Flourished Peony (2025) s01e07 Episode Script
Episode 7
If you had agreed earlier, you wouldn't have had to suffer.
I can be the concubine.
But I absolutely can't marry you tonight.
You should make a banquet tomorrow, at least let the neighbors know.
That's easy enough.
Just stay in the wine cellar tonight.
You aren't allowed to leave here before the wedding.
Tomorrow, I'll have Fifth Miss come to freshen you up and groom you.
As for these injuries,
just apply more foundation to cover them up well.
Move.
Fifth Miss, there's something in your hair.
What happened here?
Fifth Miss, you're trying to drive Mu Dan away, right?
You deliberately targeted me before,
trying to drive me away, but in reality, you wanted to save me, right?
I imagine last night,
you must've realized what a beast Wang Qing is.
He beats me whenever he's drunk,
fearing it'll affect his business, so he only beats me on the concealed parts.
If I dare to cry and scream, he beats me even harder.
I won't dare to anymore.
If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have these new injuries.
I've only realized it now.
Wang Qing is perfect at disguising, always appearing kind in front of others.
Not to mention you,
even neighbors we have gotten along with for many years haven't noticed.
Mu Dan, you're neither the first
nor will you be the the last.
Has he previously forcibly married other women?
What marriage? It's used to get those women and toy with them for a few days.
Once he gets tired, he sends them off to Pingkang House.
You had a chance to escape.
But now, it's too late.
It's not too late.
As long as you want to, it's never too late.
Such a husband, why keep him?
Fifth Miss, leave with me.
Go report it to the officials and get divorced. Then you won't have to suffer his oppression anymore.
Back then there wasn't enough food to eat at home.
For a dowry of 10 dan of rice, my father married me off to Wang Qing.
Those 10 dan of rice ruined my life.
I'm his legitimate wife.
No matter where I flee, he'll catch me.
He won't let me go.
He's beaten the fear into me.
I don't want to fight back anymore.
You might give up, but I refuse.
So what? The backyard walls are high, with nowhere to go.
If you go through the main hall and get out the front door, Wang Qing will surely catch you.
Then you'll get beat again. Why bother?
Just wear it.
Don't move.
Fifth Miss, I don't want to hurt you. Please don't make a sound.
Unless I'm dead, it's impossible that I'd marry Wang Qing.
Don't, don't.
I'll help you escape.
Fifth Miss, come with me.
I'm Wang Qing's legitimate wife. I can't escape. I've accepted my fate.
You and I are different. You still have a chance, just run.
Come on, step on here.
You! How dare you ruin my plan!
Well, well. You really are ungrateful.
I'll take you to the room now.
- Fifth Miss, hurry, go.
- Stop there!
Run!
- Move!
- Run!
Mu Dan, run!
- Get off! You come back here!
- Run!
- Get off.
- Mu Dan, run!
Get off!
Help! The tavern owner is committing murder!
- What's wrong?
- Help! The tavern owner is committing murder!
- Who is she?
- You stole money and ran off!
- The tavern owner is committing murder!
- How dare you slander me!
- Wang Qing is committing murder!
- Catch her!
- Catch her!
- The tavern owner beats the helper.
Catch her! Stop there!
- Help!
- Stop! Grab her!
- Help! Help!
- Stop there!
Stop!
[Fugui Tower]
- Grab her!
- The tavern owner is abducting a woman!
- Help!
- Stop her! Stop!
Help! Help!
Miss, are you all right?
Cousin Wen Qing?
Mu Dan?
What are you looking at?
I heard it wrong.
Did you court some lady from the dance house and owe some romantic debts?
Not at all. But she owes me gratuity.
Who is she exactly? How dares she owe you money?
A few days ago, I met an extraordinary woman in Luoyang. She's clever, eloquent, and discerning.
I wanted to hire her to manage my accounts. But she rejected me.
Back then, for freedom, she fought with her life.
I wonder if she's living the life she wanted.
It's rare to hear you mention a woman.
With the skills you possess, why not tame her?
A fine peony blossoms in the wind. Once broken, it loses its appeal.
I'm leaving.
[Fugui Tower]
- Cousin.
- What happened? Why are you in such a state?
Cousin, it's him. I went to work in his tavern, and he forcefully detained me and pressured me to marry him.
You're talking nonsense.
Listen. Young Master, you don't know, she's a runaway slave.
She hit my head. Don't trust her.
Nonsense! I'm the chief clerk of the Imperial Academy.
This is my cousin. How could she be your runaway slave?
It seems what she said is true. You indeed harbor ill intentions.
Let me tell you, the laws of Chang'an won't tolerate your misdeeds.
You're a grown man, how dare you bully a frail woman!
Today, we must give him a beating to vent anger for your cousin.
No, no! The law will punish him if he has committed a crime.
You and I mustn't resort to vigilante justice.
Let's do this, you go report to the authorities and have the constables arrest him.
- Okay.
- We'll surround him. Don't get physical.
- Don't.
- Don't.
- Don't.
- I'm sorry for not recognizing you.
It's all a misunderstanding. A misunderstanding.
Mu Dan, if you report this to the authorities, it'll be awkward.
Please be forgiving and spare me.
- What do you mean?
- Cousin.
I don't want to linger on this matter anymore. Let's go first.
I was running for my life, so I couldn't explain much.
Now that you know everything, you understand.
I couldn't go to the authorities with Wang Qing because of my household registration.
You've suffered a lot.
The Liu family made such an act of betrayal.
I can't believe a scholar would do it.
It's right for you to divorce him.
You're an innocent person. How can you associate with such shameless and despicable people?
You're wise,
unlike ordinary men who have many prejudices against women.
I'm very grateful.
Cousin, I have a request. I wonder if you may grant it.
We're cousins. If there's anything I can help you with, just tell me.
Due to the household registration, I really can't find a decent job.
You're a government official.
I wonder if you could help me get a fake household registration, so I can have an identity.
No way.
The law must never be abandoned for personal interests.
Mu Dan, if you have other requests, I can agree to all of them.
But this one thing alone I really can't do.
You're like you were in as a child, still so proper.
I overstepped, I shouldn't put you in a difficult position. It's okay.
Mu Dan, just settle here without worrying.
Rest assured. I'll definitely take good care of you and won't let you suffer anymore.
Cousin, from last night until now, I haven't eaten a thing.
I'm hungry.
It's my fault. I'll go prepare some food for you. Just wait.
Mu Dan.
Mu Dan?
Back then, my mother married into a merchant family and fell out with my aunt.
I don't wish to put you in a difficult position.
If aunt writes to my father, I fear I'll be captured by the Liu family and tortured to death.
About what happened today, I hope you'll keep it a secret.
When I'm settled in Chang'an in the future,
I'll definitely write to you and let you know I'm well.
Don't worry about me. Mu Dan.
Midnight.
Midnight.
Mu Dan, run!
Get off!
I wonder how Fifth Miss is doing now.
Yu Lu.
Did you see it?
The Jade Terrace Peony has bloomed.
[Imperial Academy]
[Imperial Academy]
The Minister of Revenue's second young master. Send my regards to your father.
The fourth young master of the Minister of War.
Go back and tell your father the Longgao wine he sent me was very much to my liking.
Thank him for me.
- You!
- An academy is a solemn and dignified place.
How can we allow clowns to make a commotion?
Students, if you're not calm, how can you become successful?
Return to your places at once!
Floral Envoy, what brings you to the Imperial Academy?
Master Xu.
- Master Xu.
- Ahead is the master's pavilion, please stop here.
- Don't disturb him.
- Master Xu.
Master Xu.
His Majesty is indisposed, just grant him leave.
You fake asking for leave, it's more like informing me.
I heard you recommended an entertainer who plays with monkeys.
His Majesty was so pleased and named him Official Chengyi.
If His Majesty still holds me in his heart, he wouldn't be fooled by you to such ridiculous extents!
His Majesty has been led astray by you.
It's all my fault that caused you to misunderstand His Majesty.
If I don't explain it clearly, causing a rift between you and His Majesty would be all my fault.
Due to government affairs, His Majesty has fallen ill and feels so guilty.
Thus, Prince Ning has been summoned to help manage the imperial court affairs. Master Xu, you can rest assured.
This is a hundred-year-old mountain ginseng.
If you take it, you'll surely be hale and hearty for another fifty years.
His Majesty can't be without you.
Towards such a sweet talker, which book should be quoted to scold him.
I think we should quote the Book of Documents.
The word count isn't enough. Rites of Zhou is good.
(the government's organization and bureaucracy during the Western Zhou period)
Only the king establishes the nation, assigns duties, and ensures fair governance.
Some sit and discuss, or act to implement it.
Governance, education, rites, administration, punishments, and affairs.
There are six duties, but you undertake none of them.
You should advise the emperor to be equitable and to economize,
yet you indulge in extreme luxury and extravagance.
You should advise the emperor to harmonize the society,
yet you indulge him in neglecting the imperial court affairs.
- Master Xu.
- You're improper, disrespectful, unjust, incompetent,
- Master Xu.
- lawless, undiscerning. Yet you live comfortably.
You're the most shameless of all!
The Imperial Academy is a place of purity and nobility!
If anyone who perverts justice and comes with a bribe, none will be allowed in!
Yes, Sir.
He doesn't want any of this good stuff,
does he not want a long life?
Let's go.
[Wanguan Hall]
The pistil and petals are all the color of green jade.
Such a fine item. Do you really want to pawn it?
This flower holds extraordinary meaning for me. I want to pawn it here temporarily.
When I earn money later on, I'll redeem it back.
If you're short of money, why not pawn that Hetian jade around your neck?
It's worth a lot more.
A pot of Jade Terrace Peony is enough to exchange for the thing I want.
It seems you aren't here for wealth. Then what do you want?
I want a decent household register.
You should seek this at the Ministry of Revenue. We don't have that ability.
I've been inquiring in Chang'an for days, and everyone praises the Wanguan Hall.
Because you don't check visitors' backgrounds, and every request is granted.
I see animal head jade carvings displayed in the hall.
So, I know I've come to the right place.
With the capital of Wanguan Hall, displaying jade carvings is nothing unusual.
What do you mean?
But that isn't an ordinary jade piece.
It's the beautiful colored jade carving that's only available to the imperial family.
I mean no offense and have no malicious intentions.
I'm sincerely seeking help. And I'm willing to pay double to get this flower back later.
Why would you reject it?
You're discerning. We can discuss this more.
However, I can only buy this flower.
I don't want to take what you like.
This flower is a living thing. If I could buy it, we can sell it immediately.
But if you just pawn it to us temporarily,
I'm afraid the flower will wither in our care before you gather enough to redeem it.
Then we would be at a loss.
But I only want to pawn it temporarily.
As for your concern,
I will regularly tend to this flower and ensure it never dies.
Well, please come with me inside and wait for a moment.
Whether we do this business or not, I need the Master to decide.
Thank you, Shopkeeper.
Please.
There's no incense in the room.
Where does this faint fragrance come from?
Who's laughing?
It's rare to see such an exquisite person.
You really are graceful.
I…
Speak properly.
Miss, you're discerning, and skilled in nurturing flowers.
It's a pity that you don't stay and work here.
The head of the Wanguan Hall is indeed, as the rumors say, mysterious.
The voice is ethereal like a banished fairy.
You must be pretty and kind-hearted,
and surely won't make things difficult for me.
- This business
- Let's not rush.
I'm very interested in you.
I'm just an insignificant person.
What do you mean?
Decent household register there isn't any.
But I have plenty of household registrations of slaves.
Miss, from now on, why don't you stay here?
I'm not worth much money.
Rather, this Jade Terrace Peony is priceless.
Since we're meeting for the first time,
why not start talking business?
Stop there!
He Wei Fang.
Floral Envoy?
Don't you want a decent household register?
Just now it was you in there playing tricks?
What do you mean?
It was you who intruded into my shop.
No wonder Wanguan Hall can exchange and buy anything.
So, you're the secret owner.
However, the imperial court has stipulated that officials must not engage in commerce.
It can forbid others, but not me.
As for you, I can just arrest you.
Envoy Jiang, you know I've always been tight-lipped.
Don't make such jokes anymore.
But just now, in that room, which female ghost
Which woman was scaring me?
It doesn't sound like the voice of Shopkeeper Yun.
Just now that was Chuan Yu?
My guard has many skills.
Just a vocal imitation, no big deal.
Miss He, my young master was just kidding.
You You beat me so badly.
Sorry about that. Just a misunderstanding.
I thought this shop was a scam. Fortunately, there was a cup of tea in the room.
Otherwise, I would've pulled out my hairpin and stabbed you instead.
Young Master, for you, I almost lost an eye.
No, it hurts.
Madam He, I'm afraid my eye was scalded by you.
Yes. Even cool tea can scald you.
Continue acting.
[Contract]
Wanguan Hall values rare items the most.
This Jade Terrace Peony is a new variety cultivated by me and my mother.
It can be considered a rare treasure.
Using twenty pots of such flowers in exchange for a decent household register.
Enjoy Jiang, this is a bit ruthless.
You're the one asking me for help.
A decent household register is also priceless.
Apart from me, you won't find anyone else.
- Young Master Jiang—
- I agree to temporarily pawn it.
The flowers you owe can be compensated later. This is already an exception.
If it weren't for my aunt coming to the Capital soon, plus she's a person who loves flowers.
I wouldn't accept this deal.
Don't forget you still owe me gratuity for punishing the villain.
20 pots aren't too many.
To be honest, as soon as you left, the Liu family immediately turned on me.
I didn't get the dowry, plus someone plotted against me.
So, I escaped to Chang'an penniless.
Speaking of punishing the villain, you didn't do it perfectly.
Why not be nicer, how about 10 pots?
You escaped from the Liu family and didn't return to your maternal home.
Why run all the way to Chang'an?
I neither want to trouble my father nor involve him.
Since I have a skill, why can't I be self-reliant?
It's good to have great aspirations. But unfortunately, you're still green.
As a fugitive, even if you use a false household registration.
Aren't you afraid of being found by your family and taken back?
Each day I'm free, is at least one more day.
I hope you can show some mercy.
This is the mercy I show.
Sign it or not.
Chuan Yu.
I didn't say I wouldn't sign it.
I-I didn't say I wouldn't sign it.
I'll sign it right now.
But before the household registration is settled, I can't sign my name.
I'll just press my fingerprint for now.
[Contract]
Take a look.
All right. Come collect the item at this time tomorrow.
Why are you following me?
Last time, I lost my jade abacus while trying to obtain my household registration.
I can't afford any more mistakes this time.
You're telling me that you're guarding against me.
Are you afraid of me or not?
No, no. You helped me win the lawsuit last time, so I naturally trust you.
Then why are you following me?
I'm afraid you're too busy to get this thing done.
I'll just silently follow you. Rest assured, I won't say anything.
- No speaking?
- No speaking.
Just consider me as a pendant on your belt.
Wearing so many pendants when going out, how heavy would that be?
[Huanyun Tower]
Buddy, two more!
- All right.
- Okay.
Coming!
What night is this? Behold this gentleman!
Having seen the nobleman, why wouldn't one be joyful?
Wishing to share this cup, to fulfill a long-held wish.
Great poem!
- Good.
- Bravo!
I also have one.
Setting wine in the great hall, to entertain the honored guests.
Wishing you, after this drink, may all go as you wish.
Forget it. If I don't let you speak anymore, you'll suffocate.
Thank you, Young Master Jiang. Actually, there's one thing I don't understand.
Why don't you go to the Ministry of Revenue for household registration but to this dance house?
The Minister of Revenue will come here for pleasure whenever he gets paid.
If you didn't rush me, why would I be in such a hurry to come here to apply the official seal?
I was thinking the sooner I get this done, the sooner I can feel at ease.
Naturally, I want you to have tranquility sooner.
- Good!
- Bravo!
Nice dance! Beautiful music!
This dance house is all male guests.
You don't feel uncomfortable?
No one here recognizes me anyway.
Do I not count as one?
In my eyes, you're the God of Wealth, you don't count as a mortal.
You really are eloquent.
Young Master, everything has been done as you asked.
You should sign this debt note now, right?
The authorities are indeed run by you.
Envoy Jiang, this ability, this speed.
I really admire you.
Jiang Xiao Hua, are you satisfied?
[Jiang Xiao Hua]
Yes, yes.
[Jiang Xiao Hua]
Please take a look.
Put it away.
- Move.
- No, Master, I'm sorry!
- What's the commotion?
- No!
- Move, move!
- No!
Get up! Move!
Move!
How dare you defy me and let my woman go?
If I don't teach you a lesson, you'd forget who I am!
Today I must sell you.
Be good, or I'll beat you to death!
From now on, I'll do whatever you ask.
Don't sell me here to be a dancing girl.
I must sell you. Let's go!
How dare you!
Move!
Don't!
Move!
- No!
- Move!
Thank you.
Who hit me?
Come on, let's check it out.
Get up! Move!
Murder! Murder!
Everyone, look! This man is beating his legitimate wife!
- Fifth Miss.
- Mu Dan.
Wang Qing, I spared you before. Now you've become even more ruthless.
What crime has Fifth Miss committed? How dare you sell her!
Only a useless loser would take his anger out on his own wife.
Don't think that seducing the chief clerk makes me afraid of you.
You're still all alone, aren't you?
She's mine. I can dispose of her as I please.
It has nothing to do with others.
- Let's go! Get up!
- What are you doing? What?
Get up.
What are you doing? What are you doing?
Huanyun Tower is open for business.
You're not taking new people anymore?
- Your wife has a decent household register?
- Of course.
People with decent household registers can't be sold. Pawning a wife is illegal.
Don't you know that?
No point in talking to those worse than animals.
Drag him out and report it. Don't ruin Huanyun Tower.
Yes, Sir.
Fine, fine. I-I'm not selling her anymore.
Thank you, Mu Dan.
- Thank you.
- Get up.
Many thanks, Sir, thank you.
- Come on.
- Thanks.
- What are you doing?
- I'm taking her home.
Fifth Miss, you did all that to save her.
She's quite capable, there was no need for you to do anything.
Others can forbid me from selling you, but can't control me teaching you a lesson.
Come home with me. Once at home, I'll make you pay.
- Let's go!
- Fifth Miss. Fifth Miss!
Come on.
Wait!
Fifth Miss, if you follow me, you might still suffer.
But I promise you no one will dare bully or humiliate you again.
Are you willing to live with me?
What will it take for you to let her go?
Give me 10 guan. I'll write a dismissal letter right now.
(1,000 bronze coins of 1 wen)
All right. I'll give you 10 guan.
I want you to write a divorce agreement.
'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 fill the air and glasses are raised ♫
♫ 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 ♫
I can be the concubine.
But I absolutely can't marry you tonight.
You should make a banquet tomorrow, at least let the neighbors know.
That's easy enough.
Just stay in the wine cellar tonight.
You aren't allowed to leave here before the wedding.
Tomorrow, I'll have Fifth Miss come to freshen you up and groom you.
As for these injuries,
just apply more foundation to cover them up well.
Move.
Fifth Miss, there's something in your hair.
What happened here?
Fifth Miss, you're trying to drive Mu Dan away, right?
You deliberately targeted me before,
trying to drive me away, but in reality, you wanted to save me, right?
I imagine last night,
you must've realized what a beast Wang Qing is.
He beats me whenever he's drunk,
fearing it'll affect his business, so he only beats me on the concealed parts.
If I dare to cry and scream, he beats me even harder.
I won't dare to anymore.
If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have these new injuries.
I've only realized it now.
Wang Qing is perfect at disguising, always appearing kind in front of others.
Not to mention you,
even neighbors we have gotten along with for many years haven't noticed.
Mu Dan, you're neither the first
nor will you be the the last.
Has he previously forcibly married other women?
What marriage? It's used to get those women and toy with them for a few days.
Once he gets tired, he sends them off to Pingkang House.
You had a chance to escape.
But now, it's too late.
It's not too late.
As long as you want to, it's never too late.
Such a husband, why keep him?
Fifth Miss, leave with me.
Go report it to the officials and get divorced. Then you won't have to suffer his oppression anymore.
Back then there wasn't enough food to eat at home.
For a dowry of 10 dan of rice, my father married me off to Wang Qing.
Those 10 dan of rice ruined my life.
I'm his legitimate wife.
No matter where I flee, he'll catch me.
He won't let me go.
He's beaten the fear into me.
I don't want to fight back anymore.
You might give up, but I refuse.
So what? The backyard walls are high, with nowhere to go.
If you go through the main hall and get out the front door, Wang Qing will surely catch you.
Then you'll get beat again. Why bother?
Just wear it.
Don't move.
Fifth Miss, I don't want to hurt you. Please don't make a sound.
Unless I'm dead, it's impossible that I'd marry Wang Qing.
Don't, don't.
I'll help you escape.
Fifth Miss, come with me.
I'm Wang Qing's legitimate wife. I can't escape. I've accepted my fate.
You and I are different. You still have a chance, just run.
Come on, step on here.
You! How dare you ruin my plan!
Well, well. You really are ungrateful.
I'll take you to the room now.
- Fifth Miss, hurry, go.
- Stop there!
Run!
- Move!
- Run!
Mu Dan, run!
- Get off! You come back here!
- Run!
- Get off.
- Mu Dan, run!
Get off!
Help! The tavern owner is committing murder!
- What's wrong?
- Help! The tavern owner is committing murder!
- Who is she?
- You stole money and ran off!
- The tavern owner is committing murder!
- How dare you slander me!
- Wang Qing is committing murder!
- Catch her!
- Catch her!
- The tavern owner beats the helper.
Catch her! Stop there!
- Help!
- Stop! Grab her!
- Help! Help!
- Stop there!
Stop!
[Fugui Tower]
- Grab her!
- The tavern owner is abducting a woman!
- Help!
- Stop her! Stop!
Help! Help!
Miss, are you all right?
Cousin Wen Qing?
Mu Dan?
What are you looking at?
I heard it wrong.
Did you court some lady from the dance house and owe some romantic debts?
Not at all. But she owes me gratuity.
Who is she exactly? How dares she owe you money?
A few days ago, I met an extraordinary woman in Luoyang. She's clever, eloquent, and discerning.
I wanted to hire her to manage my accounts. But she rejected me.
Back then, for freedom, she fought with her life.
I wonder if she's living the life she wanted.
It's rare to hear you mention a woman.
With the skills you possess, why not tame her?
A fine peony blossoms in the wind. Once broken, it loses its appeal.
I'm leaving.
[Fugui Tower]
- Cousin.
- What happened? Why are you in such a state?
Cousin, it's him. I went to work in his tavern, and he forcefully detained me and pressured me to marry him.
You're talking nonsense.
Listen. Young Master, you don't know, she's a runaway slave.
She hit my head. Don't trust her.
Nonsense! I'm the chief clerk of the Imperial Academy.
This is my cousin. How could she be your runaway slave?
It seems what she said is true. You indeed harbor ill intentions.
Let me tell you, the laws of Chang'an won't tolerate your misdeeds.
You're a grown man, how dare you bully a frail woman!
Today, we must give him a beating to vent anger for your cousin.
No, no! The law will punish him if he has committed a crime.
You and I mustn't resort to vigilante justice.
Let's do this, you go report to the authorities and have the constables arrest him.
- Okay.
- We'll surround him. Don't get physical.
- Don't.
- Don't.
- Don't.
- I'm sorry for not recognizing you.
It's all a misunderstanding. A misunderstanding.
Mu Dan, if you report this to the authorities, it'll be awkward.
Please be forgiving and spare me.
- What do you mean?
- Cousin.
I don't want to linger on this matter anymore. Let's go first.
I was running for my life, so I couldn't explain much.
Now that you know everything, you understand.
I couldn't go to the authorities with Wang Qing because of my household registration.
You've suffered a lot.
The Liu family made such an act of betrayal.
I can't believe a scholar would do it.
It's right for you to divorce him.
You're an innocent person. How can you associate with such shameless and despicable people?
You're wise,
unlike ordinary men who have many prejudices against women.
I'm very grateful.
Cousin, I have a request. I wonder if you may grant it.
We're cousins. If there's anything I can help you with, just tell me.
Due to the household registration, I really can't find a decent job.
You're a government official.
I wonder if you could help me get a fake household registration, so I can have an identity.
No way.
The law must never be abandoned for personal interests.
Mu Dan, if you have other requests, I can agree to all of them.
But this one thing alone I really can't do.
You're like you were in as a child, still so proper.
I overstepped, I shouldn't put you in a difficult position. It's okay.
Mu Dan, just settle here without worrying.
Rest assured. I'll definitely take good care of you and won't let you suffer anymore.
Cousin, from last night until now, I haven't eaten a thing.
I'm hungry.
It's my fault. I'll go prepare some food for you. Just wait.
Mu Dan.
Mu Dan?
Back then, my mother married into a merchant family and fell out with my aunt.
I don't wish to put you in a difficult position.
If aunt writes to my father, I fear I'll be captured by the Liu family and tortured to death.
About what happened today, I hope you'll keep it a secret.
When I'm settled in Chang'an in the future,
I'll definitely write to you and let you know I'm well.
Don't worry about me. Mu Dan.
Midnight.
Midnight.
Mu Dan, run!
Get off!
I wonder how Fifth Miss is doing now.
Yu Lu.
Did you see it?
The Jade Terrace Peony has bloomed.
[Imperial Academy]
[Imperial Academy]
The Minister of Revenue's second young master. Send my regards to your father.
The fourth young master of the Minister of War.
Go back and tell your father the Longgao wine he sent me was very much to my liking.
Thank him for me.
- You!
- An academy is a solemn and dignified place.
How can we allow clowns to make a commotion?
Students, if you're not calm, how can you become successful?
Return to your places at once!
Floral Envoy, what brings you to the Imperial Academy?
Master Xu.
- Master Xu.
- Ahead is the master's pavilion, please stop here.
- Don't disturb him.
- Master Xu.
Master Xu.
His Majesty is indisposed, just grant him leave.
You fake asking for leave, it's more like informing me.
I heard you recommended an entertainer who plays with monkeys.
His Majesty was so pleased and named him Official Chengyi.
If His Majesty still holds me in his heart, he wouldn't be fooled by you to such ridiculous extents!
His Majesty has been led astray by you.
It's all my fault that caused you to misunderstand His Majesty.
If I don't explain it clearly, causing a rift between you and His Majesty would be all my fault.
Due to government affairs, His Majesty has fallen ill and feels so guilty.
Thus, Prince Ning has been summoned to help manage the imperial court affairs. Master Xu, you can rest assured.
This is a hundred-year-old mountain ginseng.
If you take it, you'll surely be hale and hearty for another fifty years.
His Majesty can't be without you.
Towards such a sweet talker, which book should be quoted to scold him.
I think we should quote the Book of Documents.
The word count isn't enough. Rites of Zhou is good.
(the government's organization and bureaucracy during the Western Zhou period)
Only the king establishes the nation, assigns duties, and ensures fair governance.
Some sit and discuss, or act to implement it.
Governance, education, rites, administration, punishments, and affairs.
There are six duties, but you undertake none of them.
You should advise the emperor to be equitable and to economize,
yet you indulge in extreme luxury and extravagance.
You should advise the emperor to harmonize the society,
yet you indulge him in neglecting the imperial court affairs.
- Master Xu.
- You're improper, disrespectful, unjust, incompetent,
- Master Xu.
- lawless, undiscerning. Yet you live comfortably.
You're the most shameless of all!
The Imperial Academy is a place of purity and nobility!
If anyone who perverts justice and comes with a bribe, none will be allowed in!
Yes, Sir.
He doesn't want any of this good stuff,
does he not want a long life?
Let's go.
[Wanguan Hall]
The pistil and petals are all the color of green jade.
Such a fine item. Do you really want to pawn it?
This flower holds extraordinary meaning for me. I want to pawn it here temporarily.
When I earn money later on, I'll redeem it back.
If you're short of money, why not pawn that Hetian jade around your neck?
It's worth a lot more.
A pot of Jade Terrace Peony is enough to exchange for the thing I want.
It seems you aren't here for wealth. Then what do you want?
I want a decent household register.
You should seek this at the Ministry of Revenue. We don't have that ability.
I've been inquiring in Chang'an for days, and everyone praises the Wanguan Hall.
Because you don't check visitors' backgrounds, and every request is granted.
I see animal head jade carvings displayed in the hall.
So, I know I've come to the right place.
With the capital of Wanguan Hall, displaying jade carvings is nothing unusual.
What do you mean?
But that isn't an ordinary jade piece.
It's the beautiful colored jade carving that's only available to the imperial family.
I mean no offense and have no malicious intentions.
I'm sincerely seeking help. And I'm willing to pay double to get this flower back later.
Why would you reject it?
You're discerning. We can discuss this more.
However, I can only buy this flower.
I don't want to take what you like.
This flower is a living thing. If I could buy it, we can sell it immediately.
But if you just pawn it to us temporarily,
I'm afraid the flower will wither in our care before you gather enough to redeem it.
Then we would be at a loss.
But I only want to pawn it temporarily.
As for your concern,
I will regularly tend to this flower and ensure it never dies.
Well, please come with me inside and wait for a moment.
Whether we do this business or not, I need the Master to decide.
Thank you, Shopkeeper.
Please.
There's no incense in the room.
Where does this faint fragrance come from?
Who's laughing?
It's rare to see such an exquisite person.
You really are graceful.
I…
Speak properly.
Miss, you're discerning, and skilled in nurturing flowers.
It's a pity that you don't stay and work here.
The head of the Wanguan Hall is indeed, as the rumors say, mysterious.
The voice is ethereal like a banished fairy.
You must be pretty and kind-hearted,
and surely won't make things difficult for me.
- This business
- Let's not rush.
I'm very interested in you.
I'm just an insignificant person.
What do you mean?
Decent household register there isn't any.
But I have plenty of household registrations of slaves.
Miss, from now on, why don't you stay here?
I'm not worth much money.
Rather, this Jade Terrace Peony is priceless.
Since we're meeting for the first time,
why not start talking business?
Stop there!
He Wei Fang.
Floral Envoy?
Don't you want a decent household register?
Just now it was you in there playing tricks?
What do you mean?
It was you who intruded into my shop.
No wonder Wanguan Hall can exchange and buy anything.
So, you're the secret owner.
However, the imperial court has stipulated that officials must not engage in commerce.
It can forbid others, but not me.
As for you, I can just arrest you.
Envoy Jiang, you know I've always been tight-lipped.
Don't make such jokes anymore.
But just now, in that room, which female ghost
Which woman was scaring me?
It doesn't sound like the voice of Shopkeeper Yun.
Just now that was Chuan Yu?
My guard has many skills.
Just a vocal imitation, no big deal.
Miss He, my young master was just kidding.
You You beat me so badly.
Sorry about that. Just a misunderstanding.
I thought this shop was a scam. Fortunately, there was a cup of tea in the room.
Otherwise, I would've pulled out my hairpin and stabbed you instead.
Young Master, for you, I almost lost an eye.
No, it hurts.
Madam He, I'm afraid my eye was scalded by you.
Yes. Even cool tea can scald you.
Continue acting.
[Contract]
Wanguan Hall values rare items the most.
This Jade Terrace Peony is a new variety cultivated by me and my mother.
It can be considered a rare treasure.
Using twenty pots of such flowers in exchange for a decent household register.
Enjoy Jiang, this is a bit ruthless.
You're the one asking me for help.
A decent household register is also priceless.
Apart from me, you won't find anyone else.
- Young Master Jiang—
- I agree to temporarily pawn it.
The flowers you owe can be compensated later. This is already an exception.
If it weren't for my aunt coming to the Capital soon, plus she's a person who loves flowers.
I wouldn't accept this deal.
Don't forget you still owe me gratuity for punishing the villain.
20 pots aren't too many.
To be honest, as soon as you left, the Liu family immediately turned on me.
I didn't get the dowry, plus someone plotted against me.
So, I escaped to Chang'an penniless.
Speaking of punishing the villain, you didn't do it perfectly.
Why not be nicer, how about 10 pots?
You escaped from the Liu family and didn't return to your maternal home.
Why run all the way to Chang'an?
I neither want to trouble my father nor involve him.
Since I have a skill, why can't I be self-reliant?
It's good to have great aspirations. But unfortunately, you're still green.
As a fugitive, even if you use a false household registration.
Aren't you afraid of being found by your family and taken back?
Each day I'm free, is at least one more day.
I hope you can show some mercy.
This is the mercy I show.
Sign it or not.
Chuan Yu.
I didn't say I wouldn't sign it.
I-I didn't say I wouldn't sign it.
I'll sign it right now.
But before the household registration is settled, I can't sign my name.
I'll just press my fingerprint for now.
[Contract]
Take a look.
All right. Come collect the item at this time tomorrow.
Why are you following me?
Last time, I lost my jade abacus while trying to obtain my household registration.
I can't afford any more mistakes this time.
You're telling me that you're guarding against me.
Are you afraid of me or not?
No, no. You helped me win the lawsuit last time, so I naturally trust you.
Then why are you following me?
I'm afraid you're too busy to get this thing done.
I'll just silently follow you. Rest assured, I won't say anything.
- No speaking?
- No speaking.
Just consider me as a pendant on your belt.
Wearing so many pendants when going out, how heavy would that be?
[Huanyun Tower]
Buddy, two more!
- All right.
- Okay.
Coming!
What night is this? Behold this gentleman!
Having seen the nobleman, why wouldn't one be joyful?
Wishing to share this cup, to fulfill a long-held wish.
Great poem!
- Good.
- Bravo!
I also have one.
Setting wine in the great hall, to entertain the honored guests.
Wishing you, after this drink, may all go as you wish.
Forget it. If I don't let you speak anymore, you'll suffocate.
Thank you, Young Master Jiang. Actually, there's one thing I don't understand.
Why don't you go to the Ministry of Revenue for household registration but to this dance house?
The Minister of Revenue will come here for pleasure whenever he gets paid.
If you didn't rush me, why would I be in such a hurry to come here to apply the official seal?
I was thinking the sooner I get this done, the sooner I can feel at ease.
Naturally, I want you to have tranquility sooner.
- Good!
- Bravo!
Nice dance! Beautiful music!
This dance house is all male guests.
You don't feel uncomfortable?
No one here recognizes me anyway.
Do I not count as one?
In my eyes, you're the God of Wealth, you don't count as a mortal.
You really are eloquent.
Young Master, everything has been done as you asked.
You should sign this debt note now, right?
The authorities are indeed run by you.
Envoy Jiang, this ability, this speed.
I really admire you.
Jiang Xiao Hua, are you satisfied?
[Jiang Xiao Hua]
Yes, yes.
[Jiang Xiao Hua]
Please take a look.
Put it away.
- Move.
- No, Master, I'm sorry!
- What's the commotion?
- No!
- Move, move!
- No!
Get up! Move!
Move!
How dare you defy me and let my woman go?
If I don't teach you a lesson, you'd forget who I am!
Today I must sell you.
Be good, or I'll beat you to death!
From now on, I'll do whatever you ask.
Don't sell me here to be a dancing girl.
I must sell you. Let's go!
How dare you!
Move!
Don't!
Move!
- No!
- Move!
Thank you.
Who hit me?
Come on, let's check it out.
Get up! Move!
Murder! Murder!
Everyone, look! This man is beating his legitimate wife!
- Fifth Miss.
- Mu Dan.
Wang Qing, I spared you before. Now you've become even more ruthless.
What crime has Fifth Miss committed? How dare you sell her!
Only a useless loser would take his anger out on his own wife.
Don't think that seducing the chief clerk makes me afraid of you.
You're still all alone, aren't you?
She's mine. I can dispose of her as I please.
It has nothing to do with others.
- Let's go! Get up!
- What are you doing? What?
Get up.
What are you doing? What are you doing?
Huanyun Tower is open for business.
You're not taking new people anymore?
- Your wife has a decent household register?
- Of course.
People with decent household registers can't be sold. Pawning a wife is illegal.
Don't you know that?
No point in talking to those worse than animals.
Drag him out and report it. Don't ruin Huanyun Tower.
Yes, Sir.
Fine, fine. I-I'm not selling her anymore.
Thank you, Mu Dan.
- Thank you.
- Get up.
Many thanks, Sir, thank you.
- Come on.
- Thanks.
- What are you doing?
- I'm taking her home.
Fifth Miss, you did all that to save her.
She's quite capable, there was no need for you to do anything.
Others can forbid me from selling you, but can't control me teaching you a lesson.
Come home with me. Once at home, I'll make you pay.
- Let's go!
- Fifth Miss. Fifth Miss!
Come on.
Wait!
Fifth Miss, if you follow me, you might still suffer.
But I promise you no one will dare bully or humiliate you again.
Are you willing to live with me?
What will it take for you to let her go?
Give me 10 guan. I'll write a dismissal letter right now.
(1,000 bronze coins of 1 wen)
All right. I'll give you 10 guan.
I want you to write a divorce agreement.
'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 fill the air and glasses are raised ♫
♫ 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 ♫