01x02 - Episode 2

[bunniefuu]

[The Unexpected Marriage]

[Episode 2]

What did you just see?

I...

- I saw nothing.
- So, will you poke your eyes out or die as an apology?

- Do I have to pick one?
- There is no use in avoiding it.

So what do you want me to choose?

I hope you choose to stop the marriage alliance.

Otherwise I would become Princess Consort of Qin.

Then you'll have to pay a
price, for what happened today.

But we can discuss it. Try to smooth things over.

How about it?

- Well.
- Isn't this a good deal?

Then I will take it as a yes.

It's a deal. Go to sleep.

No.

I...

Sir.

Sir.

- What's wrong?
- Can you give Xiao Ke back to me?

Xiao Ke.

Xiao Ke. Hurry up!

What are you two doing there?

This is Princess's room. You can't approach here.

I... We...

Take good care of it.

If you don't behave, I'll eat you.

Young Master. This is Princess's room.

We can't just enter casually.

You remember clearly what Shenxing said.

Young Master. Why is your face red?

It's hot.

The weather in Fuyu is really good.

Despite it being winter, it feels as if
one were bathing in the spring breeze.

What are you trying to say?

Nothing, nothing.

I want to say it's so late, and you still don't rest.

You came to Her Highness's room instead.

I guess there's something important to discuss.

By the way, Young Master.

We've been here for two days.

Now living under someone else's roof
and having to accompany Her Highness,

it's hard to get the information about Fuyu.

Should we find a way to elude Her Highness?

Elude her?

She's trying to elude us.

Your Highness. That lunatic
watched you take a bath.

- Are you really going to let him go?
- Don't worry.

From that angle, he can't see anything at all.

It's probably just a misunderstanding.

But if we can take advantage
of this misunderstanding

to dispel his idea of choosing me for
the marriage alliance, that's good too.

- Your Highness, you're wise.
- That's really clever!

Finally I can sleep well without worries.

Take this. You'll feel warmer.

- Your Highness, be careful.
- It's really hot.

[With Great Virtue One Can Rule the World]

- Jinyan. Go get the envoy.
- Yes.

Your Royal Highness, we added two new dishes today.

Please try it.

Sir Envoy has arrived.

- Sir Envoy. How did you sleep last night?
- All right.

I just saw something I shouldn't have
seen, and had a nightmare all night.

Hopefully, it won't become an eternal nightmare.

- Come, sit down. Let's eat.
- No need.

Please enjoy the food. I have
some business to attend to.

It's about selecting the right
person for the marriage alliance.

After finishing your meal, please go
to the garden, and give your statement.

- Statement?
- Don't worry. It's just a conversation.

I will record Her Highness's
usual living habits for reference.

Then see you soon.

- This is...
- This is...

- What's he doing now?
- This envoy is really stubborn.

I have to find a way to cut off his retreat.

What kind of person do you think Her Highness is?

She's usually very stingy.

If a servant accidentally breaks a spoon,

she would deduct his monthly allowance.

Youmou, note it down.

Her Highness is diligent and
frugal, good at managing a house.

No, I mean she is particularly petty.
And she has a very good memory.

She remembers everything people touch and move

and punishes us later.

- Photographic memory. Paying attention to evidence.
- This is not what I meant.

How about her literary skills?

She doesn't have any literary skills.

At best, she knows only a few words.

She’s usually quite vulgar.

The only strength she has is
her ability to speak with her fists.

To us subordinates, she always
speaks with her fists and never her mouth.

She never lets anyone escape alive.

- This...
- Isn't it terrible?

- Yeah.
- Not really.

She's just intelligent.

Youmou, write it down. Princess
Changsheng discards excessive formalities

and breaks the routine, striving
to say no to the antiquate ideas.

She's a role model for women in Fuyu.

Sir!

- He must be doing this on purpose.
- How does she treat her family?

Unfilial.

One could even say treasonous.

As the saying goes, a dog never shuns its owner's home, however shabby
it is, and a child never loathes their mother, no matter how ugly she is.

But she is very picky about
me, and often humiliates me.

If God could see her actions,
she would be struck by lightning.

So touching.

Facing the mistakes of family
members, she gives timely guidance.

Facing the curse of the elders, she
bears the pain and moves forward.

Sir Envoy, do you really not
understand or are you pretending?

Your Highness is wise.

We're usually arrogant and pretentious.

After I got to know you, I
feel so ashamed, and inferior.

Your Highness. You're the best of the best.

You...

There must be something wrong with the brain
of Great Tang's envoy. [Xiao's Mansion]

Changsheng. These are all borrowed
by Xie Lin from the Ministry of Works.

All the noble young men in Fuyu are in here.

Don't worry. I will help you get married
before the imperial decree is issued.

Thank you, Jin'er.

Once I get married, I will thank you properly.

By the way, your brother doesn't know, right?

Rest assured. I'm very tight-lipped.

In each of their hands, there is a portrait.

For those you like, have them stay.

For those you don't like, have them stand aside.

- This is much more fun than throwing the embroidered ball.
- Yeah,

let's get started.

That one.

- Where's Young Lady?
- Young Lady is in the back courtyard choosing a husband for Her Highness.

Choosing a husband?

Changsheng. This is my last batch.

If you still can't choose anyone, I have no one left.

The first one is the eldest son of the
Minister of Personnel, Wang Youjin.

He's from Chang'an, has good
looks, and is gentle and considerate.

- He's very different from the men in Fuyu.
- He looks too fragile.

I don't like that.

Second. General Zhao's seventh son, Zhao Huaibi.

Although his mother is a concubine, he's gifted,

and possesses both civil and military skills.

- He's appreciated by His Majesty.
- He is not bad.

But he is not in the capital.
This can be an alternative.

Third, Minister Shen's son, Shen Bin.

Twenty years old, gifted.

Adept with both the pen and the
sword. He's the Vice Minister of Revenue.

Okay, him.

Brother.

- Thank you, Your Highness.
- You are thanking me?

Has your brother been beaten stupid?

Brother, are you okay?

I mean, thank you for showing mercy.

Only half my foot stepped into the gate of hell.

Yeah.

- The other foot is lagging behind.
- That's why I have to thank you.

That foot which was holding me back

is thanks to you.

That was a long time ago.

You're still blaming me for breaking your leg?

Well, what can I do

to make up for your injured body

and mind?

The focus is on the mind.

Don't think too much.

I heard that you're choosing a husband.

I wonder who's lucky enough to get picked by you.

Shen Bin.

Look at the man in this painting.
A dignified figure. Good-looking.

With an elegant demeanor,
and a smile like the bright moon.

I've heard his character is also one of the best.

His behavior is also excellent.

Overall, he must be suitable for marriage.

I hope he looks just like the painting.

Right, after all, these days, there are a lot
of people who don't live up to their name.

Am I right? Xiao Zilv.

You don't say.

My reputation is naturally not
as good as Your Highness's.

Shen Bin and I have been friends for years.

He is the only son in three
generations of his family.

With your legendary reputation,

it would be hard to keep their bloodline going.

If this rumor is accurate,

I will definitely marry you.

- Just to eliminate harm for the people.
- Changsheng.

Your Highness, you should think about it.

Don't you know whether it is accurate or not?

But then again, if you dare to marry me,

I will reluctantly agree.

Anyway, I have been punished once.

I don't want to involve others.

Just consider it a good deed.

Do you want to die?

What's the matter? You're
forcing me to marry you, right?

You win an argument against me,
so you resort to intimidation, right?

Brother, stop talking.

Do you really want to marry Shen Bin?

- Yes.
- Then you can be a soft-shelled turtle.

You're as stubborn as a soft-shelled turtle
that's eaten a steelyard weight.
[T/N: Chinese idiom]

I won't marry you even if I
become a soft-shelled turtle.

- Even if you want to marry him, he may not dare to marry you.
- I...

Your Highness, stop chasing.
With my leg, I can't outrun you.

Calm down, calm down!

Calm down.

Young Master, to learn about Fuyu

where should we start?

"Cold feet harms the heart. People's discontent harms the nation."
[T/N: proverb from Sima Guang's Zizhi Tongjian]

If we want to understand a nation,
we must first understand its people.

How do we do that?

We can't go to the streets
and ask some random people.

Fool. Who is in charge of the people?

If we want to get information,
we should hear from those people.

Those people...

- The Emperor?
- It is the Ministry of Revenue.

Through the Ministry of Revenue, we can understand
a country's financial strength and tax revenues.

Young Master. Her Highness is back.

Didn't she go to Sixth Young Lady Xiao's house?

- Why did she come back?
- The person we sent over reported that

Sixth Young Lady Xiao was helping
Her Highness select a husband.

I don't know what happened, but she and Sixth
Young Lady Xiao's brother started quarreling,

and parted on bad terms.

So troublesome.

We should stay away from this person.

Does the husband selection have any results?

Her Highness selected Shen
Bin, Vice Minister of Revenue.

It is said that Shen Bin

- is extraordinarily talented.
- Ministry of Revenue?

He has a photographic memory.

Someone once gave him trouble,
and raised some marginal issues,

but he answered them all.

This is called obtaining
everything without effort.

Right.

How is it obtaining everything without effort?

Young Master means we can't elude Her Highness.

Instead, we should follow her closely.

[With Great Virtue One Can Rule the World]

Changsheng. Now that you have made up your mind,

then I will hold a feast in the mansion.

We can invite the Shens over for a meal.

Is this a bit too deliberate?

Nonsense. You are a princess.

You're way out of his league.

You want me to personally visit
their house together with you?

Dad, isn't this an unusual time?

If it weren't for the upcoming marriage alliance,

I would want to stay with you
and Mother for a few more years.

Dad, will you go with me?

All right, fine.

Then I will accompany you on this trip.

Dad, you are the best.

We still need to come up with an excuse.

Just say it's a normal visit.

Don't go straight to the point to alert them.

After all, I only heard others' comments on him.

I want to examine him personally.

Then we have a deal.

Just for visiting, no mention of marriage.

Hairpin and dress. Jewelry with floral scent.

Everything is ready.

Then let's go.

Your Highness.

Your Highness. Where are you going?

You are the envoy from Great Tang?

- Hi, Sixth Young Lady Xiao.
- How do you recognize me?

You're the only friend Her Highness has in Fuyu.

Sir Envoy.

It seems that you have a good
understanding of all the women of Fuyu.

- Jin'er, let's go.
- Okay.

It's better to have a chance encounter.

I want to go out for a walk today.

Can you show me around in Fuyu?

I have something important to do today.

His Majesty ordered you to receive me.

I'm curious. What thing is more
important than the Emperor's order?

Changsheng is going to Minister Shen's Residence.

- Jin'er.
- Minister Shen's Residence?

Young Master Shen Bin is famous.

I have long heard of his name before.

Can you take me with you?

Sorry, Sir Envoy.

Today, I and Young Master Shen Bin
have something important to discuss.

I am afraid it's not very convenient.

You're refusing me again. Too insincere.

Youyong, Youmou. Let's go meet the Emperor.

Wait.

Sir Envoy, please.

[Shen Mansion]

Your Highness made a surprise visit.

It must be for her marriage.

You probably heard the rumors about her.
[Shen Bin, Vice Minister of Revenue]

Brother Shen. I advise you to make plans early.

What should I do?

After we part today, I don't
know whether we can meet again.

Don't panic.

This is not unsolvable.

Brother Xiao, do you have a solution? Help me!

My sister and Princess Changsheng are very close.

I've heard about her preferences.

If you can disguise yourself well,

I promise she will never like you.

I'll follow your arrangement, Brother Xiao.

Your Highnesses, our house
is brightened by your presence.

Official Shen, you're too kind.

Here, Your Royal Highness. Sir Envoy.

I will use tea to in place of wine to toast you.

Official Shen raised a good child.

I heard that your son Shen Bin
has achieved a lot at a young age.

You flatter him.

Thank you for your kindness, Your Royal Highness.

Princess Changsheng has also
blossomed into a beautiful young lady.

I'm telling you, you don't know, each year,

thousands of people propose marriage to her.

- Dad.
- What's wrong?

Later you won't say that

thousands of people want to
marry me each year again, right?

I won't. Didn't we agree on this?

Don't alert them.

- We should keep a low profile.
- Right.

Slowly achieve our purpose.

Dad. Didn't you say not to talk about these?

I've heard of it before.

I'm telling you, my Changsheng is a lovely girl.

People all say that marrying her is bad luck.

In reality, we released this news by ourselves.

- Dad.
- What's wrong this time?

Later you absolutely won't say that

we were the ones who spread the rumor again, right?

No. Before, some people would still believe it.

But now, who'd believe it?

We are just afraid she's too perfect for others.

That's why we said that.

Every year, the people who come to die... No.

The people who come to propose are unstoppable.

There are so many people.

- I'm so worried.
- That's a good thing.

By the way, is your son engaged yet?

Let's talk about my son's marriage later.

Later.

Sir Envoy. I heard that you are here
for Prince of Qin's marriage alliance.

- Yes.
- What do you think...

of Her Highness?

Her Highness naturally is excellent.

Official Shen. Sir Envoy has long
heard of Young Master Shen's name.

He came here today to catch a glimpse of him.

Why not invite Young Master Shen over?

Let's chat together.

Bin'er...

Wang Cai. Is Bin'er busy with official business?

No, he's with a guest in the backyard.

Then, go call him over.

Yes, Master.

Your Highness, wait a minute.

Have some tea.

Her Highness loves cleanliness.

So she definitely won't like sloppy people.

So our first step is to make you look dirty.

Young Master. Master is
calling you to go to meet guests.

Brother Shen.

Thank you, Brother Xiao.

I am Shen Bin. Greetings, Prince of
Changle. Greetings, Princess Changsheng.

I didn't know about your visit.
Sorry for not greeting you earlier.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Sir Envoy is here too.

It's all my fault. I was just discussing
something with Brother Shen, so I came late.

No problem.

What a small world.

He's just everywhere.

Sit down, everyone. Just drink tea.

Sit, sit, sit.

Young Master Shen. We were just chatting
about your talent and ability as a youth.

After seeing you today, you
do live up to your reputation.

- You flatter me.
- Is that really what you think?

His talent and ability may not suit his youth.

But his youth may suit dying young.

Right? It's most suitable for you.

Official Shen. I heard you recently got
a new batch of calligraphy and paintings.

Take me to appreciate them.

Okay.

Your Highness, this way, please.

Princess Changsheng. I've long heard of your name.

I will give you a toast with tea.

This taste...

And he's sloppy.

You flatter me.

Young Master Shen.

Very good. We both appreciate each other's talent.

Although it's the first time
we meet, I always feel that

you're like a younger sister I've met before.

First you have to give her something
to look forward to, and then let her down.

When you go to the banquet
later, you must behave rudely.

Princess Changsheng hates men without manners.

You just have to be rude enough.

Then she won't fancy you.

Got it.

But how to be rude...

Let's drink this. Your Highness
will be my friend from now on.

Whenever you need me in the future, just let me know.

I'm willing to go through fire and water for you.

Why didn't you drink it?

Do you think Brother Shen is
not sincere enough to friends?

Young Master Shen. Today I came

to inquire about your life's biggest event.
[T/N: marriage]

Your Highness. I think you're out of my league.

You see, I may be a vice minister.

But that is because my father pulled some strings.

I don't have any real skills.

My father paid for painting 72
palace walls to get me this job.

Your Highness, let's go.

I also think Official Shen
doesn't live up to his name.

If I see His Majesty, I will report
truthfully what I saw and heard today.

Official Shen relies on your
father's relationship to come this far.

How much did it cost to paint the


What's the crime of buying
an official position in Fuyu?

Wait a minute.

Sir Envoy. I was just joking.

Joke? I don't find it funny.

There's a big problem here.

If we start to investigate, many
people involved will be implicated.

Just test whether I have real talent or not.

Why bother to disturb His Majesty?

Your Highness. Our two families
have always been on good terms.

Can you help me say something?

- Sir.
- Okay.

I will save face for you.

Confucius had three thousand disciples, and 72 of them were proficient in the Six Arts.
[T/N: rites, music, archery, chariotry, calligraphy, mathematics]

Of these 72 people, how many are
adults, and how many are youths?

It's such a simple question.

Can you answer it, Official Shen?

Well...

The Analects of Confucius did not mention this.

Everyone here is a talent of Fuyu.

Can't you answer such a simple question?

It seems that no one is competent in Fuyu.

In late spring, I put on spring clothing.
[From "Zi Lu, Zeng Xi, Ran You,
Gong Xihua Sitting in Company"]

After bathing at River Yi with five times six adults, and six times seven children,
[From "Zi Lu, Zeng Xi, Ran You, Gong Xihua Sitting in Company"]

we go to Wu Yu Terrace to enjoy the breeze.
Then we would be chanting songs as we return home.
[From "Zi Lu, Zeng Xi, Ran You, Gong Xihua Sitting in Company"]

Five times six equals thirty.
Six times seven is forty-two.

It's 72 people in total.

I don't know if my answer is satisfactory.

Your Highness is really smart.

Fortunately, you didn't become an official.
Otherwise, you would be appointed prime minister.

Not to mention a vice minister,
you're qualified to be a minister.

I just wasn't ready.

You can doubt my ability.
But you can't doubt my father's.

A vanquished general still
wants to struggle to survive.

Please give another question.

All right. I have another test question.
[Cultivate with Clarity, Honesty and Diligence]

Originally, it was to test the women in Fuyu.

If Young Master Shen still can't answer...

Official Xiao and Your Highness, are you
afraid that Official Shen is unable to do it?

No problem. You can give him some hints.

Don't let him lose too badly.

No need. I can do it alone.

[Humility and Purity]

[Average Annual Income Per Household in Fuyu]

Official Shen. Although you have no
ingenuity, you still have some talent.

Sorry for the presumptuousness.

Your Highness, let's go.

You won't wait for His Royal Highness?

Sir Envoy. I believe my father
wants to talk to Mr. Shen for a while.

- Let's go.
- Your Highness, please.

Sir Envoy.

- Thank you for helping me out today.
- You're welcome.

Today I saw Your Highness' extraordinary talent.

I think you are the perfect
choice for the marriage alliance.

No, no, no. What I said just happened to be right.

I usually am too lazy to even turn the pages in a book.

But you helped Official Shen out today.

This shows your kindness and generosity.

Our marriage alliance values one's character.

Beauty is truly in the eyes of...

I mean, you’re truly looking
for someone well-rounded.

I'm not praising you on purpose.

Your Highness. What a coincidence.

Sir. Let's talk more about it later.

- I have something to tell Young Master Xiao.
- Okay.

Then I'll wait for you at the door.

[Humility and Purity]

- What are you trying to do?
- You and Shen Bin are not right for each other.

He's not right for me. So you are?

If you insist on this, I can make do with it.

Even if all the men in the
world died, I won't marry you.

Congratulations, Brother Shen.

You and Her Highness are both single.

You two make a great match of jackals and tigers.
[T/N: idiom, cruel people]

Young Master Xiao. You're drunk.

Yes, yes.

Your Highness, please forgive me.

I mean you two are a match made in heaven.

You made things difficult for me.

Are you still holding a grudge that
you broke your leg trying to save me?

No.

Don't bring up old history!

Young Master Shen disagrees.
There is no need to force him.

You can lead a horse to water,
but you can’t make it drink.

There's no need to force this transaction upon him.

I didn't.

I'm telling you, this isn't over.

Next time you dare to make trouble,

I'll make you regret it.

- Sir Envoy.
- Your Highness, are you going on a date again?

Sir, you misunderstood.

What happened today...

What happened today, it started with feelings,
and you controlled it with propriety.

Everything was proper.

Moreover, before the imperial
decree is issued, you're still free.

You can find your own good match.

Thank you, Sir Envoy.

You're wise, sir. We won the first battle.

I didn't expect that you found out Fuyu's financial strength so easily.
[Average Annual Income Per Household in Fuyu]

Ministries of Personnel, Revenue,
Rites, w*r, Justice, and Works.

Which shall we investigate next?

Next, it depends on what kind of
person Her Highness wants to find.

I'm afraid that with her current reputation,

it will be as difficult as today.

People always believe what they hear,

but not what they see.

I think Her Highness is a smart person.

She's quite nice.

It seems that you want Princess
Changsheng to become your Princess Consort.

Exactly.

Leave me, I'll change my clothes by myself.

Yes.

Find my own good match.

So many people here.

Who is my good match?

What do you think of him? Young Master
Chen. Sixteen years old, well-mannered.

He's a bit young.

This one. Young Master Wang.
[Wang Peng, Grandson of Prince of Anding]

Twenty-two years old. Not married yet.

He looks good.

We've met him before. That one.

He behaved unbridledly.

Yes. He has a very bad
temper and he's self-righteous.

It's said he likes to roll his eyes at people,
and makes things difficult for his servants.

That won't work. Another one.

Wei Silang. This is good. This is good.
[Wei Silang, Grandson of Duke of Nankang]

Talented and pretty. Many girls have admired him.

Oh, Yang Wulang.

How could I forget him?

Yang Wulang. Yang Wulang?

Son of the Minister of Works?

Rumor has it that he has some unique quirks.

Just rumors. How can you take it seriously?

That's it. This time I'm going
to make a thorough plan.

Make sure the time, place, and
person are right, and nothing goes wrong.

Yeah.

If I say I didn't mean to take
revenge, he probably won't believe it.




"Like Snow" by Duan Aojuan

♫ Sitting alone at the western
window, quietly watching the snow ♫

♫ Silently falling and piling up ♫

♫ The red flowers are unable to stand the chill ♫

♫ Once night descends, they wither and fall ♫

♫ Facing the northern wind,
feeling the biting breeze ♫

♫ Wanting to look at you, but unable
to bear to leave and say goodbye ♫

♫ I fear the warmth will fade in an instant ♫

♫ The swirling snow buries the long night ♫

♫ After bidding farewell, meeting
again in this vast world is rare ♫

♫ Unable to tell what fate has in store ♫

♫ Let the longing burn the years away ♫

♫ How can the lone lamp comfort me? ♫

♫ The sky has already darkened,
the autumn moon has waned ♫

♫ Hear my cry ♫

♫ You wear humble blue robes ♫

♫ The spring breeze brushes my face ♫

♫ Another year has passed ♫