01x27 - Episode 27

[bunniefuu]

♫ Flowers falling by the river again ♫ ♫ Turning the clear waves red ♫

♫ Sparrows singing in celebration ♫

♫ Calm years pass by the silent bustling city ♫ ♫ Sitting at home ♫

♫ No one knows love's outline like I do ♫

♫ If one day the river breeze blows again ♫

♫ I won't be a mere reflection in the mirror ♫

♫ Dreams can shatter; Memories remain ♫

♫ Rich fragrance A*DS; Light ink writes ♫

♫ In the deep red windows lies mundane dust ♫

Are You the One

[Episode 27]

[Shenwei Escort Agency]

Be gentle.

Mr. Lu.

Brothers,

from today onwards,
the Escort Agency will have a new owner.

Mr. Lu here renames it
to Liangxin Escort Agency.

It will no longer have any relation
to the Qiao Family.

Miss Liu, you mentioned yesterday that you
wanted to eat Vinegar Pig Trotter from Lingnan.

I prepared it early this morning.

Please try it.

I just mentioned it casually.
Mrs. Lin, you are so considerate.

Your grandfather always says you are too thin.

Now that the escort agency has been sold,

we should add more meat dishes to the table.

What? Is the taste not authentic?

It's too authentic.

Is this sweet vinegar from...

Lingnan.

I searched the market.

At first, I didn't find any sweet vinegar
from Lingnan.

I thought

of mixing brown sugar
with aged vinegar as you mentioned.

But guess what? An hour later,

a peddler
chased after several shops to find me.

He said he happened to have sweet vinegar
from Lingnan,

and it wasn't expensive.

How lucky I am
to have encountered such a thing?

Mrs. Lin, do you know
how to make Rouge Goose Breast?

Rouge Goose Breast?

Yes.

My lord, in my opinion, you've spoiled Ms. Liu.

Her taste is too picky.
Black-maned goose with white eyes.

The servant from the Qiao Family specifically
asked for this goose.

But I searched the market in Beizhou
for a whole day,

and couldn't find any.

My lord, should we substitute it
with another goose?

[Lord Beizhou's Mansion]

He came to chat with me for half a day
and left with a goose?

What exactly is he trying to do?

Perhaps they are not used to the food
in Beizhou.

The two subordinates
that Lord Huaiyang brought along have been browsing the market in Beizhou these past few days.

Who would have thought he is a gourmet?

Rouge Goose Breast.

What a plump goose.

I asked you to buy something tasty,

and you really went all out.

Mr. Qiao, this goose isn't expensive.

Nonsense, I have transported rare birds before.

For poultry of this quality,

it would cost at least 2,000 coins.

Two thousand?

That could feed my family of five
for quite a few days.

Miantang, you are used to
a life of luxury in the capital.

But this is Beizhou.
We can't afford such extravagance.

- I think...
- How about I contribute some money to the household?

Aunt, you worry too much.

Mrs. Lin said this goose only costs 200 coins.

Two hundred coins per 500 grams?

For the whole goose.
That's how the hunter sells it.

-The meat is very fresh.
-It really is delicious.

This goose is so good.

Eat more.

Grandfather.

Buy one more tomorrow and stew it.

Eat it.

Father.

This Cui Xingzhou is taking advantage of me.

Didn't you say that Lord Huaiyang wouldn't
have a good time at Lord Beizhou's Mansion?

Now he takes delicacies
from the Lord Beizhou's Mansion every day.

He even gets to eat a black-maned goose.

My lord, you said it yourself.

Who said that?

Youzhou

can be equal to Beizhou and
Qizhou today

thanks to my decades of effort.

I absolutely cannot watch Beizhou
take advantage,

and leave Youzhou far behind.

Listen carefully.

The reports on Beizhou will change from
once every three days, to three times a day.

If Lord Beizhou makes any move,

you must report it immediately by fast horse.

Yes, my lord.

My master enjoyed the goose yesterday
and asked me to buy another one.

Give it to me.

You can't leave without selling the goose.

How will you explain it when you go back?

Mr. Fan, that beard doesn't suit your face.

I'll be careful next time.

He actually dared to come to Beizhou.

Ms. Liu, you must be joking.

His Lordship fights battles
all over the country.

This time he came to Beizhou

- on official business.
- Official business?

Then how does he know what I like to eat?

Did he have a shadow guard by my side,
or bribe some servant to report to him?

No, no, no. It's just

a coincidence.

I don't believe it.

But it's out of good intentions,
not to poison or trouble you.

Knowing you love this,
His Lordship personally found it for you.

Ms. Liu, please, show some kindness

and don't ask anymore. I...

Hu,

great job.

Also, my lord, Ms. Liu

-bought the goose
at double the usual price.
- Good.

And she also paid the price difference for the goose

that the servant bought a few days ago.

Then she asked me to send you a message.

She said... she has nothing to do
with you anymore.

My lord, this is the money
from selling the goose.

What... did she say?

She, she...

She said she has nothing to do with you anymore
and doesn't want to owe you any favors.

- Leave.
- Alright.

Xingzhou. Xingzhou.

Well, it's not a good time.

-I will come back later.
-You stay.

Grandfather, what are you doing?

Do you remember?

When you were little,
you loved to swing here the most.

But I was worried every day

that you would fall and get hurt.

But you just laughed and said you wanted
to be like a bird.

Only by flying high

could you see the scenery
outside the courtyard.

At that time,
I knew

that this home couldn't keep you.

Now you have grown up.

Do you know why I

rebuilt this swing
for you today?

You once used the swing to advise me

that life is not a smooth path.

It has its ups and downs,
and honors and humiliations.

I've remembered all of your words.

- Have you eaten?
-I don't have much appetite.

Why have you become so delicate?

When you were little,
you even chewed on the bowl while eating.

You always joke with me.

Look at how thin you are, how unsightly.

Take this,
and buy something good to eat tomorrow.

- I can't accept this.
- As I said,

the Escort Agency sold for a good price,
so you don't need to save for me.

A girl should be pampered.

So she can find a suitable husband early.

I'm satisfied with you, Grandfather.

-Married life can't be as comfortable
as the days now.
-Nonsense.

Your future is still uncertain.

I can't eat or sleep well.
Are you satisfied already?

Who said my future is uncertain?

Grandfather,
there is something I must confess to you.

there is something I must confess to you.

It says here that Ms. Liu hasn't purchased
any property in Beizhou.

That's impossible.

Given her personality,
if she stayed quietly at home for three days,

the sun would rise from the west.

Do you really understand her?

I think you are overthinking it.

The Qiao Family's financial situation
is worsening.

The Shenwei Escort Agency has also
changed ownership and name.

The buyer is a man named Lu Zhong.

He's young, but his offer is quite generous.

They sold off family assets to make ends meet.

How can you laugh about this?

Liu Miantang arranged all of this.

By doing this, she helped the Qiao Family,

and also preserved her grandfather's dignity.

How do you know this?

Lu Zhong.

What? Lu Zhong is your man?

Now that I have the Escort Agency,
I can support myself with my own hands.

Respecting the elders and standing firm
in this world is already the best outcome.

Ms. Liu is loyal and righteous,
and she has a talent for business.

Lord Huaiyang,
you're not that important to her anymore.

True friends do not speak empty words.

Such a woman is remarkable wherever she goes.
Why should she depend on you?

It's just like the principle of drinking tea.

People need to drink water
when they are thirsty.

I've never heard of water needing people.

Fine, I admit it.

I... need her.

[Liangxin Escort Agency]

Please.

- Congratulations.
- Please.

- Congratulations, congratulations.
- Please.

- Congratulations.
- Please come inside.

Please come in.

Please come inside.

Uncle, you take care of things here.
I'll be right back.

Grandfather.

Since you're here,
why not come in and have a seat?

I... I was just passing by
and thought I'd take a look.

I've been at this Escort Agency for decades.
I won't go in.

Alright, if you don't want to go in,
then don't.

But recently, I hired new craftsmen
to renovate and repair this building.

There are a few places
where I'm unsure how to refurbish.

Grandfather, you have a lot of experience.
Why not give me some advice?

Alright, I'll take a look for you.

Let's go.

Please come inside.

Father.

Master Qiao.

Not bad, not bad.

It's really quite good.

Today, your new Escort Agency just opened,
and there are so many guests to host.

I'll head back first.

Father, all the guests are already seated.
They're all waiting for you.

Have you all conspired
to trick me into coming here?

Where's Lu Zhong? Why didn't he come along?

- Maybe he's outside. I'll go get him.
- It's alright. I'll go. You entertain the guests first.

Let her manage the Escort Agency for now.

Once she's had enough,
our business will have turned around.

We still need to find Miantang a good husband.

Father, you know Miantang's temperament.

No, think about your sister.

If we always let her have her way,
sooner or later, trouble will come knocking.

That's right.

What are you doing here?

Rude! How can you be so disrespectful
to Lord Huaiyang?

Moru.

Today, the Liangxin Escort Agency
opens as scheduled.

I have also prepared a small gift
to express my goodwill.

Lord Huaiyang,
I advise you to give up on Miantang.

She doesn't want to see you.

Is she engaged with someone?

That's right.

What if I don't leave?

Then don't blame me for being rude to you.

Be careful.

You are still no match for me.

Don't bring trouble upon yourself.

- You, you...
- Honey.

The guests have all arrived.
Why aren't you going in?

Your arm...

- I...
- Did you get into a fight?

It's only been a few months, and yet you...

Is it not enough to injure him, Lord Huaiyang?
Do you also want to bully us?

I'll take you to apply some medicine, honey.

[Hall of Benevolent Rule]

Miantang.

Did you get hurt just now?

If you encounter that person again,
don't be so reckless.

You are not his match, understand?

Your archery skills are impressive, my lord.

You've been practicing all afternoon.
How about taking a break?

- I'm worried...
- Not tired.

I'm worried the target won't hold up.

Replace it with a new one.

Yes.

From now on,
words like marriage and flower arch...

In any case, the word "marriage"
must not be mentioned again.

Yes.

Go, go, go.

[Wumei Courtyard]

- My lord.
- My lord.

The flower arch you asked me to order
has arrived.

We'll set it up in the backyard.

Later, we can plant some flowers
or graft spring willows.

- Couldn't you say something else?
- What did I say?

You really just won't go away.

How can you speak to me like that?

Grandfather, I wasn't speaking to you.

There are mosquitoes buzzing around me.
I can't get rid of them.

Are you referring to mosquitoes or a man?

Come to my study.
There are no mosquitoes there.

Miantang, you have managed
the Escort Agency so well.

Since you have the skills and ambition
to do business,

I will support you to go out.

You are the closest elder to me in this world.

If you don't support me, who else will?

I have prepared dowries
for both you and Qingying.

Even when the family was tight-handed,
I never touched it.

This is the largest one, for you.

But when I got married,
you already gave me one.

I was always afraid you would suffer
in the capital,

or be mistreated by the Cui Family.

So I prepared it.

When you hastily got married,
I didn't feel good about it.

You disliked the Cui Family in the capital
and fled to Mount Yang.

I don't blame you.

Grandfather.

Let bygones be bygones.

From now on, I will find you a good husband.

Didn't you just say you support me
in managing the Escort Agency?

Business and marriage are irrelevant.

A woman, after all, needs to get married.

In a few days, I'll find you a good matchmaker.

We'll choose a good husband.
He's not necessarily wealthy.

We must find someone with good character
who knows how to care for you

and supports you in doing business.

If so, I will have no regrets in this life.

[Rice]

Alright, let's go.

- Let's go.
- Let's go, let's set off.

I got hit!

- Are you alright?
- They hit me!

- They hit me!
- Come and see!

They hit me!

They hit me...

- Let go.
- They...

You dog. Ignore him. Let him here.

Neighbors, please help me.

- They hit me.
- Let go of me.

And they insulted me in public.

- You...
- They cursed him.

- They refused to apologize.
- What nonsense are you talking about?

Now he wants to beat me!

- You can't beat him.
- What are you doing?

- We can't let them go.
- I...

Let's go.

- Trying to leave?
- What are you doing?

Not until we allow it.

- We absolutely cannot let them go.
- I... He...

Let go of him. Let go of him!

I can't take it anymore!

You all, I...

I didn't hit anyone.

What? Cui Xingzhou extorted people in public?
What happened next?

Then they started fighting.

The constables from the Prefecture's Office
came and took both parties away.

What about Cui Xingzhou?

Lord Huaiyang is fine.

He didn't show up. He commanded it.

Who was the other side?

Rice buyers.

Unbelievable guy.

Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous.

Uncle.

The Huizhou Branch has sent over
the account books.

Lu Zhong found me a good manager.
He was very diligent and hardworking.

Where are Lu Zhong and Lu Yi?

At the Prefecture's Office.

After buying rice,
they hit someone with the cart.

Was it serious?

Not at all.

But the person they hit
was Cui Xingzhou's shadow guard.

He extorted them.

Miantang, what kind of trick
is Lord Huaiyang playing?

Is he trying to cut off our business?

Lord Huaiyang is a very petty person.

A while ago,
Lu Zhong had some minor conflicts with him.

But Uncle, don't worry too much.
His target is me.

I believe the constables won't make things
difficult for Lu Zhong and Lu Yi.

If he's targeting you, I'm even more worried.

He can't outwit me.

I hope so. By the way,

I heard he's acting on the Emperor's order

to summon Lord You to the capital.

For some reason, he took a detour to Beizhou.

He just can't give up on you.

If he gets any closer,
he'll just be inviting more humiliation.

It's been just a few days,
and you've got quite the business going.

I thought I had made myself clear enough.

You're right.

There was indeed nothing between us
until today.

Until today?

Today,

I...

I am here at your Liangxin Escort Agency to request

an escort service.

But I want you
to personally handle this escort.

What do you need us to escort?

I want to escort myself.

My lord, you must be joking.

Do you really need such protection?

Then let me be frank.

I came to Beizhou without any armor or weapons.

I only brought two subordinates, and today
they were even taken to the Government Office.

I am constantly worried about my safety.

I can't eat or sleep.

This is the deposit.

You just need to accompany me
whenever I leave my residence.

Once this escort is completed,
there will be a generous reward.

Absurd.

We will definitely not accept this escort,
Lord Huaiyang.

Please find someone else.

Wait.

I can take this escort.

But Lord Huaiyang, you're of noble status.

For someone of your stature,
this amount is not enough.

Triple the escort fee, and I'll take it.

Deal.

Lord Huaiyang went to a newly opened
Escort Agency to request an escort.

He paid a hefty sum
to ensure his personal safety.

Moreover, I found out that the two people
he previously swindled

were also from this Escort Agency.

What on earth is he trying to do?

Is it a diversion,
or is there another scheme at play?

Previously, he searched the entire city
for gourmet food.

Was it not to satisfy his appetite?
But rather...

To familiarize himself with the layout
of Beizhou?

Is he planning to escape
or does he have evil intentions on Beizhou?

Investigate the background
of that Escort Agency.

Increase surveillance on Cui Xingzhou.
He must not leave Beizhou.

Yes.

- Enjoy, sir.
- Thank you.

Mian...

Ms. Liu.

What important matter do you have today,
my lord?

I am going to...

observe the public life.

[Tea]

Don't be discouraged, sir.

Do come again to have fun.

Ring toss! Ten rings for one silver coin.

Sir.

Consider it borrowed.

- Here, sir.
- Thank you.

Here are your rings.

You men either play rings or set rings.
Nothing new.

Which one do you want? Tell me.

I can get what I want myself.

Then go ahead and get it yourself.
I support you.

Who cares about your bamboo rings?

Bye, sir.

[Grain]

Strolling and playing around, is this
what you call "observing the public life"?

- Candied hawthorn!
- I'm not eating it.

I want you... to hold it for me.

My lord, manners.

There is a catkin on it.
I wanted to help you remove it.

You misunderstand.

It...

it was just an instinctive reaction of a martial artist.

You couldn't even dodge that move?

I never intended to defend...

After all,

I paid and hired you to protect me.

Is that so? Then why do I feel
you hired me for another purpose?

I...

do have another purpose.

I hired you for another purpose.

I came to Beizhou for another purpose as well.

My lord, why are you going
to such great lengths?

What is your intention?

I just want to figure out what I need to do

to get your forgiveness.

Then teach me. How can a young woman,

who was deceived by a former enemy for so long,
with her reputation ruined,

not be angry and upset?

Back then, you were seriously injured.

Wasn't it me who saved you?
Wasn't it me who healed you?

So, you owe me your life at least.

According to you,
you deceived me for so long,

and I should reward you
and thank you for your great kindness.

Before I went to w*r,

I wanted you to live a peaceful life,
so I wrote the divorce letter.

But Miantang...

my identity was fake and it was my fault
for deceiving you.

But my feelings for you were never fake, right?

I never doubted your feelings.

But because of these feelings,
our relationship...

It's getting late.
I'll escort you back to the mansion.

A bodyguard's duty is only to ensure
your safety, not to engage in idle chatter.

Come on, it won't hurt to chat a little.

My lord, in the past few days,
Lord Huaiyang has shown no unusual behavior.

He just wandered around the city casually.

However, that female bodyguard
has quite a background.

Tell me quickly.

This woman is named Liu Miantang.

She and her uncle Qiao Xian both
received an imperial pardon.

It is said that they worked for the Emperor
before he took the throne.

But a few days ago, they returned to Beizhou

and focused solely
on running the Escort Agency.

So, she is the Emperor's supporter.

It seems Cui Xingzhou
and that woman are birds of a feather.

I knew Cui Xingzhou's trip wasn't that simple.

Keep a close watch on them.

If there's any unusual movement,
take them down immediately.

Yes.

That's not good.
The Beizhou border is just ahead.

Report it to His Lordship.

Yes.

[Beizhou]

Actually,

I agreed to take this escort mission and be your bodyguard

because I also wanted
to tell you some heartfelt words.

I admire you and understand your difficulties.

But

I also have my ambitions.

Two strong horses on different paths
can only meet on a narrow road.

Instead of forcing them
to share the same trough,

it's better

to let them go their separate ways from now on and forget each other.

Cui Xingzhou,

there is no future between us anymore.

What if I want to fight for a future?

[Youzhou]

I can cross the boundary
and go away if I want to.

Can you?

You're carrying heavy shackles
and are too proud to give up anything.

What makes you think you can fight?

[Beizhou]

Can I fight now?

Madman.

- Go quickly.
- Alright.

My lord! My lord!

Lord Beizhou suddenly
dispatched a large number of troops

to follow Cui Xingzhou to the Beizhou border.

I knew it. I knew it.

That man from Beizhou may want to
get to the capital first.

How can we let him take the advantage?

Saddle my horse, the fastest one.

Yes.

Cui Xingzhou, you are so bold.

Anger harms the liver.

My lord, there's no need to get so worked up.

Today, you broke your promise and left Beizhou.

What exactly are you planning?

This is a misunderstanding.

You have so many spies watching my every move.

Recently, more personnel have been assigned
to keep watch day and night.

You should be well aware
that I didn't even bring my subordinates.

If I really wanted to escape from your Beizhou,
could you bring me back without any fighting?

Then how do you explain
that suspicious female bodyguard by your side?

She...

I'll bring her here immediately
for a thorough interrogation.

I want to see what you two are up to.

No.

Are you finally scared?

Let them all leave. It's personal.

You can speak now.

She is actually my fiancée.

We had a little disagreement,
so she went back to her grandfather's home.

Besides having official duties
from the imperial court,

I do have a personal matter
that's hard to explain.

I need to make up with her.

You're talking nonsense.

How could the dignified Lord Huaiyang
marry a woman from such a lowly family?

Don't say that!

Liu Miantang is the wife I have chosen.

She was in the past,
and she will be in the future.

When I was in Zhenzhou,
I pampered her in Lingquan Town.

When I went to battles, I kept her by my side.

Now, I'm using the escort mission
as an excuse to get close to her.

If you don't believe me,
investigate it yourself.

Fine. Fine. I will find the truth.

If you truly are a bold romantic,
I will respect you as a man.

But until the matter is clarified,
you must stay in my residence.

- You can't go anywhere.
- Alright.

Even if you want to drive me away,
you won't be able to.

Guards!

- My lord.
- My lord.

Escort Lord Huaiyang to the South Wing Room
and keep a close watch.

Without my orders,
no one is allowed to approach.

- Yes, my lord.
- Yes, my lord.

Ma'am, come take a look.

Candied hawthorn.

Ma'am, take a look.

Not bad.

I'll give you a discount.

The poetic scenery is in early spring.

The green willows are just half yellow.

When the flowers
in the forest bloom like brocade,

everyone who goes out will be a flower viewer.

Each flower is spirited and each leaf tender.

The fragrance after the rain intoxicates.

But what did these flowers do wrong?

It seems Ms. Liu is not interested in flowers.

Then...

what about me?

I usually don't bother with others.

But today, seeing Mr. Su,
I suddenly feel an impulse to punch something.

It seems that in Ms. Liu's heart,
I am somewhat different.

If you weren't the future virtuous
son-in-law chosen by my second uncle,

I would definitely show you
how it feels to be different today.

Please.

Your niece Miantang has just opened
a new Escort Agency.

What's it called?

Liangxin Escort Agency.

- What a name.
- It's a great name.

My family's fabric business
also runs the Xizhou route.

The staff said that Liangxin Escort Agency
is cost-efficient and fast.

Right.

Madam Su, why do you keep asking
about Miantang?

Isn't it Qingying that you're interested in?

Naturally.

But soon, we'll be family,
so it's good to know each other.

Only after they get married can we be family.

Madam Su, are you really set on our Qingying?

Of course.

My son likes the straightforward young lady.

The last time he came to your house,

he saw Miantang managing the household
in an orderly manner.

When he got home, he kept praising her,

saying that the Qiao Family's daughter
has a mind of her own.

Yes, she is indeed very opinionated.

- What do you mean by that?
- Alright.

Let's not talk about Miantang.

Why can't we talk about her?

Miantang's mother passed away early, and she
has been spoiled and willful since childhood.

She was sent back home after being divorced because her husband's family couldn't stand her temperament.

Alright, it's my fault for asking too much.

Have some wine.

Here.

The jar is empty.

I'll ask the innkeeper to bring some more.

Thank you, Madam Su.

Come on, whose father didn't help
his own daughter?

Why are you so grumpy
when it comes to Miantang?

Can you watch your mouth?

Do you even know what you said?

What did I say?

I'm just stating the facts.

If she weren't so headstrong,
would they have divorced her?

Madam Su, my madam requests your presence.

"A Lifelong Promise" by Cai Ziyi

♫ The boat drifts,
bringing back the sunset ♫

♫ When we reunite, we still joke
about the cause and effect ♫

♫ Who passed by, the crab apple
falls with a turn ♫

♫ Loving rightly but choosing wrong With joys, sorrows, partings and reunions ♫

♫ Everyone travels far,
seeing clouds and snow ♫

♫ Always hard to stay, yet easy to part Crossing spring waters and autumn trials ♫

♫ A couple under the moonlight,
can stay together ♫

♫ Long hidden in the eyes,
flickering in and out ♫

♫ Let go of the flowers blooming
in the yard last night ♫

♫ Let go of the waves in the stream
in half a lifetime ♫

♫ Let those dust and chaos go on endlessly ♫

♫ My lifelong wish is to reach the sky and 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 accompany you on this long journey forever ♫