01x10 - Episode 10

[bunniefuu]

♪Pink hands so fine♪

♪Gold-branded wine♪

♪Spring paints green willows
palace walls cannot confine♪

♪East wind unfair♪

♪Happy times rare♪

♪In my heart sad thoughts throng♪

♪We've severed for years long♪

♪Wrong, wrong, wrong♪

[Si Jin]

[Adapted from Si Jin,
by Dong Tian De Liu Ye]

[Episode 10]

[Capital Administration Office]

Qian can always

count on me,

unlike Miss Si

who grew up without a mother.

She lost her mother?

Yes.

Her mother passed away
as soon as she was born.

Everyone thinks she jinxed.

Madam Zhen.

This way, please.

Heng.

Good day, Mother.

Did you sleep well last night?

Thank you for your concern, Mother.

I slept peacefully.

That's good.

Is Commandant Yu not here today?

Commandant Yu didn't show up
for roll call today.

He's probably handling a case.

Commandant Yu and Miss Jiang

seem quite close.

Commandant Yu once saved
Miss Jiang's second brother

at the training field.

Zhan!

Who?

So, she owes him a favor.

But those who don't know the situation

might be led to believe

the two of them are a couple.

Even if they were,

I believe Miss Jiang would know

how to handle herself properly.

But I'm not sure the same can be said

for Commandant Yu.

Heng.

I brought you some chicken soup.

Have it while it's warm.

Thank you, Mother.

Mother,

the soup today tastes great.

If you like it,

I'll make it for you every day.

The Haitang House is still the same.

How nostalgic.

Yi, take a seat.

By the way, how is Zhan?

Did he get into trouble?

He's still the same.

He's well.

Have some water.

He always worries me.

Si, I can't come home too often.

You must supervise him for me.

Don't worry.

I'll keep an eye on Zhan.

However,

you only come home

during festivals.

We don't know

if you're doing all right.

Father misses you deeply.

I'm doing well.

You need not worry.

Yi, how is your mother-in-law treating you?

Do you

fight with your husband?

Why do you ask?

I'm just curious.

When we discussed my engagement

with the Duke's son,

I burdened my mind with thoughts.

What would it be like to live

in a new place

I know nothing about?

I annulled the engagement.

I know I won't be

leaving the house any time soon.

That's a relief.

It's normal to be concerned.

However, by learning to be tolerant,

everyone can get along just fine.

My husband respects me.

We've never fought.

He's always defended me.

Yan is a good girl.

My mother-in-law is strict,

but she is not mean.

I'm happy with the life I have.

Defended you?

Why does he

always need to defend you?

His mother

wants to have a grandson.

After years of being married,

I've never bore a son.

It's normal for her to be displeased.

You never told me

any of this

until I asked.

No family is perfect.

Telling you

will only make you more anxious.

I'm even more anxious

when you keep it from me.

You feel distant now.

Is that supposed to be a threat?

It's been some time.

You've changed a lot.

Yi,

please tell me if you have any woes

with your husband's family.

What kind of sister would hope

to listen to her sibling's woes?

There are no woes.

All is well.

All is well?

Is that so?

Yi, if you ever

get caught up in any frustrations,

you must inform me

immediately.

All right?

Si,

what's the matter?

Please, promise me.

Very well. I promise.

Chief.

We've been staking out for hours.

The seller of Divine Bliss
still hasn't shown up.

[Black Market]
Have we alerted him by mistake?

Weren't you the one who investigated?

No one knows his real name.

He doesn't talk to people.

Even when he sets up a stall,
he comes and goes unpredictably.

Catching him

won't be an easy task.

Chief, he's here.

The one with the braided hair.

[200 taels]

[20 taels]

[10 taels]

This looks good.

Give me two taels of this.

Follow him.

Yes, sir.

Chief, the buyer went straight home.

No suspicious activity was noted.

Go back and get ready.

Next time, we'll catch

the scorpion keeper.

Yes, sir.

Aunt Xiao.

You've been managing the mansion

for so many years.

It's time for you to take a good rest.

I have worked tirelessly

to manage this mansion

for all these years.

Do you think you can just

take it from me so easily?

When it comes to winning people over

and pulling strings behind the scenes,

I certainly can't compete with you.

I will go

and explain everything
to your grandmother…

Aunt Xiao, you probably don't know yet.

You will be resting

in your room

for the time being.

Grandmother has given orders

to have you confined.

It must be Jiang Pei, the little wretch,

who ratted me out.

Madam Xiao.

Old Madam has instructed us

to escort you back to your room.

I can walk back myself.

I don't need you to escort me.

Old Madam, be careful.

Good morning, Old Madam.

The fish are hungry.

Time to eat.

The moment I feed them,
they all come rushing.

Such gluttons.

Eat up.

Grandmother.

Greetings, Grandmother.

Did you sleep well last night?

With so many troubles

in this household,

do you think

I could sleep soundly?

It's my poor judgment of people

that has caused you such distress.

Didn't I tell you before?

You've only just come back
after your divorce.

You needn't pay your respects every day.

Stay in your courtyard

and rest.

Is there a reason you came to see me

this early?

Nothing escapes your notice.

Is this about your mother?

My mother has managed this mansion

for so many years.

She kept the household in perfect order,

and she has never made
any grave mistakes.

Just because of one moment
of indiscretion,

she was stripped of her authority
over the household.

Isn't that somewhat unfair?

Sometimes,

when one holds power for too long,

they develop an illusion.

They are led to believe
that power belongs to them

and they can do whatever they wish

for their own gain.

Mother isn't that kind of person.

She always has the mansion's
best interests at heart.

Why would she act out of selfishness?

Oh, Qian.

After everything you've been through,

how have you still not learned

to see through others' true intentions?

[Count of Dongping's Mansion]

Yi.

Take good care of yourself.

Come visit with Yan when you have time.

I will.

Take care of yourselves

and look after Father.

Si, if you miss me,

come to Lingshui to visit me.

I will pay you a visit soon.

I miss Yan already.

She misses you too.

It's not easy to manage a household.

You must be cautious.

Don't let yourself be stepped on.

Zhan, take care of Si.

I will, Yi.

Zhan. Si.

Take care.

Ziyu.

Look after our sister.

Take care.

Ziyu.

Safe trip.

Take good care of our sister.

Have you

ever thought about

why Si suddenly disappeared?

Or why I stopped Mr. Zhen

from investigating?

One must not act on emotions.

Otherwise,

they may blind themselves to the truth.

Do you know

what's most important

to your mother?

It's…

It's not this mansion.

It's your branch's status.

For that,

she would do anything.

Then,

do you really trust Si that much?

I'm assigning her a key position.

Isn't it best for her to stay grounded,

take on proper duties in this household,

and live a stable life?

Some go their whole lives

without understanding

what truly matters to them.

They let their emotions
dictate their actions.

Such people can never
accomplish great things.

Qian.

I know

you're in pain, both physically

and emotionally.

But we mustn't lose hope

because of an unfortunate

and failed marriage.

If we plan well and do our best,

you can still

have a wonderful life.

When the day comes,

you will still be

the granddaughter

Old Madam is most proud of
in our family.

I have spent my entire life

following Mother's arrangements.

But what is it

that I truly want?

Miss Si wants

to manage the household.

But without Madam Xiao,

who can she even manage?

She should just worry about herself.

Oh, my neck.

I slept wrong
and now I have a stiff neck.

What's wrong?

It hurts terribly.

You're just too idle.

Take a break today.

I didn't do anything.

Eat.

Replenish yourself.

It hurts so much.

You're right.

It's infuriating.

Don't make that long face.

All of you!

Do you know what time it is now?

The rice hasn't been steamed,
and the dishes haven't been cooked.

Do you all not want
to work here anymore?

Here she comes.

Here comes trouble.

I know you all think

you can disobey Miss Si

because she is young.

But Miss Si said this.

Some people shouldn't dig

their own grave.

If the tasks aren't done properly

and Old Madam asks about it,

none of you will escape responsibility!

A little girl still wet behind the ears!

Who does she think she is

to be lecturing us?

Still,

she isn't entirely wrong.

We've served in this mansion for years.

We know

Old Madam's temperament.

Right.

I just wanted

to stand up for Madam Xiao.

There are plenty of ways

to do that.

[Haitang House]

My Lady,

you've been up early and working late
these past few days.

Why take on

such exhausting tasks?

Answer this.

Is there anyone in this mansion

who would dare harm Aunt Xiao?

No.

Then who instructed Jiang Pei

to drug me

during Grandmother's birthday banquet?

Who instructed her?

Wasn't it Madam Xiao?

At least you didn't serve me
all these years for nothing.

Now that you're managing

this mansion,

no one will dare mistreat you
or the main branch.

That's right.

Miss Si.

Do you have feelings for Mr. Zhen?

Why are you suddenly asking this?

Well, Mr. Zhen

clearly has feelings for you.

It's as clear as day.

Mr. Zhen is a good man.

He's brave and righteous,

especially in a court

full of flattery and scheming.

I admire such a person.

But

it is only admiration.

I also think

you shouldn't fall

for Mr. Zhen.

Why do you say that?

Commandant Yu is the better choice.

Whenever you're in trouble,

he always comes to your rescue.

And if you hadn't told me,

no one would even know
what he has done for you.

Isn't Commandant Yu just like the hero

from stories?

He does good deeds
without seeking recognition.

You can't always rely on others
to save you.

Don't read too many of those stories.

None of them are real.

But Commandant Yu is real.

Miss Si,

do you have feelings for Commandant Yu?

No.

I have no interest in anyone.

I only care about managing the mansion

and my shop.

Just be quiet.

Why do you have so many questions?

If you keep going,

when will I ever finish
balancing these accounts?

Go have your sweet soup.

Yes, Miss.

I'm leaving now.

♪Through endless twists
in the mundane world♪

♪The breezy wind blows,
the heart grows tender and bitter♪

[Yu Qi]

♪I ask the Sun
if the light has taken root♪

♪As it prospers,
our love story writes itself♪

I have an idea

to solve the problem.

What's the solution?

♪After countless challenges,
we are still us♪

Marry me.

♪Our inseparable souls
can weather all storms♪

When will I be able

to hear him say such things

without feeling anything?

Yu Qi hasn't appeared

these past few days.

Perhaps he has given up

investigating my saintess' identity.

That would be for the best.

Now, I can live in peace.

♪Our blissful time together
will lead us to the sea of stars♪

She fell into the water!

♪Our destined paths♪

♪The years will hold♪

♪A light shines at the tunnel's end♪

♪Where happy endings will transcend♪

♪We lock eyes
and promise to stay together forever♪

♪After countless challenges,
we are still us♪

♪Our inseparable souls
can weather all storms♪

She carries the emblem.

And she painted the view

of the Southern Frontier.

Why are we giving up now?

♪We cross paths
and promise to stay together forever♪

♪The tapestry of destiny
is filled with our youth♪

♪Our blissful time together
will lead us to the sea of stars♪

You're awake.

♪We lock eyes
and promise to stay together forever♪

Thank you for taking care of me,
Miss Jiang.

♪Through frost-kissed trails,
and starry space♪

You were injured because of me.

I will not forgive myself

if I don't take good care of you.

♪Hearts bound as one,
through time's soft chase♪

I'm already used to

such trivial injuries.

Do not worry about me.

This is not a trivial injury.

The physician said

that if we arrived later,

we might

have to bury you.

♪Where blooms have found their place♪
have to bury you.

♪Where blooms have found their place♪

Second Master. Are you all right?

Is this how you do your job?

Is anyone even managing
this household anymore?

I'm starting the day

with such bad luck!

Help me change clothes!

Grandmother. Father.

Qian. Madam Ruan.

We can eat now.

Old Madam, mind the steps.

All right.

- Grandmother, careful.
- All right.

Careful.

All right. Qian.

Where's Uncle Anmou?

I'm here.

Anmou, what happened to you?

The floor wasn't wiped dry,

and I slipped.

Was it a bad fall?

No harm done.

I'll get it checked later.

Good.

It's been a while

since I've had such a simple breakfast.

Back when I was in the mountains

for my retreat,

I ate these same things.

A light meal in the morning

is good.

All right.

Mother, let's eat.

Does this congee taste spoiled to you?

It does have a bit of a smell.

And this flatbread seems…

Nothing is going right

this morning!

Mother.

Si is still too young.

Yet, you entrusted the entire household

to her.

Who knows

how many more problems

will arise?

A household in disarray
does not foster prosperity.

Anmou.

It's just a meal gone bad.

Why are you making it out
to be such a big deal?

Looks like your time

in the bureaucracy has made you

fond of handing out false accusations,

even in your own household.

Ancheng.

You've certainly got a way

with words now.

Who started this argument?

But the congee is spoiled!

So what if it is?

Enough!

You, sit down.

How disgraceful.

You two are both fathers now.

Bickering in front of the children.

How do you think that looks?

Si.

Has it been too difficult for you

to manage the household?

Grandmother. Uncle Anmou.

I promise that today's mistake

will never happen again.

Please give me three more days.

If I still fail,

I will hand over
the household keys myself.

Three days?

I doubt you'll even
make it through today.

I'm not eating anymore.

Suit yourself.

How long have you been stitching

that shoe sole?

Is it still not finished?

Just watching you makes me feel tired.

You should eat some walnuts.

Nannies, busy as always?

Miss Si.

Wake up. Miss Si is here.

Miss Si.

You must all be exhausted.

Not really.

We're just getting older.

I just dozed off for a moment.

You happened to catch me.

Well, pardon me

for disturbing your peaceful nap.

Might I make a suggestion?

Since you've all been working so hard,

pack up and take a few days off

to rest.

The kitchen won't need you.

Miss Si,

what do you mean?

Are you dismissing us?

We are senior servants of the mansion.

We've worked here for most of our lives.

Yes, Miss Si.

The prestigious families of Ling'an City

never dismiss their longtime servants.

What are you talking about?

It’s precisely
because I care for you all

that I'm giving you some time off.

Working in the kitchen all year round

can be so taxing on your bodies.

You can rest easy.

You'll still get paid as usual
while you're on break.

You can return

when you've had enough rest.

Really?

Can such a good thing be true?

Of course, it's true.

These two ladies

are from Guangju Parlor.

This will be a good chance

to change the menu for the family.

You all can rest easy
and take your break.

Aman.

Show them around
and help them settle in.

Yes, Miss.

Follow me.

What does Miss Si mean by this?

I… I don't know.

Miss Si.

I'm used to working hard.

I can't just sit around.

They're new and don't know

their way around the kitchen.

I'll lend a hand.

These shrimps are dead.

They can't be eaten.

Miss Si.

They were supposed to be thrown away.

We'll prepare fish for lunch.

The fish is fresh.

You two, don't just stand there.
Help out.

Let's go.

Si is more capable

than I expected.

We underestimated her.

We did.

For days, she's been dealing

with those who deliberately

caused trouble,

yet she never got flustered or angry.

She cheerily let them

take time off

while still paying their wages.

Meanwhile, she had already

hired young and strong workers

to replace them.

Some fools

were even happy

to take time off.

Their positions will be gone

by the time they return.

Exactly.

The smarter seasoned servants
quickly realized

Miss Si's tactics

and dared not stir up trouble again.

Let's see how long she can stay on top.

Qian.

Qian?

What's on your mind?

Nothing.

What were you saying, Mother?

Qian.

You must pull yourself together.

Did you take a look at the list

I gave you

from Matchmaker Wang

the other day?

Did anyone catch your eye?

I only recently returned
after my divorce.

Are you already

in such a hurry to marry me off again?

Do I really bother you so much?

That's not what I mean.

I'm doing this for your own good.

A woman's beauty fades quickly.

It's better to remarry
before it's too late.

I'm doing this for your own good.

Aunt Xiao

must have told you that

countless times already.

Don't try to sow discord

between my mother and me.

Mother is the only one

in this household
who truly cares for me.

I'm not trying to turn you against her.

In fact, I envy you.

You have a mother who loves you

and plans everything for you.

You know

that I lost my mother at a young age.

What exactly are you trying to say?

I want to say

that when parental love

is misplaced,

it harms both the child and the parent.

I heard

Aunt Xiao is arranging

another marriage for you.

Only because you provoked her.

You have a fine suitor like Mr. Zhen,

and you took away
her control of the household.

Of course, she's resentful.

With nothing better to do,

she's naturally fixated on me.

Blaming me

won't affect me

or change your predicament.

You took Aunt Xiao's advice
the first time

and married for the stature
of your husband's name.

How did that turn out?

This is the second time around.

Are you going
to follow her wishes again?

Flowers bloom in their own season.

Every person has their fate.

What choice

do I have now?

When we were little,

we studied together.

We learned

to not be emotionally affected

by external objects
and one's experiences.

Women's lives don't have

to revolve only around their maiden home

and marital home.

Once you step beyond,

you might see a wider world.

Why are you

looking at me like that?

Are you really doing this for me,

or for yourself?

Have you even looked

at Matchmaker Wang's list?

Prince Nan'an,

who's over 50 years old
yet still seeking a second wife.

The owner of Yuxi House,

who has a crippled leg, had three wives,

all of whom are now deceased.

These are the "suitors"

Matchmaker Wang found for me.

I know you feel wronged.

But…

We're in no position

to choose anymore.

Right.

So I can only be chosen.

Even in my own mother's eyes,

I am only fit

to marry these undesirables.

Qian.

How could you accuse me of that?

Forget it.

If you don't like them, so be it.

In a few days,

the Madam of the Lan's Mansion
is hosting a birthday banquet.

You should dress up

and go there with me.

It will be good for you

to show your face.

Show my face?

For what? Just to be mocked?

Cao Xingyu
has just been put on death row,

and you want me to parade around
like a peahen

looking for a mate?

What will people say about me?

You lost your authority

to Si,

so now you're forcing me

to find a marriage
that can outshine the main branch?

Am I your daughter,

or just a tool for your power struggle?

Enough!

What's gotten into you today?

Do you really want

to grow old

and die in this mansion?

Good.

You finally

spoke the truth.

So long as I stay here,

you feel ashamed.

In that case,

I'll leave.

Where will you go?

I wrote to my brother and sister-in-law.

Unlike you, they don't despise me.

Tomorrow, I'm leaving for Lingxi.

I won't stay here to displease you.

Qian!

Come back here!

I can't believe it.
This is infuriating.

I spoiled her too much.

I've done everything for her sake,

yet she has turned against me.

And now she wants to run to her brother?

The nerve of her!

- Madam Xiao.
- Unbelievable!

Don't be too upset.

Please sit down.

Miss Qian is just confused right now.

Perhaps her leaving Ling'an

might not be a bad thing.

How is it not bad?

Think about it.

Everyone in Ling'an

knows about

the Marquis of Changxing's case.

Rumors can ruin lives.

In Lingxi,

Miss Qian can clear her mind.

And Eldest Young Master

can help find her a suitable match.

You should look at this
from a broader perspective.

It's not necessarily a bad thing.

You have a point.

But

she's never traveled far before.

Why did she suddenly decide

to run to her brother?

Who put that idea in her head?

Madam Ruan.

Miss Si.

Why is there more allowance this month?

It's a small token of my appreciation.

Rest assured, Madam Ruan.

This came

from my personal funds.

Aunt Xiao doesn't know about it.

In that case,

thank you, Miss Si.

You're welcome, Madam Ruan.

By the way, Madam Ruan,

I heard

that ever since Qian

left for Lingxi,

Aunt Xiao

has been busy

arranging a marriage for Pei.

She's still under confinement,

yet as always,

her meddling knows no bounds.

Now that she can't count

on her own daughter,

she's set her sights

on someone else's.

But isn't this a good thing?

All Pei has ever wanted

is to marry into a good family.

Madam Xiao

was so picky back then.

She only wanted Miss Qian to marry up.

But in the end?

We all know how things turned out.

I'm just a woman,

but even I know

that when prestigious families

show interest in girls

from fallen families like ours,

there's usually
something wrong with them.

Otherwise, why wouldn't they

just marry someone of equal status?

I wasn't referring to you, of course.

I know.

I just didn't expect you

to be so clear-headed about it.

It's not that I'm clear-headed.

It's that my daughter was blinded

and led by the nose.

Pei.

Madam Xiao.

Pei.

Mother.

Madam Ruan.

I must speak with Pei.

We need some privacy.

You're always so exasperating.

Forget it.

The marriage is more important.

I won't argue with you.

Whose marriage?

You told your father you wanted to marry

a civil official, right?

Which civil official in Ling'an City

is the most prominent and influential?

It's Mr. Zhen.

Mr. Zhen?

Zhen Heng?

Yes.

I was going

to fix you up with a suitor.

But then...

Si got ahead of me

before I knew it.

Madam Ruan.

Let's not beat around the bush.

Actually,

I have a suitable match

for Pei.

He's someone

I asked Madam Zhen to introduce.

This man was Mr. Zhen's classmate.

He comes from a proper family.

Although he's just
a minor local official,

his character is exemplary.

And soon,

he'll be coming to Ling'an
to report for duty.

Is this true?

Yes.

But, as you know,

Pei and I

have never gotten along.

Also,

as an older cousin,

it's not my place
to play matchmaker for her.

That's not an issue, Miss Si.

I'll just tell Pei

that I found this match for her.

Of course,

they'll have to meet first.

They must like each other.

Leave that to me.

Thank you so much, Miss Si.

You're most welcome, Madam Ruan.

I just didn't expect you

to trust me so easily.

It's not really that.

But

I trust you more than I trust Xiao Shi.

I don't want Pei

to become her tool again.

You're quite straightforward.

Then I won't keep you, Madam Ruan.

Once he arrives in Ling'an,

I'll let you know.

I'll take my leave, then.

My Lady.

Why are we going through
all this trouble

to find Miss Pei a good match?

She's always
made things difficult for you.

I hate her.

Aunt Xiao has probably figured out

that Jiang Pei was the one
who let the matter

of the Eight Steps to Intoxication slip.

Once she's freed from her confinement,

she will make

Jiang Pei's life miserable.

I get it.

So we need to find her a safe way out

before that happens.

Clever girl.

You caught on fast.

Managing a household is like
cooking delicate dishes.

One must control the heat properly

and avoid impatience.

Excessive heat

burns the food and ruins its flavor,

just as mishandling family affairs

can lead to discord.

Low heat may be gentle, but if left
too long, the dish will spoil,

much like how delaying family issues

will cause trouble to accumulate.

Only those with wisdom and experience

can master the art of balance.

In tune with the changing seasons,

we should maintain a regular routine,
and eat in moderation.

A light breakfast can aid digestion,

while a hearty and balanced lunch
sustains the body.

When it comes to social engagements
and interactions,

careful planning

and thoughtful arrangements
are essential.

Managing farmland and estates
requires comprehensive oversight,

clear accounting,

prudent budgeting,
and meticulous attention to detail.

In the kitchen,
each person has their role,

with clearly defined duties.

From ingredient preparation
to various cooking methods

like pan-frying, stir-frying,
sauteing, and deep-frying,

and from main dishes to fruits,

everything is carefully balanced

to meet daily nutritional needs.

Over time,

even someone as picky as Uncle Anmou

will have no complaints.

Though Aunt Xiao resents me,

she has no choice
but to abide by the household rules.

All servants and attendants
in the household must have clear roles.

I will oversee them personally

to ensure they follow the family rules,
work diligently,

and fulfill their duties
to preserve family order

and harmony.

Greetings, Miss Si.

Only then will the family

remain prosperous

for generations to come.

The black market is full
of unsavory characters.

His accomplices
are probably lurking nearby.

Arrest them.

Yes, sir.

[The End of Episode 10]

♪Through endless twists♪

♪In the mundane world♪

♪The breezy wind blows♪

♪The heart grows tender and bitter♪

♪I ask the Sun♪

♪If the light has taken root♪

♪As it prospers♪

♪Our love story writes itself♪

♪We lock eyes
and promise to stay together forever♪

♪After countless challenges,
we are still us♪

♪Our inseparable souls♪

♪Can weather all storms♪

♪We cross paths
and promise to stay together forever♪

♪The tapestry of destiny
is filled with our youth♪

♪Our blissful time together♪

♪Will lead us♪

♪To the sea of stars♪

♪Our destined paths♪

♪The years will hold♪

♪A light shines at the tunnel's end♪

♪Where happy endings will transcend♪

♪We cross paths
and promise to stay together forever♪

♪The tapestry of destiny
is filled with our youth♪

♪Our blissful time together♪

♪Will lead us to what we desire♪

♪We lock eyes
and promise to stay together forever♪

♪Through frost-kissed trails,
and starry space♪

♪Moon-silvered dreams♪

♪On love's embrace♪

♪Hearts bound as one,
through time's soft grace♪

♪Love's tide guides,
beyond our mortal space♪

♪A moment kept with your embrace♪

♪Where blooms have found their place♪