Flourished Peony (2025) s01e02 Episode Script
Episode 2
- Miss, watch your step.
- Okay.
♫ The Luo River cleanses the ridges of the moonlight ♫
♫ Flowing into a scorching, endless river ♫
♫ A beauty refuses the temptation of the mortal world ♫
♫ Youthful splendor charts its own wandering course ♫
♫ Do not let the mundane world bind you,
nor shallow, presumptive gazes question you ♫
♫ Laugh as storms overturn the dust ♫
♫ A blooming flower with proud spirit reflect the color of the sky ♫
♫ And never withering ♫
♫ Don’t let time tarnish the beauty of the fragrance ♫
♫ Do not let the mundane world bind you,
nor shallow, presumptive gazes question you ♫
♫ Laugh as storms overturn the dust ♫
♫ A blooming flower with proud spirit reflects the color of the sky ♫
♫ And never withering ♫
♫ Don’t let time tarnish the beauty of the fragrance ♫
Minister Chen.
I've heard that your son will soon go to the capital for the examination.
My own son is going to take this year's provincial exam.
Why not let them travel to the capital together?
My son has gained the favor of the Princess and is bound to be promoted.
In the future, our two families should interact more and support each other in official circles.
It can only be beneficial.
Whoever allies with Prince Ning will become my comrade.
The Floral Envoy accompanies the Princess to relax here.
It's obvious who the son-in-law favored by His Highness is.
I must remind you, Magistrate Liu,
to beware lest all your efforts be in vain.
Your Highness, we've arrived.
Greetings, Princess.
- No need for formalities.
- Thank you, Your Highness.
Your Highness.
Zi Shu, it has been a long time.
How have you been?
All is well. I've heard about what happened.
Please don't worry too much, Your Highness.
The floral banquet is ready. Please invite the Floral Envoy.
The Envoy is resting after the tiring journey. Please wait a moment.
Very well, very well.
Young Master, it's time to get up.
Everyone is waiting for you.
Greetings, Floral Envoy.
Greetings to everyone.
Where did you get drunk last night, Floral Envoy?
You slept all the way and made us wait.
I wanted to leave more time for the Princess' pleasantries.
- Magistrate Liu, you wouldn't blame me, right?
- Of course not.
The presence of the Princess and Floral Envoy at my home is an honor.
Come, please.
Miss.
Your Highness, please.
Please watch your step.
This environment and these flowers have been specially prepared for your arrival.
Your Highness, look over there. There are a few very rare varieties, as well.
Come, have a look.
It's really beautiful.
The Luoyang officialdom is full of hidden talents.
Master Liu has worked hard to gather so many renowned treasures, rarely seen even in Chang'an.
My daughter-in-law is skilled at cultivating peonies.
She can cultivate even the most novel varieties.
Floral Envoy, if there's any you like, feel free to take it home and enjoy it to your heart's content.
That's your dowry, Miss.
Ah, it's the Young Madam's.
I'll pass. A true gentleman does not take what others love.
Today, I wanted to adorn my hair with fresh flowers.
But the inn was so shabby that I couldn't find a suitable one.
But this garden full of peonies does seem fitting.
This one, right? Here.
Hold on.
Please forgive me, Your Highness.
The peonies are flattered by your affection.
But these peonies are the dowry given by my father and mother.
Even if I'm dull, I dare not be unfilial.
I hope Your Highness can show mercy.
Whether you're filial or not is of no consequence to me.
You Zhen, since it's her dowry, let it be.
Zi Shu, it's just a flower. Can't you bear to part with it?
But…
As the daughter of the imperial family, you must have seen all the rare things.
To be honest, these peonies are just ordinary flowers in your eyes, Your Highness.
But to me, they are of considerable value to carry with oneself.
I hope you can show leniency.
Why bother quibbling with a woman of no significance like me?
After all is said and done, it's all about money.
Indeed.
Peonies are flowers in our eyes.
But in the eyes of merchants, they are nuggets of gold.
That's true, Your Highness.
As long as we take the branches of flowers, plant them in soil, and tend to them diligently,
by next spring, one flower will bloom into two. They're more than just nuggets of gold.
- They're practically a wealth-bringing deity that generates money annually.
- How embarrassing.
Enough!
My wife is vulgar and coarse and has offended the Princess.
Your Highness, please don't stoop to her level.
The Princess is naturally beautiful.
Even without fresh flowers adorning her, her grace stands out.
Other ordinary powders and rogue creams in the garden can't hold a candle to her.
(women)
Let it be. Let's leave these nuggets of gold to the young madam.
I'm magnanimous. So be it.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Your Highness, allow me to take you to the Water Jade Pavilion for a rest.
- This way, please.
- Take care, Your Highness!
I've done what I said.
I've come to help you get rid of the troublemakers.
Do you want the 100-set way or the 80-set way?
I won't let go of even a single flower. I'm very stingy.
So, how can I afford to summon the Floral Envoy?
Moreover, I should deal with my own troublemakers myself.
No need to trouble you.
Floral Envoy.
Magistrate Chen.
Long time no see. You're as dashing and suave as ever.
- Yes.
- I wonder where to buy this.
The Liu residence has never been this lively before.
Look at the lady of the house with that sycophantic look, they even mock you for being vulgar.
Are they any better?
If I don't pretend to be greedy for money,
how could the Princess have up so easily just now?
These peonies are the keepsakes my mother left me.
I must protect them.
What does it matter if people disdain me a little?
Are you here to see the flowers?
There are more over there.
How brazen.
Don't say that. These are the young madam's golden goose.
The Princess looks at the young master with deep affection.
She must have old feelings for him. That's why she deliberately made things difficult for you.
It doesn't matter.
If Liu Chang and the Princess wish to rekindle their past relationship, they certainly won't make room for me.
If he initiates the divorce, it would be the Liu family breaking the marriage contract first.
I have no reason not to agree.
To me, this may be a good opportunity.
But once divorced, others will regard you as a cast-off wife.
- Arranging another marriage later on might be…
- Silly Yu Lu.
Life is yours to live.
Why bother with others' views?
These two are the daughters of Commandant Wang, Heye and Hehua.
Greetings, Floral Envoy.
I've always thought that corrupt officials are either fat-headed or weasel-faced.
I've never expected the Floral Envoy to be so dashing and handsome.
Look at those unmarried ladies. Their eyes are practically glued to him.
Common folks tending to their own plot of land are seen as vulgar and coarse in their eyes.
While the insatiably greedy officials who accept bribes are marriage material
and the ladder to climb up the ranks in their eyes.
The current officialdom is becoming more and more foul.
Ladies and gentlemen. Noon has arrived. Please take your seats.
Please.
Master Chen, apologies for the imperfect hospitality. This is a small token of my appreciation.
Come, please.
- Brother Chen.
- Please.
- After you.
- Please.
- Your Highness, please.
- Please take the upper seat.
The Princess actually took the Liu family's young madam's seat.
Isn't this openly slapping Madam He's face?
The Princess, recently widowed, went nowhere else but Luoyang.
This Master Liu is a minor magistrate today,
but in the future, he might just be transferred to the capital and rise rapidly.
Your Highness, this isn't proper etiquette.
Zi Shu, it has been a long time since I've seen you. I don't want to be too far from you.
Please, sit down.
- Miss, then we…
- It's all right.
There are seats over there, let's go.
This garden is full of peonies. There's no place for the Albizia plant.
No flowers, no fruit. It does match.
Zi Shu, sit down.
Okay.
This family of troublemakers is truly interesting.
This wine is good.
Chuan Yu.
Young Master.
How is this dance compared to the Pear Garden in the palace?
Naturally, it can't compete. But it is quite presentable.
It's more than just presentable.
The look in the eyes and the posture of holding an umbrella clearly have a familiar
martial artists'
murderous aura.
You Zhen, be careful.
- Protect the Princess.
- Miss, get up quickly. Quickly.
- Go.
- Don't move.
Treacherous official Jiang! You let the emperor indulge in pleasure, bringing chaos to the court!
The Integrity Society is here to act for heaven!
Overestimating one's own ability.
- Does the Floral Envoy know martial arts?
- I've never heard of it.
This is an imperial sword bestowed by His Majesty.
When the sharp blade is unsheathed, it's as if His Majesty has arrived in person.
What are you waiting for?
Protect the emperor!
Be careful. Don't splatter blood everywhere.
Staining the beautiful garments of the ladies would be a pity.
Watch out, Yu Lu!
Don't cut my flowers! Fight over there!
Miss!
Miss, you scared me to death.
How could you just charge out like that?
I was scared. I thought they had cut my flowers.
- Are you all right?
- I'm fine, are you all right?
- I'm okay.
- Control your strength well. Don't harm the flowers.
The gold nuggets of Young Madam Liu are too expensive to compensate.
He was previously acting as a ghost inside Fuyun Temple.
And now he fully reveals the posture of someone borrowing power.
This favored one by His Majesty is indeed not ordinary.
Kneel.
It was due to my negligence in checking identities thoroughly that the thieves mixed into the assembly.
Fortunately, the Princess wasn't injured.
But still, it disturbed the elegant moods of the Princess and the Floral Envoy.
Please forgive me.
The Liu family failed to inspect and startled the Princess and Floral Envoy.
Please show great magnanimity and deal with it leniently.
Zi Shu, what are you doing? Get up, quickly.
Get up.
For your sake, I won't pursue it.
What do you say, Floral Envoy?
Forget it, forget it.
This matter can't really be blamed on Master Liu.
You were just unlucky.
If today the one receiving us was Magistrate Chen, there would still be such a commotion.
Assaults, assassination attempts. It happens several times a month.
I'm already used to it. Look how skilled my subordinates are.
Master Liu, no need to take it to heart.
Please rise.
Thank you for your clemency, Your Highness, Floral Envoy.
Being hunted for committing evil?
He doesn't take it as a warning, instead, he's proud of it.
You both have broad minds.
I'm ashamed for not measuring up.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Didn't you just change how you addressed me? Why change it back?
I still prefer it when you call my name.
You Zhen, it's chaotic in here.
Let's go admire the flowers elsewhere so the servants tidying up won't disturb you.
- Okay.
- Please.
Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming.
Please forgive me for my poor hospitality.
Master Liu. You're too humble.
In today's floral banquet, the peonies were dazzling.
We were honored to feast our eyes on and see through the eyes of the Princess and Floral Envoy.
The Princess and the Floral Envoy are staying here.
It will certainly lead to many banquets and feasts in the future.
Our two families must interact with each other more frequently.
Of course.
Floral Envoy. This banquet cannot continue.
I will take my leave first.
Everyone, please wait.
Now that the assassin has been captured, where is everyone going?
Let's continue drinking and the entertainment. That's the proper thing to do.
Exactly, exactly. All right, I'll summon people to clean up immediately!
- Servants.
- No need for that.
Leave it to my men. They're experienced.
Chuan Yu.
Yes, Sir.
- You know what to do. Take the assassin away. Tidy up the scene.
- Yes, Sir.
Aren't all corrupt officials afraid of death?
Even so, the Floral Envoy still has the mood to continue feasting.
One who is shameless never worries about anything.
- Shameless Jiang.
- Kneel!
- Ladies and gentlemen, please.
- Please move to the garden.
This way, please.
Seeing how proficient these subordinates are, I can't help but want to shout "bravo."
Although I don't mind assassination attempts,
His Majesty specifically instructed me to see if Luoyang is as outstanding and vibrant as the rumors say.
How should I report today's events to His Majesty when I return to Chang'an?
- I…
- Master Liu, there's no need for this.
I don't need your courtesies.
Well, Floral Envoy, how much tangible courtesy can exempt one from the crime of negligence?
This crime can be big or small,
depending on how fast my returning carriage goes.
I'm a forgetful person.
If the journey back is long enough,
by the time I return to Chang'an, I'll have forgotten everything.
Then, His Majesty will only know that Luoyang is warm with blooming flowers and the common folk are prospering.
The gifts for His Majesty and the Floral Envoy will be enough to make it difficult for the horses to take a step.
Please rest assured.
Master Liu is a clear-headed person.
In the future, you'll certainly rise rapidly through the ranks.
Thank you, Floral Envoy.
Having had plenty of wine and food, why not play something to stretch our limbs a bit?
I remember that Zi Shu is quite fond of archery. Do you have a target for archery?
Yes, yes!
Princess, please.
Please.
Mu Dan, go prepare some refreshments.
After you, Brother Sui Zhi.
How did it miss the target?
Brother Jiang. A gust of spring breeze just came by.
Although it messed up your aim, it's a good omen of success in the spring breeze.
Brother Jiang, joyous events are approaching.
You have such sayings in Luoyang?
Well…
No competing for the colors of spring, in autumn, it shall ascend into the cloud-filled skies.
Floral Envoy, this truly is a great omen of good fortune!
- That's right. Great fortune, great fortune.
- Well said, well said.
Great fortune, oh great fortune.
Archery is uninteresting. Better switch to pitching pots, instead.
- All right.
- Pitching pots. Right, right.
Pitching pots, pitching pots is good. Let's all go to the garden to pitch pots!
- Princess, please.
- Yes, yes.
- Let's go.
- Please, please, please.
After you.
- Brother Jiang.
- You go ahead.
Why does this person deliberately hide his abilities?
And why did he aim solely at this wealth-attracting copper coin?
- A small token of appreciation.
- Thank you.
Take care, take care.
Master Li, here you go. Thank you.
- Madam Zhang, please take care. See you again.
- Thank you.
Thank you.
I just ran into that lad at the second gate and found out
those carriages brought by the Floral Envoy were all empty.
Those carriages were personally bestowed by His Majesty, representing the supreme honor and favor of His Majesty.
And Floral Envoy's rule is to travel with empty carriages and return fully loaded.
Indeed, he's the number one greedy official in the world.
The Floral Envoy is unfathomable and not as simple as he appears. Let's not interfere with this matter.
The most important thing is to go and find the madam to move the peonies back to my courtyard as soon as possible.
Only then can I be at ease.
But Mu Dan can't raise so much money all at once. We don't have enough here either.
It seems that the only option is to sell the imperial-granted zixi pills to raise funds.
The tribute medicine can save lives when the time comes. They can never be sold!
When Madam He entered the family, didn't her father give us a large sum of money?
Now it's all spent. How have you been managing the household?
Master, two distinguished guests have come.
Forget the expenses of the banquet to host them, they're going to stay here for a while as well.
- Even if we had a gold mine, it would not be enough.
- Women simply lack foresight!
The future career prospects of our son and the Liu family's reputation all depend on these few days.
- But right now…
- Didn't someone make an offer on Madam He's dowry, those few shops?
Have Xiang Fu take the accountant and sell them. It should tide us over for a while.
Don't even think about touching the tribute medicine.
We must not let Madam He discover that what we gave back then was a fake.
If her father gets wind of it, it'll be difficult to ask him for money to grease the wheels in the future.
Don't act impulsively.
Let's go back first.
Let's go back.
I thought… I thought Mother was too ill.
Even with the expensive zixi pills, it didn't turn the tide.
But I never expected…
I never expected the pills to be fake.
Why did they deceive me?
Why?
I clearly could have had more time.
- I could have had more time to look for other medicine!
- Miss!
Miss, don't be like this. Miss.
Miss.
It's all because of my incompetence.
It's all because of my incompetence.
If I had discovered earlier that the zixi pills were fake,
I could've made the most of my time to seek medical advice.
Mother… Mother might have been saved.
She wouldn't have left me.
I was foolish, I was so foolish. I'm stupid. A fool!
Don't be like this, Miss! Don't be like this.
Miss!
Master has been selling medicine for so many years, but he's never seen a real zixi pill.
The fake medicine and the one described in the medical books smelled and appeared exactly the same.
Furthermore, as soon as Madam took it, there indeed was some improvement.
It's only natural that you didn't notice.
It's the Liu family to blame, not you, Miss.
Miss, if Madam sees you
this heartbroken and blaming yourself, she would definitely be heartbroken.
That's right.
I shouldn't torment myself for such a family.
Their lies delayed my mother's ability to be treated.
I will certainly make them pay the price.
I will certainly make them pay the price!
But we're weak and alone. How can we fight against them?
If we confront them now,
they'll surely deny everything.
How about… How about we tell Master about this, and have him seek justice?
No.
We don't have any evidence right now.
Even if we involve father, it would be of no help.
Even if we turn Liu's house upside down and find the real tribute medicine, they still won't admit to it.
When that happens and the families fall out, our He family, being mere merchants,
might bear the stigma of being ungrateful and treacherous.
What we can do now is to withdraw from the Liu family intact.
Once we get home, we'll plan our next step.
In any case,
I can't stay a moment longer in this den of wolves.
Miss you want a divorce?
That's right.
Liu Shen insisted on me marrying into the Liu family because of my horoscope.
He surely won't let me go easily.
Tomorrow the Liu family will accompany the Princess on a trip.
We can take this opportunity to take back the dowry shops.
We can't let them sell them at will.
Miss.
Liu Shen won't let me leave.
But the Princess and Liu Chang can't wait for me to disappear.
Yu Lu, pass on a message for me.
Why did you call me here?
Everyone thinks that peonies are exclusive to nobility.
But they forget that they originate from the mountains and forests
and once bloomed and withered away freely.
The flowers before us,
are ones my mother found as she traveled the world with my father doing business.
Mother brought them to me and taught me how to nurture them with care.
Without my mother,
There wouldn't be the grand spectacle that earned unanimous praise from the Princess and the Floral Envoy.
Did you call me here just to tell me how precious these beloved golden nuggets of yours are,
how rare they are, and how magnificent you were at today's floral banquet?
If you wish for a reward, you may say so directly.
For the sake of these flowers, I can agree to it as long as it's not too excessive.
I want a divorce.
What did you say?
I said I want a divorce.
What nonsense are you talking about?!
Is it because of me and the Princess?
- My relationship with You Zhen…
- That's right.
You and the Princess are mutually in love, a match made in heaven.
While my status is humble, detrimental to your reputation, so,
I'm willing to leave the Liu family to make your relationship possible.
You said so many self-deprecating things just to grant yourself a favor, didn't you?
Indeed. Merchants value profit over righteousness.
Don't forget, it was the He family who came seeking medicine.
And now that the benefits are used up, you're thinking of breaking the agreement.
Our marriage began all because of a shaman's words.
Even without commiseration, you should understand the other's helplessness.
Since you're weary of me and this marriage arrangement, why not let me leave?
- This way, you'll also be free.
- I disagree.
Why? Isn't this what you've always wanted?
What I want is not for you to decide.
You married into the Liu family. Where you go and what you do is all decided by me, your husband.
I haven't said I'll dissolve our relationship yet. Why do you think you can bring up divorce?
Matters of divorce are not for me to decide.
It requires the husband to submit documents to the authorities.
In the eyes of the public, it will be you getting rid of me.
In your eyes, do I care that much about how those unrelated people see me, is that it?
- Liu Chang—
- What I truly care about is whether my marriage stays or ends is all up to me!
Others have no right to manipulate me, let alone you.
He Wei Fang, listen well.
Although our marriage lacks substance, its name is not something you can simply discard.
Unless I divorce you, otherwise, don't think of leaving this place.
'Fragrance Recital' - Zhang Zining
♫ On the endless road to Chang'an,
the zither and lute's melody echoes from afar ♫
♫ Plum and willow trees greet the Spring,
as splendor returns this year ♫
♫ Copper battlements shine atop the palace
as songs and dances fil
♫ Idle clouds and drifting duckweed, with a thousand flowers blooming ♫
♫ Time flows gracefully, with moments gathering in the fading mist ♫
♫ Let the years pass, carried by the wind toward long-held desires ♫
♫ If the heart remains as still as water, youth becomes eternal ♫
♫ Still cherishing the moon of my hometown, yearning to meet again ♫
♫ The distant night sky, scattered with stars, reflects the gentle moon ♫
♫ The peony's exquisite beauty fills the fragrant garden ♫
♫ With my heart as a lantern, I fear not the journey through distant mountain paths ♫
♫ The jade flute's music fills a fleeting life with meaning ♫
♫ Time flows gracefully, with moments gathering in the fading mist ♫
♫ Let the years pass, carried by the wind toward long-held desires ♫
♫ If the heart remains as still as water, youth becomes eternal ♫
♫ Still cherishing the moon of my hometown, yearning to meet again ♫
- Okay.
♫ The Luo River cleanses the ridges of the moonlight ♫
♫ Flowing into a scorching, endless river ♫
♫ A beauty refuses the temptation of the mortal world ♫
♫ Youthful splendor charts its own wandering course ♫
♫ Do not let the mundane world bind you,
nor shallow, presumptive gazes question you ♫
♫ Laugh as storms overturn the dust ♫
♫ A blooming flower with proud spirit reflect the color of the sky ♫
♫ And never withering ♫
♫ Don’t let time tarnish the beauty of the fragrance ♫
♫ Do not let the mundane world bind you,
nor shallow, presumptive gazes question you ♫
♫ Laugh as storms overturn the dust ♫
♫ A blooming flower with proud spirit reflects the color of the sky ♫
♫ And never withering ♫
♫ Don’t let time tarnish the beauty of the fragrance ♫
Minister Chen.
I've heard that your son will soon go to the capital for the examination.
My own son is going to take this year's provincial exam.
Why not let them travel to the capital together?
My son has gained the favor of the Princess and is bound to be promoted.
In the future, our two families should interact more and support each other in official circles.
It can only be beneficial.
Whoever allies with Prince Ning will become my comrade.
The Floral Envoy accompanies the Princess to relax here.
It's obvious who the son-in-law favored by His Highness is.
I must remind you, Magistrate Liu,
to beware lest all your efforts be in vain.
Your Highness, we've arrived.
Greetings, Princess.
- No need for formalities.
- Thank you, Your Highness.
Your Highness.
Zi Shu, it has been a long time.
How have you been?
All is well. I've heard about what happened.
Please don't worry too much, Your Highness.
The floral banquet is ready. Please invite the Floral Envoy.
The Envoy is resting after the tiring journey. Please wait a moment.
Very well, very well.
Young Master, it's time to get up.
Everyone is waiting for you.
Greetings, Floral Envoy.
Greetings to everyone.
Where did you get drunk last night, Floral Envoy?
You slept all the way and made us wait.
I wanted to leave more time for the Princess' pleasantries.
- Magistrate Liu, you wouldn't blame me, right?
- Of course not.
The presence of the Princess and Floral Envoy at my home is an honor.
Come, please.
Miss.
Your Highness, please.
Please watch your step.
This environment and these flowers have been specially prepared for your arrival.
Your Highness, look over there. There are a few very rare varieties, as well.
Come, have a look.
It's really beautiful.
The Luoyang officialdom is full of hidden talents.
Master Liu has worked hard to gather so many renowned treasures, rarely seen even in Chang'an.
My daughter-in-law is skilled at cultivating peonies.
She can cultivate even the most novel varieties.
Floral Envoy, if there's any you like, feel free to take it home and enjoy it to your heart's content.
That's your dowry, Miss.
Ah, it's the Young Madam's.
I'll pass. A true gentleman does not take what others love.
Today, I wanted to adorn my hair with fresh flowers.
But the inn was so shabby that I couldn't find a suitable one.
But this garden full of peonies does seem fitting.
This one, right? Here.
Hold on.
Please forgive me, Your Highness.
The peonies are flattered by your affection.
But these peonies are the dowry given by my father and mother.
Even if I'm dull, I dare not be unfilial.
I hope Your Highness can show mercy.
Whether you're filial or not is of no consequence to me.
You Zhen, since it's her dowry, let it be.
Zi Shu, it's just a flower. Can't you bear to part with it?
But…
As the daughter of the imperial family, you must have seen all the rare things.
To be honest, these peonies are just ordinary flowers in your eyes, Your Highness.
But to me, they are of considerable value to carry with oneself.
I hope you can show leniency.
Why bother quibbling with a woman of no significance like me?
After all is said and done, it's all about money.
Indeed.
Peonies are flowers in our eyes.
But in the eyes of merchants, they are nuggets of gold.
That's true, Your Highness.
As long as we take the branches of flowers, plant them in soil, and tend to them diligently,
by next spring, one flower will bloom into two. They're more than just nuggets of gold.
- They're practically a wealth-bringing deity that generates money annually.
- How embarrassing.
Enough!
My wife is vulgar and coarse and has offended the Princess.
Your Highness, please don't stoop to her level.
The Princess is naturally beautiful.
Even without fresh flowers adorning her, her grace stands out.
Other ordinary powders and rogue creams in the garden can't hold a candle to her.
(women)
Let it be. Let's leave these nuggets of gold to the young madam.
I'm magnanimous. So be it.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Your Highness, allow me to take you to the Water Jade Pavilion for a rest.
- This way, please.
- Take care, Your Highness!
I've done what I said.
I've come to help you get rid of the troublemakers.
Do you want the 100-set way or the 80-set way?
I won't let go of even a single flower. I'm very stingy.
So, how can I afford to summon the Floral Envoy?
Moreover, I should deal with my own troublemakers myself.
No need to trouble you.
Floral Envoy.
Magistrate Chen.
Long time no see. You're as dashing and suave as ever.
- Yes.
- I wonder where to buy this.
The Liu residence has never been this lively before.
Look at the lady of the house with that sycophantic look, they even mock you for being vulgar.
Are they any better?
If I don't pretend to be greedy for money,
how could the Princess have up so easily just now?
These peonies are the keepsakes my mother left me.
I must protect them.
What does it matter if people disdain me a little?
Are you here to see the flowers?
There are more over there.
How brazen.
Don't say that. These are the young madam's golden goose.
The Princess looks at the young master with deep affection.
She must have old feelings for him. That's why she deliberately made things difficult for you.
It doesn't matter.
If Liu Chang and the Princess wish to rekindle their past relationship, they certainly won't make room for me.
If he initiates the divorce, it would be the Liu family breaking the marriage contract first.
I have no reason not to agree.
To me, this may be a good opportunity.
But once divorced, others will regard you as a cast-off wife.
- Arranging another marriage later on might be…
- Silly Yu Lu.
Life is yours to live.
Why bother with others' views?
These two are the daughters of Commandant Wang, Heye and Hehua.
Greetings, Floral Envoy.
I've always thought that corrupt officials are either fat-headed or weasel-faced.
I've never expected the Floral Envoy to be so dashing and handsome.
Look at those unmarried ladies. Their eyes are practically glued to him.
Common folks tending to their own plot of land are seen as vulgar and coarse in their eyes.
While the insatiably greedy officials who accept bribes are marriage material
and the ladder to climb up the ranks in their eyes.
The current officialdom is becoming more and more foul.
Ladies and gentlemen. Noon has arrived. Please take your seats.
Please.
Master Chen, apologies for the imperfect hospitality. This is a small token of my appreciation.
Come, please.
- Brother Chen.
- Please.
- After you.
- Please.
- Your Highness, please.
- Please take the upper seat.
The Princess actually took the Liu family's young madam's seat.
Isn't this openly slapping Madam He's face?
The Princess, recently widowed, went nowhere else but Luoyang.
This Master Liu is a minor magistrate today,
but in the future, he might just be transferred to the capital and rise rapidly.
Your Highness, this isn't proper etiquette.
Zi Shu, it has been a long time since I've seen you. I don't want to be too far from you.
Please, sit down.
- Miss, then we…
- It's all right.
There are seats over there, let's go.
This garden is full of peonies. There's no place for the Albizia plant.
No flowers, no fruit. It does match.
Zi Shu, sit down.
Okay.
This family of troublemakers is truly interesting.
This wine is good.
Chuan Yu.
Young Master.
How is this dance compared to the Pear Garden in the palace?
Naturally, it can't compete. But it is quite presentable.
It's more than just presentable.
The look in the eyes and the posture of holding an umbrella clearly have a familiar
martial artists'
murderous aura.
You Zhen, be careful.
- Protect the Princess.
- Miss, get up quickly. Quickly.
- Go.
- Don't move.
Treacherous official Jiang! You let the emperor indulge in pleasure, bringing chaos to the court!
The Integrity Society is here to act for heaven!
Overestimating one's own ability.
- Does the Floral Envoy know martial arts?
- I've never heard of it.
This is an imperial sword bestowed by His Majesty.
When the sharp blade is unsheathed, it's as if His Majesty has arrived in person.
What are you waiting for?
Protect the emperor!
Be careful. Don't splatter blood everywhere.
Staining the beautiful garments of the ladies would be a pity.
Watch out, Yu Lu!
Don't cut my flowers! Fight over there!
Miss!
Miss, you scared me to death.
How could you just charge out like that?
I was scared. I thought they had cut my flowers.
- Are you all right?
- I'm fine, are you all right?
- I'm okay.
- Control your strength well. Don't harm the flowers.
The gold nuggets of Young Madam Liu are too expensive to compensate.
He was previously acting as a ghost inside Fuyun Temple.
And now he fully reveals the posture of someone borrowing power.
This favored one by His Majesty is indeed not ordinary.
Kneel.
It was due to my negligence in checking identities thoroughly that the thieves mixed into the assembly.
Fortunately, the Princess wasn't injured.
But still, it disturbed the elegant moods of the Princess and the Floral Envoy.
Please forgive me.
The Liu family failed to inspect and startled the Princess and Floral Envoy.
Please show great magnanimity and deal with it leniently.
Zi Shu, what are you doing? Get up, quickly.
Get up.
For your sake, I won't pursue it.
What do you say, Floral Envoy?
Forget it, forget it.
This matter can't really be blamed on Master Liu.
You were just unlucky.
If today the one receiving us was Magistrate Chen, there would still be such a commotion.
Assaults, assassination attempts. It happens several times a month.
I'm already used to it. Look how skilled my subordinates are.
Master Liu, no need to take it to heart.
Please rise.
Thank you for your clemency, Your Highness, Floral Envoy.
Being hunted for committing evil?
He doesn't take it as a warning, instead, he's proud of it.
You both have broad minds.
I'm ashamed for not measuring up.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Didn't you just change how you addressed me? Why change it back?
I still prefer it when you call my name.
You Zhen, it's chaotic in here.
Let's go admire the flowers elsewhere so the servants tidying up won't disturb you.
- Okay.
- Please.
Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming.
Please forgive me for my poor hospitality.
Master Liu. You're too humble.
In today's floral banquet, the peonies were dazzling.
We were honored to feast our eyes on and see through the eyes of the Princess and Floral Envoy.
The Princess and the Floral Envoy are staying here.
It will certainly lead to many banquets and feasts in the future.
Our two families must interact with each other more frequently.
Of course.
Floral Envoy. This banquet cannot continue.
I will take my leave first.
Everyone, please wait.
Now that the assassin has been captured, where is everyone going?
Let's continue drinking and the entertainment. That's the proper thing to do.
Exactly, exactly. All right, I'll summon people to clean up immediately!
- Servants.
- No need for that.
Leave it to my men. They're experienced.
Chuan Yu.
Yes, Sir.
- You know what to do. Take the assassin away. Tidy up the scene.
- Yes, Sir.
Aren't all corrupt officials afraid of death?
Even so, the Floral Envoy still has the mood to continue feasting.
One who is shameless never worries about anything.
- Shameless Jiang.
- Kneel!
- Ladies and gentlemen, please.
- Please move to the garden.
This way, please.
Seeing how proficient these subordinates are, I can't help but want to shout "bravo."
Although I don't mind assassination attempts,
His Majesty specifically instructed me to see if Luoyang is as outstanding and vibrant as the rumors say.
How should I report today's events to His Majesty when I return to Chang'an?
- I…
- Master Liu, there's no need for this.
I don't need your courtesies.
Well, Floral Envoy, how much tangible courtesy can exempt one from the crime of negligence?
This crime can be big or small,
depending on how fast my returning carriage goes.
I'm a forgetful person.
If the journey back is long enough,
by the time I return to Chang'an, I'll have forgotten everything.
Then, His Majesty will only know that Luoyang is warm with blooming flowers and the common folk are prospering.
The gifts for His Majesty and the Floral Envoy will be enough to make it difficult for the horses to take a step.
Please rest assured.
Master Liu is a clear-headed person.
In the future, you'll certainly rise rapidly through the ranks.
Thank you, Floral Envoy.
Having had plenty of wine and food, why not play something to stretch our limbs a bit?
I remember that Zi Shu is quite fond of archery. Do you have a target for archery?
Yes, yes!
Princess, please.
Please.
Mu Dan, go prepare some refreshments.
After you, Brother Sui Zhi.
How did it miss the target?
Brother Jiang. A gust of spring breeze just came by.
Although it messed up your aim, it's a good omen of success in the spring breeze.
Brother Jiang, joyous events are approaching.
You have such sayings in Luoyang?
Well…
No competing for the colors of spring, in autumn, it shall ascend into the cloud-filled skies.
Floral Envoy, this truly is a great omen of good fortune!
- That's right. Great fortune, great fortune.
- Well said, well said.
Great fortune, oh great fortune.
Archery is uninteresting. Better switch to pitching pots, instead.
- All right.
- Pitching pots. Right, right.
Pitching pots, pitching pots is good. Let's all go to the garden to pitch pots!
- Princess, please.
- Yes, yes.
- Let's go.
- Please, please, please.
After you.
- Brother Jiang.
- You go ahead.
Why does this person deliberately hide his abilities?
And why did he aim solely at this wealth-attracting copper coin?
- A small token of appreciation.
- Thank you.
Take care, take care.
Master Li, here you go. Thank you.
- Madam Zhang, please take care. See you again.
- Thank you.
Thank you.
I just ran into that lad at the second gate and found out
those carriages brought by the Floral Envoy were all empty.
Those carriages were personally bestowed by His Majesty, representing the supreme honor and favor of His Majesty.
And Floral Envoy's rule is to travel with empty carriages and return fully loaded.
Indeed, he's the number one greedy official in the world.
The Floral Envoy is unfathomable and not as simple as he appears. Let's not interfere with this matter.
The most important thing is to go and find the madam to move the peonies back to my courtyard as soon as possible.
Only then can I be at ease.
But Mu Dan can't raise so much money all at once. We don't have enough here either.
It seems that the only option is to sell the imperial-granted zixi pills to raise funds.
The tribute medicine can save lives when the time comes. They can never be sold!
When Madam He entered the family, didn't her father give us a large sum of money?
Now it's all spent. How have you been managing the household?
Master, two distinguished guests have come.
Forget the expenses of the banquet to host them, they're going to stay here for a while as well.
- Even if we had a gold mine, it would not be enough.
- Women simply lack foresight!
The future career prospects of our son and the Liu family's reputation all depend on these few days.
- But right now…
- Didn't someone make an offer on Madam He's dowry, those few shops?
Have Xiang Fu take the accountant and sell them. It should tide us over for a while.
Don't even think about touching the tribute medicine.
We must not let Madam He discover that what we gave back then was a fake.
If her father gets wind of it, it'll be difficult to ask him for money to grease the wheels in the future.
Don't act impulsively.
Let's go back first.
Let's go back.
I thought… I thought Mother was too ill.
Even with the expensive zixi pills, it didn't turn the tide.
But I never expected…
I never expected the pills to be fake.
Why did they deceive me?
Why?
I clearly could have had more time.
- I could have had more time to look for other medicine!
- Miss!
Miss, don't be like this. Miss.
Miss.
It's all because of my incompetence.
It's all because of my incompetence.
If I had discovered earlier that the zixi pills were fake,
I could've made the most of my time to seek medical advice.
Mother… Mother might have been saved.
She wouldn't have left me.
I was foolish, I was so foolish. I'm stupid. A fool!
Don't be like this, Miss! Don't be like this.
Miss!
Master has been selling medicine for so many years, but he's never seen a real zixi pill.
The fake medicine and the one described in the medical books smelled and appeared exactly the same.
Furthermore, as soon as Madam took it, there indeed was some improvement.
It's only natural that you didn't notice.
It's the Liu family to blame, not you, Miss.
Miss, if Madam sees you
this heartbroken and blaming yourself, she would definitely be heartbroken.
That's right.
I shouldn't torment myself for such a family.
Their lies delayed my mother's ability to be treated.
I will certainly make them pay the price.
I will certainly make them pay the price!
But we're weak and alone. How can we fight against them?
If we confront them now,
they'll surely deny everything.
How about… How about we tell Master about this, and have him seek justice?
No.
We don't have any evidence right now.
Even if we involve father, it would be of no help.
Even if we turn Liu's house upside down and find the real tribute medicine, they still won't admit to it.
When that happens and the families fall out, our He family, being mere merchants,
might bear the stigma of being ungrateful and treacherous.
What we can do now is to withdraw from the Liu family intact.
Once we get home, we'll plan our next step.
In any case,
I can't stay a moment longer in this den of wolves.
Miss you want a divorce?
That's right.
Liu Shen insisted on me marrying into the Liu family because of my horoscope.
He surely won't let me go easily.
Tomorrow the Liu family will accompany the Princess on a trip.
We can take this opportunity to take back the dowry shops.
We can't let them sell them at will.
Miss.
Liu Shen won't let me leave.
But the Princess and Liu Chang can't wait for me to disappear.
Yu Lu, pass on a message for me.
Why did you call me here?
Everyone thinks that peonies are exclusive to nobility.
But they forget that they originate from the mountains and forests
and once bloomed and withered away freely.
The flowers before us,
are ones my mother found as she traveled the world with my father doing business.
Mother brought them to me and taught me how to nurture them with care.
Without my mother,
There wouldn't be the grand spectacle that earned unanimous praise from the Princess and the Floral Envoy.
Did you call me here just to tell me how precious these beloved golden nuggets of yours are,
how rare they are, and how magnificent you were at today's floral banquet?
If you wish for a reward, you may say so directly.
For the sake of these flowers, I can agree to it as long as it's not too excessive.
I want a divorce.
What did you say?
I said I want a divorce.
What nonsense are you talking about?!
Is it because of me and the Princess?
- My relationship with You Zhen…
- That's right.
You and the Princess are mutually in love, a match made in heaven.
While my status is humble, detrimental to your reputation, so,
I'm willing to leave the Liu family to make your relationship possible.
You said so many self-deprecating things just to grant yourself a favor, didn't you?
Indeed. Merchants value profit over righteousness.
Don't forget, it was the He family who came seeking medicine.
And now that the benefits are used up, you're thinking of breaking the agreement.
Our marriage began all because of a shaman's words.
Even without commiseration, you should understand the other's helplessness.
Since you're weary of me and this marriage arrangement, why not let me leave?
- This way, you'll also be free.
- I disagree.
Why? Isn't this what you've always wanted?
What I want is not for you to decide.
You married into the Liu family. Where you go and what you do is all decided by me, your husband.
I haven't said I'll dissolve our relationship yet. Why do you think you can bring up divorce?
Matters of divorce are not for me to decide.
It requires the husband to submit documents to the authorities.
In the eyes of the public, it will be you getting rid of me.
In your eyes, do I care that much about how those unrelated people see me, is that it?
- Liu Chang—
- What I truly care about is whether my marriage stays or ends is all up to me!
Others have no right to manipulate me, let alone you.
He Wei Fang, listen well.
Although our marriage lacks substance, its name is not something you can simply discard.
Unless I divorce you, otherwise, don't think of leaving this place.
'Fragrance Recital' - Zhang Zining
♫ On the endless road to Chang'an,
the zither and lute's melody echoes from afar ♫
♫ Plum and willow trees greet the Spring,
as splendor returns this year ♫
♫ Copper battlements shine atop the palace
as songs and dances fil
♫ Idle clouds and drifting duckweed, with a thousand flowers blooming ♫
♫ Time flows gracefully, with moments gathering in the fading mist ♫
♫ Let the years pass, carried by the wind toward long-held desires ♫
♫ If the heart remains as still as water, youth becomes eternal ♫
♫ Still cherishing the moon of my hometown, yearning to meet again ♫
♫ The distant night sky, scattered with stars, reflects the gentle moon ♫
♫ The peony's exquisite beauty fills the fragrant garden ♫
♫ With my heart as a lantern, I fear not the journey through distant mountain paths ♫
♫ The jade flute's music fills a fleeting life with meaning ♫
♫ Time flows gracefully, with moments gathering in the fading mist ♫
♫ Let the years pass, carried by the wind toward long-held desires ♫
♫ If the heart remains as still as water, youth becomes eternal ♫
♫ Still cherishing the moon of my hometown, yearning to meet again ♫