♪ Crossing spring waters and autumn trials ♪
♪ A couple under the moonlight,
can stay together ♪
♪ Long hidden in the eyes,
flickering in and out ♪
♪ Let go of the flowers blooming
in the yard last night ♪
♪ Let go of the waves in the stream
in half a lifetime ♪
♪ Let those dust and chaos go on endlessly ♪
♪ In this lifetime, my wish is to the vast sky ♪
♪ There are many more ♪
♪ Everyone travels far, seeing clouds and snow ♪
♪ Always hard to stay, yet easy to part ♪
♪ Crossing spring waters and autumn trials ♪
♪ A couple under the moonlight,
can stay together ♪
♪ Time flows as we dream through four seasons ♪
♪ I wish to journey with you forever ♪
♪ Year after year ♪
♪ For many years to come ♪
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Did you know that you can remove censorship board-wide, use our advanced search functions, be notified when new content is posted, join our memberships, set episodes to show in any order you want & more if you are logged into your account?
Register or sign in here: ucp.php?mode=register