Flourished Peony (2025) s01e08 Episode Script
Episode 8
What will it take for you to let her go?
Give me 10 guan. I'll write a dismissal letter right now.
All right. I'll give you 10 guan.
I want you to write a divorce agreement.
Okay.
Fifth Miss, Fifth Miss.
Wait for me.
Shopkeeper Yun, I pledge this jade to you in exchange for a loan of 10 guan.
Interest is charged according to your rules. Is that okay?
You can barely survive, yet you spend money on others?
You said before that…
It's a gift from my deceased mother. I won't forsake it unless it's a dire necessity.
Please forgive me.
You've thought it through?
Wang Qing is a brute.
If Fifth Miss is taken back, she'll be beaten to death.
This jade was left to you by your mother.
You can't pawn it.
No matter how precious the jade is, it's not as important as a human life.
My mother's spirit in heaven surely won't blame me.
Shopkeeper Yun, I pledge this jade to you personally.
When I've saved up enough money, I'll buy it back.
Is that okay?
I'm willing to lend you the money, no need for interest.
You're generous and charitable.
I'm truly grateful, but rules must be followed.
Take it.
[Pawn Agreement]
Shopkeeper Yun.
Take it.
Wait.
You three are done.
It's time for Shopkeeper Yun to count her losses.
Everything in Huanyun Tower costs a fortune.
An outsider caused trouble and damaged things. Shopkeeper Yun, you must make him pay for it.
I was so busy that I forgot it. Thank you for the reminder, Young Master.
Wang Qing, the peony you trampled is called Vermillion Beauty.
It's worth at least 1,000 wen a plant.
The bog orchid is worth at least 800 wen.
How can these flowers be so expensive? You can't fool me.
Just check the market and you'll know their prices. Who'd deceive you?
Even if you report it to the authorities, it would result in more, not less.
All these trampled items cost at least 20 guan.
There's not enough money in it to cover it. You're ten guan short.
Shopkeeper Yun, how do you get him to pay the rest of the money?
That's impudent, you're plotting to take my money!
Is this a place for you to make a scene?
Since you have no money, it doesn't matter. One strike for each guan.
After ten strikes, you'll have paid in full.
You all you all are using power to bully people!
Paying debts is a natural duty. Whom have I bullied?
My skin is tender. As for doing the striking…
Chuan Yu.
Yes, Sir.
Chuan Yu, haven't you eaten?
Your punch lacks strength.
Shopkeeper Yun, why are you imitating her? Do you want to be a living Buddha?
Young Master, do you know? This is the righteousness and friendship among women.
Fifth Miss, are you okay?
I originally had some worries.
However, watching you thrive in this crummy place,
I fear nothing.
The absence of liberty is the scariest thing.
Come on.
Have some fruit.
Fifth Miss, look.
Such a beautiful sunset.
The splendid sunset bathes both the resplendent palaces of the imperial nobility
and the crumbling ruins of the common people.
Therefore, at this moment, we're just like them.
At this time in the past, I was always busy,
and never thought to look up.
Mu Dan.
You're like the twilight that illuminates me.
You, too.
You were so afraid of Wang Qing, but you kept reminding me to leave.
You knew you'd be beaten for helping me escape, but you still held the bucket for me.
Fifth Miss, you're braver and kinder than you think.
It's because you saved me that I can save you today.
Don't cry. It's all in the past.
It's over now.
We've known each other for this long. You've never told me your full name.
Since I was born, my mother has only called me Fifth.
I don't have a formal name.
Can you give me one?
Sure.
Today is your new beginning. You should have a good name as a lucky sign.
Wait for me.
I hope you can achieve success in everything and live a worry-free life.
How about we call you…
[Sheng]
Sheng.
(meaning success)
[Yi]
Yi.
(meaning wish)
Sheng Yi.
Qin Sheng Yi, how about it?
Although I-I'm illiterate,
it means achieving success in everything…
Qin Sheng Yi…
I like it very much.
Sheng Yi.
- Qin Sheng Yi.
- Qin Sheng Yi.
Sheng Yi.
[Sheng Yi]
Sheng Yi.
While job hunting, I faced obstacles or ran into people like Wang Qing.
If we want to settle down, we must be the owner.
This way we won't get our wages docked or framed.
Apart from making wine and cooking, I have no other skills.
- We're women too. Can we make it?
- Flowers!
Miss, would you like to buy flowers? Graceful and vibrant flowers.
- We'll see.
- Remember to come back and buy one.
- All right.
- Flowers!
Look, what's wrong with being women?
What men can do we can do as well.
You don't even know that you're the one who runs Wang Qing's tavern.
You're so talented.
I also have skills. Something I'm very good at doing is growing flowers.
Chang'an is so big with lots of opportunity. Sooner or later, we'll have our own business.
However, right now we have nothing.
So, we need to find more jobs, earn more money.
By October, if we have saved enough capital, we can buy a batch of peony seedlings.
And then we can run our own shop.
In these months, I should learn to plant and raise flowers.
This shop's purple peony blooms so beautifully. Is this a renowned variety?
This is Dense Misty Purple. It's worth at least 1,000 wen.
That's so expensive.
Should we ask them if they're hiring?
They care so well for a renowned peony. They definitely have skilled gardeners.
Let's check that one out.
This flower is also pretty.
We've almost toured the entire flower market.
You complimented several peonies, too.
But why don't you recommend yourself?
They keep their peonies so well. They don't need more help.
Let's look around more.
- Check that one out and play it by ear.
- Okay.
Ladies, my flowers are the cheapest in the whole flower market. You two are so lucky.
We can tell. How much for one plant?
50 wen.
50 wen? But why are your flowers so much smaller than the others?
All the flowers of this variety look like this. My lady, you can buy some budding plants.
When you get back, you plant them in your yard and wait for them to bloom.
A garden full of bright colors can be enjoyed for a whole season.
Stop coaxing me. They're dwarf peonies, aren't they?
With short stems and roots, they must be very hard to keep.
At least half of these buds won't bloom.
Even the few that do bloom, they'll be as broken and shriveled as this.
Miss, you're so knowledgeable, I'm afraid you're not buying it for yourself.
Miss, how about this? If you buy a lot, we can negotiate.
I run a pastry shop. I want to buy some cheap peonies to borrow their fragrance and color.
Where did you dig them up? If I were to buy them every 10 days, can you supply them?
Of course, I can! I harvested these flowers from the outskirts of Mountain Qingliang.
It's not far from the city. However, the mountain road is rough and steep.
Not many flower farmers go there to pick. I'm the only one who can pick dwarf peonies.
Ladies, how many plants would you like?
Let's go back and discuss it. We'll come back after we've discussed it.
All right, okay. My Lady, don’t forget. Be sure to buy from me.
The flowers at that place earlier were poorly maintained.
Why didn't you ask if they were hiring,
instead you pried into his affairs by asking where the flowers were dug from?
That man doesn't look like a proper florist at first glance.
Likely a mountain-dependent farmer. He sells whatever he digs up.
He won't be running this business forever.
My original idea was to save up enough capital first.
I didn't think we'd get lucky like this today.
Sheng Yi, as of today, we have to start being owners.
The dwarf peony isn't worth 50 wen here.
But I have a way to grow them better and sell at a high price.
In this flower market, apart from his place, no one else sells this flower.
Isn't it just giving us the opportunity to make a big profit?
The peony naturally grows in the mountain.
If we dig it up to sell, no capital is required at all.
This really is a highly profitable business.
It's not that simple. The buds of this flower are small and unattractive.
We need to acquire fertilizer to grow the buds so that every bud will bloom.
Ordinary households don't have large courtyards. If they grow plants themselves, it's troublesome and hard to keep.
However, this flower has short roots, which is suitable for potting.
Therefore, it's cheap and saves space.
True, that's good. But we can't even feed ourselves.
How do we purchase flower fertilizer and pots?
Maybe we should work for a few months first and save up some capital.
The dwarf peony blooming period is limited. This business opportunity is hard to come by.
If we don't seize it now, we'll have to wait for next year.
I've come up with a shortcut to making money.
We can have a try.
Young Master Jiang, I have a surefire deal that can't lose.
Care to hear it?
Not interested.
This is a highly profitable business. Just take a look.
If you invest 100 guan, after two months, 100 guan will turn into 1,000 guan.
If this business expands, 1,000 guan will eventually be pieces of a golden pie.
I don't eat pies in the sky. First bring me the 19 pots of flowers you owe me.
If the business of potted peonies takes off, I'll make a fortune every day.
I can also pay you your flowers back quickly. Just take a look.
I can talk big, too. You're just dreaming without any basis.
Find someone else to trick. I won't see you out.
I'm not lying. Envoy Jiang, just take a look…
Envoy Jiang. God of Wealth Jiang.
Envoy Jiang, would you like to take another look?
Chuan Yu is also here.
Jiang Xiao Hua, I changed your name
because I want you to be a new person and become more simple.
Instead of showing gratitude for my help, you're trying to swindle me and leave me with nothing.
That's not acceptable.
I want to make money with my benefactor. It's clearly an act of gratitude.
Just because I owe you, doesn't mean you should have a biased view of my skills and capabilities.
As an old saying goes, a single spark can start a prairie fire.
Every good business needs capital, right?
Please take a look.
You really treat this place as your own home. You've gotten bolder.
Excuse me.
Envoy Jiang, did you forget? We had an agreement.
Today, I originally intended to take care of the Jade Terrace Peony.
It's been rainy recently. This house has good ventilation, but it lacks sufficient light.
It's better to move it to the Jiang Residnece, then settle it in a south-facing room.
This way, when your aunt comes to visit, she can see this flower in full bloom.
While charming playboys are slipping through windows to meet their lovers,
you're captivated by a flower.
You're a true flower devotee.
I slipped through the window for the flower
and this as well.
The price of this peony is high. Those who can afford it are all rich.
Ordinary households in Chang'an don't often buy peonies.
What Chuan Yu described is the business opportunity for low-priced peonies.
The people of Chang'an all envy the peony's splendor.
They can see them, but cannot afford it. There's no where to plant them either.
The dwarf peony I want to sell grows in the wilderness, plus the plant is exquisite.
If it's made into a good and inexpensive potted plant, it will be very popular.
Such a low-cost and high-profit chance given by heaven, could you bear to miss it?
Peonies have a blooming season.
Once spring passes, the so-called business opportunity will be gone.
I intend to take advantage of this spring to make a good profit and save money.
As for the blooming season, the beauty of the four seasons is endless.
When peonies are out of season, I can still sell other flowers.
Envoy Jiang, you know my skills.
I certainly won't let you lose money.
Your business relies on volume.
You only have one pair of hands. How can you manage it all?
Not to mention where can you find so many dwarf peonies?
Whether it's ten, a hundred, or a thousand plants, as long as it makes money to make a living,
I alone can do the work of 10 people. Besides, I have help now.
Plus wild dwarf peonies can be found all over the Mountain Qingliang.
If you don't believe me, tomorrow I'll go to the mountain to pick flowers.
Mountain Qingliang is steep and lofty.
As a woman untrained in martial arts, you can't make it up there.
Just a mountain. Why can't I get up there?
When you see the flowers, you'll be reassured.
Then we can sign the contract. With a clap, a vow is cast.
With a word, a promise is made.
Done.
- Do you need my help?
- No need.
♫ 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 reflects the color of the sky ♫
♫ And never withering ♫
♫ Don’t let time tarnish the beauty of the fragrance ♫
Go!
Your Highness.
Your Highness, what fine archery! The arrow pierced the eye, but left the eagle unharmed.
When the crossbow excels, the arrow flies a hundred paces with perfect precision.
With a military Master Archery Camp armed with such might,
our nation will be impervious to external attacks.
Your Highness, a word from you today can ensure the peace of our borders for a century.
However, this year's military expenditure has already exceeded the budget.
If a new Master Archery Camp is established, I'm afraid it will mean supporting dozens more officials.
For the sake of the state, I'll request the Emperor to open the state treasury.
Those who can command the Master Archery Camp are all talented and must not be neglected.
Bestow upon them, a fifth-grade military rank, the title of Master Archery Lieutenant.
I've always valued talent.
I'll choose candidates soon and report them to you.
- Internal selection of officials? I'm afraid the officials will disagree.
- Your Highness!
Floral Envoy!
Whether selecting talents or great tools, I've never feared criticism from them.
Otherwise, how could you, Minister Zhang, take over the Ministry of Defense?
You can have this eagle for amusement.
Your Highness.
Thank you, Your Highness!
The eagle is so fierce.
But if it were to lose its eyes, it would be nothing more than a floundering beast.
You only need to ensure that the eyes of the army are the eyes of His Highness.
All armies submit to His Highness. His Highness has everything under control.
Sui Zhi, the Imperial Academy is a place for lecturing.
Xu Zu Ping is the Emperor's tutor. Don't cause trouble again.
The memorials complaining about you are piled higher than a horse.
It's unjust. I took a leave of absence to deliver a gift for the Emperor.
How could that be mischief?
That old man Xu is still considered a national scholar?
He's more like a stubborn piece of elm wood.
The more his students report me,
the more the Emperor dislikes governing.
His Highness assists in managing the court. The officials are the bows and crossbows in his hands.
Those who make the bows and crossbows should know the master's direction and goals.
Jiang Chang Yang said I couldn't climb the mountain.
If there's no way, I'll make one myself. I climbed up, didn't I?
Oh, right.
I heard the Emperor has retrieved all of this year's records and memorials from the Ministry of Revenue.
It's good the Emperor is concerned about people's livelihood.
But there are too many memorials to read at once.
As his elder brother, I truly worry about his health.
Just this year's memorials wouldn't be enough.
The Emperor probably wants all three years' worth.
Ever since he suffered from a migraine, he can't go to the Imperial Garden to stroll and play ball.
He can't stand it, so he's playing in his bedroom, using old memorials to build a goal.
If I hadn't been careful, the imperial jade seal might have shattered by now.
Is that so?
This is nothing.
Tomorrow, I'll have the Ministry of Works build a new palace dedicated to strolling and playing ball.
My younger brother has been frail and sickly since childhood..
He should exercise more.
Sui Zhi, You Zhen often praises you.
She said you're an expert at all games.
You must serve diligently to make the Emperor happy.
Of course.
It's a pity about my daughter.
Recently widowed, she has been steeped in sorrow.
She's in dire need of a companion as amusing as you.
It's perfect. You've known each other since childhood and have compatible temperaments.
Your Highness, the one who's well acquainted with her since childhood
and has a compatible temperament is Louyang's Liu Chang.
Everyone knows the Princess has deep feelings for him.
How could I split up a pair of mandarin ducks?
(pair of lovers)
Long absent from the saddle and bow. Last time I was here, I saw a doe, which was quite adorable.
Today, I'm determined to bag it and bring it home.
Sui Zhi, your parents died early.
I've always treated you like a son.
There are things I have to take care of.
You've reached the age to marry and have children.
What's wrong with You Zhen?
In terms of character and appearance, she far surpasses other noble ladies.
What still dissatisfies you with her?
The Princess stands out, I naturally appreciate her.
However, I'm accustomed to independence.
I have peculiar tastes.
If you're fond of the poetic singers or Pear Garden performers,
you could take them as concubines.
Ever since I became the Floral Envoy,
the courtesans, both fair and skilled, have become all too familiar to me.
As for the noble ladies, they're haughty and refined.
I'm just a commoner with some money. We're both tired of each other.
Sui Zhi, for years, you've wandered the realms of joy and never spoke of marriage or offspring.
I'm really curious.
What kind of woman could win your favor?
If I were truly to get married, I have to find someone with similar interests.
She doesn't need to excel in many skills, but must cherish wealth as if it were life itself.
Life should be about living well and enjoying every moment.
You don't trust me, so you're spouting nonsense at me.
There's sincerity in every word.
I favor those with a fierce tongue and a rebellious spirit.
The more she defies convention, the more she can astonish you.
In my residence, there are few people.
If she could be quite a character and in her leisure,
curse or strike me with a few blows, wouldn't that be lively?
A shrew like the one you speak of would surely remain unwed.
Sui Zhi, in seeking a wife, virtue is key.
Don't let a fleeting joy sway your choice.
In my opinion…
I seem to have found the doe.
The plant is small with delicate and fine roots.
Luckily, it's intact.
Look at that… why do I feel like I've shot someone?
Intruding the forbidden zone of the regal hunt, they deserve whatever happens to them.
- Guards!
- Wait.
She appears to be a charming young lady.
I must witness this serendipitous encounter.
Beauty.
- Jia—
- Beauty.
Beauty, what's wrong with you?
Beauty.
You've crossed the line.
To depart unscathed, you must tread lightly.
I was ignorant. I was picking flowers and came here by mistake.
I bumped into my lords. I seek forgiveness!
Since she's alive, send her to the Jingzhao authorities.
Envoy Jiang, don't let a lowly person ruin the mood of the hunt!
Miss?
Don't be afraid. I hurt you by mistake.
I'm truly sorry. Where are you injured?
Let me take a look.
I feel a momentary palpitation and dizziness.
I…
Beauty! The beauty has fainted! Guards!
Where is the camp set up?
Guards!
Guards!
Princess used to love riding horses. Why didn't you go hunting with His Highness today?
If you don't go, we can't go either.
It's a pity we won't see the spring colors of Mountain Qingliang.
I think you two aren't regretting missing the spring scenery.
You're regretting not seeing the talented scholars from the aristocracy at the hunting ground.
We're humble people.
His Highness himself will choose a son-in-law for you. You can choose from a wide range of men.
It's heard that the Liu family from Luoyang has eagerly sent betrothal and auspicious gifts.
It's truly enviable.
Princess, if there's a wedding approaching, why do you have a worried expression?
Does His Highness not approve of this marriage?
Does he still like Jiang Chang Yang?
My father knows that Jiang Chang Yang is a vagabond with no great aspirations.
What he values is only that he's the confidant of the Emperor.
However, my heart isn't a stone, it can't be so easily swayed.
This time no matter how my father threatens me, I will not compromise.
I just saw Jiang Chang Yang's carriage heading to Mountain Qingliang.
I'm afraid His Highness will take advantage of this hunting day to propose to you—
Bi Yu!
I'll ready the carriage now.
By the time the carriage slowly arrives at Qingliang Mountain, he'll have settled it already.
Bring me the fastest horse in the residence.
Yes.
Your Highness intends to bestow a marriage, which is a great joy.
Nonetheless, I'm deeply engrossed in pleasure and my mind is unsettled.
If I were to truly marry, it wouldn't only restrict myself,
but also wrong Princess Ji'an and fail to honor Your Highness's kindness.
Without a wife or children, you are like rootless duckweed.
While it may seem free, it's actually lonely and without support.
Your Highness is absolutely right.
All that I've achieved today is thanks to your nurturing and care.
Prince Ning's residence is my root. How could I forget?
Your confidant, Magistrate Chen, has always entrusted you to find his son, Chen Zhang, an official position in Chang'an.
However, Chen Zhang failed the imperial examinations and behaves absurdly.
Your Highness intends to promote him, but must also take into account your reputation.
Sui Zhi, are you going to help me?
Of course.
On that day, I seized the moment when the Emperor was in great spirits playing ball and mentioned it casually.
The Emperor has consented, appointing Chen Zhang as a warehouse keeper in Luoyang.
By staying away from Chang'an, it effectively mutes the officials
and also satisfies your desire to cherish talent.
That Chen guy…
is quite clever. He entrusted it to the right person.
The warehouse keeper isn't a high-ranking position,
but it can govern taxes and tributes, granaries and land.
Sui Zhi, you've been diligent.
Yet I've been shallow.
I almost sympathized with a greedy official who trades in official positions.
Sui Zhi, today's hunt wasn't that enjoyable.
You didn't get the doe, but I got a leopard.
I can't let you have come for nothing.
I give it to you as a gift.
Your Highness, the Princess has arrived.
The Princess?
Today, I caught a beauty and received a reward from Your Highness.
Indeed, the harvest is plentiful.
The injured beauty can't leave me.
I won't disturb your conversation with the Princess.
Jiang Chang Yang is truly clever and insightful.
What a pity about You Zhen. She's so disappointing.
Stop pretending.
You were eavesdropping, weren't you?
It seems you're concerned about the Princess's marriage.
Why not catch up with her?
Lower your voice!
She hasn't even come up the mountain yet. Yet you're this scared?
You used me as an excuse to get away today.
You don't thank me, but you're being sarcastic instead.
There's a hunt in Mountain Qingliang today. Why didn't you tell me?
I told you not to come, yet you insisted on coming.
Why should I bother to embarrass myself?
If I made it up here, you could use me as an excuse to leave.
If I couldn't, then you can push off the deal.
Your mental abacus is so noisy. Even the owner of Zhang's noodle shop in Luoyang can hear it.
Thank goodness you didn't meet any dangerous beasts, or I'd be the one held responsible.
You guys have already shot all the beasts. There's nothing left for me to do.
In the past, there was Tao Qian who wouldn't bow for five specks of rice.
Today, there's the Floral Envoy who pledges allegiance for a leopard.
It seems the Floral Envoy not only enjoys appreciating flowers, but also likes taming beasts.
Superficial.
'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 ♫
Give me 10 guan. I'll write a dismissal letter right now.
All right. I'll give you 10 guan.
I want you to write a divorce agreement.
Okay.
Fifth Miss, Fifth Miss.
Wait for me.
Shopkeeper Yun, I pledge this jade to you in exchange for a loan of 10 guan.
Interest is charged according to your rules. Is that okay?
You can barely survive, yet you spend money on others?
You said before that…
It's a gift from my deceased mother. I won't forsake it unless it's a dire necessity.
Please forgive me.
You've thought it through?
Wang Qing is a brute.
If Fifth Miss is taken back, she'll be beaten to death.
This jade was left to you by your mother.
You can't pawn it.
No matter how precious the jade is, it's not as important as a human life.
My mother's spirit in heaven surely won't blame me.
Shopkeeper Yun, I pledge this jade to you personally.
When I've saved up enough money, I'll buy it back.
Is that okay?
I'm willing to lend you the money, no need for interest.
You're generous and charitable.
I'm truly grateful, but rules must be followed.
Take it.
[Pawn Agreement]
Shopkeeper Yun.
Take it.
Wait.
You three are done.
It's time for Shopkeeper Yun to count her losses.
Everything in Huanyun Tower costs a fortune.
An outsider caused trouble and damaged things. Shopkeeper Yun, you must make him pay for it.
I was so busy that I forgot it. Thank you for the reminder, Young Master.
Wang Qing, the peony you trampled is called Vermillion Beauty.
It's worth at least 1,000 wen a plant.
The bog orchid is worth at least 800 wen.
How can these flowers be so expensive? You can't fool me.
Just check the market and you'll know their prices. Who'd deceive you?
Even if you report it to the authorities, it would result in more, not less.
All these trampled items cost at least 20 guan.
There's not enough money in it to cover it. You're ten guan short.
Shopkeeper Yun, how do you get him to pay the rest of the money?
That's impudent, you're plotting to take my money!
Is this a place for you to make a scene?
Since you have no money, it doesn't matter. One strike for each guan.
After ten strikes, you'll have paid in full.
You all you all are using power to bully people!
Paying debts is a natural duty. Whom have I bullied?
My skin is tender. As for doing the striking…
Chuan Yu.
Yes, Sir.
Chuan Yu, haven't you eaten?
Your punch lacks strength.
Shopkeeper Yun, why are you imitating her? Do you want to be a living Buddha?
Young Master, do you know? This is the righteousness and friendship among women.
Fifth Miss, are you okay?
I originally had some worries.
However, watching you thrive in this crummy place,
I fear nothing.
The absence of liberty is the scariest thing.
Come on.
Have some fruit.
Fifth Miss, look.
Such a beautiful sunset.
The splendid sunset bathes both the resplendent palaces of the imperial nobility
and the crumbling ruins of the common people.
Therefore, at this moment, we're just like them.
At this time in the past, I was always busy,
and never thought to look up.
Mu Dan.
You're like the twilight that illuminates me.
You, too.
You were so afraid of Wang Qing, but you kept reminding me to leave.
You knew you'd be beaten for helping me escape, but you still held the bucket for me.
Fifth Miss, you're braver and kinder than you think.
It's because you saved me that I can save you today.
Don't cry. It's all in the past.
It's over now.
We've known each other for this long. You've never told me your full name.
Since I was born, my mother has only called me Fifth.
I don't have a formal name.
Can you give me one?
Sure.
Today is your new beginning. You should have a good name as a lucky sign.
Wait for me.
I hope you can achieve success in everything and live a worry-free life.
How about we call you…
[Sheng]
Sheng.
(meaning success)
[Yi]
Yi.
(meaning wish)
Sheng Yi.
Qin Sheng Yi, how about it?
Although I-I'm illiterate,
it means achieving success in everything…
Qin Sheng Yi…
I like it very much.
Sheng Yi.
- Qin Sheng Yi.
- Qin Sheng Yi.
Sheng Yi.
[Sheng Yi]
Sheng Yi.
While job hunting, I faced obstacles or ran into people like Wang Qing.
If we want to settle down, we must be the owner.
This way we won't get our wages docked or framed.
Apart from making wine and cooking, I have no other skills.
- We're women too. Can we make it?
- Flowers!
Miss, would you like to buy flowers? Graceful and vibrant flowers.
- We'll see.
- Remember to come back and buy one.
- All right.
- Flowers!
Look, what's wrong with being women?
What men can do we can do as well.
You don't even know that you're the one who runs Wang Qing's tavern.
You're so talented.
I also have skills. Something I'm very good at doing is growing flowers.
Chang'an is so big with lots of opportunity. Sooner or later, we'll have our own business.
However, right now we have nothing.
So, we need to find more jobs, earn more money.
By October, if we have saved enough capital, we can buy a batch of peony seedlings.
And then we can run our own shop.
In these months, I should learn to plant and raise flowers.
This shop's purple peony blooms so beautifully. Is this a renowned variety?
This is Dense Misty Purple. It's worth at least 1,000 wen.
That's so expensive.
Should we ask them if they're hiring?
They care so well for a renowned peony. They definitely have skilled gardeners.
Let's check that one out.
This flower is also pretty.
We've almost toured the entire flower market.
You complimented several peonies, too.
But why don't you recommend yourself?
They keep their peonies so well. They don't need more help.
Let's look around more.
- Check that one out and play it by ear.
- Okay.
Ladies, my flowers are the cheapest in the whole flower market. You two are so lucky.
We can tell. How much for one plant?
50 wen.
50 wen? But why are your flowers so much smaller than the others?
All the flowers of this variety look like this. My lady, you can buy some budding plants.
When you get back, you plant them in your yard and wait for them to bloom.
A garden full of bright colors can be enjoyed for a whole season.
Stop coaxing me. They're dwarf peonies, aren't they?
With short stems and roots, they must be very hard to keep.
At least half of these buds won't bloom.
Even the few that do bloom, they'll be as broken and shriveled as this.
Miss, you're so knowledgeable, I'm afraid you're not buying it for yourself.
Miss, how about this? If you buy a lot, we can negotiate.
I run a pastry shop. I want to buy some cheap peonies to borrow their fragrance and color.
Where did you dig them up? If I were to buy them every 10 days, can you supply them?
Of course, I can! I harvested these flowers from the outskirts of Mountain Qingliang.
It's not far from the city. However, the mountain road is rough and steep.
Not many flower farmers go there to pick. I'm the only one who can pick dwarf peonies.
Ladies, how many plants would you like?
Let's go back and discuss it. We'll come back after we've discussed it.
All right, okay. My Lady, don’t forget. Be sure to buy from me.
The flowers at that place earlier were poorly maintained.
Why didn't you ask if they were hiring,
instead you pried into his affairs by asking where the flowers were dug from?
That man doesn't look like a proper florist at first glance.
Likely a mountain-dependent farmer. He sells whatever he digs up.
He won't be running this business forever.
My original idea was to save up enough capital first.
I didn't think we'd get lucky like this today.
Sheng Yi, as of today, we have to start being owners.
The dwarf peony isn't worth 50 wen here.
But I have a way to grow them better and sell at a high price.
In this flower market, apart from his place, no one else sells this flower.
Isn't it just giving us the opportunity to make a big profit?
The peony naturally grows in the mountain.
If we dig it up to sell, no capital is required at all.
This really is a highly profitable business.
It's not that simple. The buds of this flower are small and unattractive.
We need to acquire fertilizer to grow the buds so that every bud will bloom.
Ordinary households don't have large courtyards. If they grow plants themselves, it's troublesome and hard to keep.
However, this flower has short roots, which is suitable for potting.
Therefore, it's cheap and saves space.
True, that's good. But we can't even feed ourselves.
How do we purchase flower fertilizer and pots?
Maybe we should work for a few months first and save up some capital.
The dwarf peony blooming period is limited. This business opportunity is hard to come by.
If we don't seize it now, we'll have to wait for next year.
I've come up with a shortcut to making money.
We can have a try.
Young Master Jiang, I have a surefire deal that can't lose.
Care to hear it?
Not interested.
This is a highly profitable business. Just take a look.
If you invest 100 guan, after two months, 100 guan will turn into 1,000 guan.
If this business expands, 1,000 guan will eventually be pieces of a golden pie.
I don't eat pies in the sky. First bring me the 19 pots of flowers you owe me.
If the business of potted peonies takes off, I'll make a fortune every day.
I can also pay you your flowers back quickly. Just take a look.
I can talk big, too. You're just dreaming without any basis.
Find someone else to trick. I won't see you out.
I'm not lying. Envoy Jiang, just take a look…
Envoy Jiang. God of Wealth Jiang.
Envoy Jiang, would you like to take another look?
Chuan Yu is also here.
Jiang Xiao Hua, I changed your name
because I want you to be a new person and become more simple.
Instead of showing gratitude for my help, you're trying to swindle me and leave me with nothing.
That's not acceptable.
I want to make money with my benefactor. It's clearly an act of gratitude.
Just because I owe you, doesn't mean you should have a biased view of my skills and capabilities.
As an old saying goes, a single spark can start a prairie fire.
Every good business needs capital, right?
Please take a look.
You really treat this place as your own home. You've gotten bolder.
Excuse me.
Envoy Jiang, did you forget? We had an agreement.
Today, I originally intended to take care of the Jade Terrace Peony.
It's been rainy recently. This house has good ventilation, but it lacks sufficient light.
It's better to move it to the Jiang Residnece, then settle it in a south-facing room.
This way, when your aunt comes to visit, she can see this flower in full bloom.
While charming playboys are slipping through windows to meet their lovers,
you're captivated by a flower.
You're a true flower devotee.
I slipped through the window for the flower
and this as well.
The price of this peony is high. Those who can afford it are all rich.
Ordinary households in Chang'an don't often buy peonies.
What Chuan Yu described is the business opportunity for low-priced peonies.
The people of Chang'an all envy the peony's splendor.
They can see them, but cannot afford it. There's no where to plant them either.
The dwarf peony I want to sell grows in the wilderness, plus the plant is exquisite.
If it's made into a good and inexpensive potted plant, it will be very popular.
Such a low-cost and high-profit chance given by heaven, could you bear to miss it?
Peonies have a blooming season.
Once spring passes, the so-called business opportunity will be gone.
I intend to take advantage of this spring to make a good profit and save money.
As for the blooming season, the beauty of the four seasons is endless.
When peonies are out of season, I can still sell other flowers.
Envoy Jiang, you know my skills.
I certainly won't let you lose money.
Your business relies on volume.
You only have one pair of hands. How can you manage it all?
Not to mention where can you find so many dwarf peonies?
Whether it's ten, a hundred, or a thousand plants, as long as it makes money to make a living,
I alone can do the work of 10 people. Besides, I have help now.
Plus wild dwarf peonies can be found all over the Mountain Qingliang.
If you don't believe me, tomorrow I'll go to the mountain to pick flowers.
Mountain Qingliang is steep and lofty.
As a woman untrained in martial arts, you can't make it up there.
Just a mountain. Why can't I get up there?
When you see the flowers, you'll be reassured.
Then we can sign the contract. With a clap, a vow is cast.
With a word, a promise is made.
Done.
- Do you need my help?
- No need.
♫ 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 reflects the color of the sky ♫
♫ And never withering ♫
♫ Don’t let time tarnish the beauty of the fragrance ♫
Go!
Your Highness.
Your Highness, what fine archery! The arrow pierced the eye, but left the eagle unharmed.
When the crossbow excels, the arrow flies a hundred paces with perfect precision.
With a military Master Archery Camp armed with such might,
our nation will be impervious to external attacks.
Your Highness, a word from you today can ensure the peace of our borders for a century.
However, this year's military expenditure has already exceeded the budget.
If a new Master Archery Camp is established, I'm afraid it will mean supporting dozens more officials.
For the sake of the state, I'll request the Emperor to open the state treasury.
Those who can command the Master Archery Camp are all talented and must not be neglected.
Bestow upon them, a fifth-grade military rank, the title of Master Archery Lieutenant.
I've always valued talent.
I'll choose candidates soon and report them to you.
- Internal selection of officials? I'm afraid the officials will disagree.
- Your Highness!
Floral Envoy!
Whether selecting talents or great tools, I've never feared criticism from them.
Otherwise, how could you, Minister Zhang, take over the Ministry of Defense?
You can have this eagle for amusement.
Your Highness.
Thank you, Your Highness!
The eagle is so fierce.
But if it were to lose its eyes, it would be nothing more than a floundering beast.
You only need to ensure that the eyes of the army are the eyes of His Highness.
All armies submit to His Highness. His Highness has everything under control.
Sui Zhi, the Imperial Academy is a place for lecturing.
Xu Zu Ping is the Emperor's tutor. Don't cause trouble again.
The memorials complaining about you are piled higher than a horse.
It's unjust. I took a leave of absence to deliver a gift for the Emperor.
How could that be mischief?
That old man Xu is still considered a national scholar?
He's more like a stubborn piece of elm wood.
The more his students report me,
the more the Emperor dislikes governing.
His Highness assists in managing the court. The officials are the bows and crossbows in his hands.
Those who make the bows and crossbows should know the master's direction and goals.
Jiang Chang Yang said I couldn't climb the mountain.
If there's no way, I'll make one myself. I climbed up, didn't I?
Oh, right.
I heard the Emperor has retrieved all of this year's records and memorials from the Ministry of Revenue.
It's good the Emperor is concerned about people's livelihood.
But there are too many memorials to read at once.
As his elder brother, I truly worry about his health.
Just this year's memorials wouldn't be enough.
The Emperor probably wants all three years' worth.
Ever since he suffered from a migraine, he can't go to the Imperial Garden to stroll and play ball.
He can't stand it, so he's playing in his bedroom, using old memorials to build a goal.
If I hadn't been careful, the imperial jade seal might have shattered by now.
Is that so?
This is nothing.
Tomorrow, I'll have the Ministry of Works build a new palace dedicated to strolling and playing ball.
My younger brother has been frail and sickly since childhood..
He should exercise more.
Sui Zhi, You Zhen often praises you.
She said you're an expert at all games.
You must serve diligently to make the Emperor happy.
Of course.
It's a pity about my daughter.
Recently widowed, she has been steeped in sorrow.
She's in dire need of a companion as amusing as you.
It's perfect. You've known each other since childhood and have compatible temperaments.
Your Highness, the one who's well acquainted with her since childhood
and has a compatible temperament is Louyang's Liu Chang.
Everyone knows the Princess has deep feelings for him.
How could I split up a pair of mandarin ducks?
(pair of lovers)
Long absent from the saddle and bow. Last time I was here, I saw a doe, which was quite adorable.
Today, I'm determined to bag it and bring it home.
Sui Zhi, your parents died early.
I've always treated you like a son.
There are things I have to take care of.
You've reached the age to marry and have children.
What's wrong with You Zhen?
In terms of character and appearance, she far surpasses other noble ladies.
What still dissatisfies you with her?
The Princess stands out, I naturally appreciate her.
However, I'm accustomed to independence.
I have peculiar tastes.
If you're fond of the poetic singers or Pear Garden performers,
you could take them as concubines.
Ever since I became the Floral Envoy,
the courtesans, both fair and skilled, have become all too familiar to me.
As for the noble ladies, they're haughty and refined.
I'm just a commoner with some money. We're both tired of each other.
Sui Zhi, for years, you've wandered the realms of joy and never spoke of marriage or offspring.
I'm really curious.
What kind of woman could win your favor?
If I were truly to get married, I have to find someone with similar interests.
She doesn't need to excel in many skills, but must cherish wealth as if it were life itself.
Life should be about living well and enjoying every moment.
You don't trust me, so you're spouting nonsense at me.
There's sincerity in every word.
I favor those with a fierce tongue and a rebellious spirit.
The more she defies convention, the more she can astonish you.
In my residence, there are few people.
If she could be quite a character and in her leisure,
curse or strike me with a few blows, wouldn't that be lively?
A shrew like the one you speak of would surely remain unwed.
Sui Zhi, in seeking a wife, virtue is key.
Don't let a fleeting joy sway your choice.
In my opinion…
I seem to have found the doe.
The plant is small with delicate and fine roots.
Luckily, it's intact.
Look at that… why do I feel like I've shot someone?
Intruding the forbidden zone of the regal hunt, they deserve whatever happens to them.
- Guards!
- Wait.
She appears to be a charming young lady.
I must witness this serendipitous encounter.
Beauty.
- Jia—
- Beauty.
Beauty, what's wrong with you?
Beauty.
You've crossed the line.
To depart unscathed, you must tread lightly.
I was ignorant. I was picking flowers and came here by mistake.
I bumped into my lords. I seek forgiveness!
Since she's alive, send her to the Jingzhao authorities.
Envoy Jiang, don't let a lowly person ruin the mood of the hunt!
Miss?
Don't be afraid. I hurt you by mistake.
I'm truly sorry. Where are you injured?
Let me take a look.
I feel a momentary palpitation and dizziness.
I…
Beauty! The beauty has fainted! Guards!
Where is the camp set up?
Guards!
Guards!
Princess used to love riding horses. Why didn't you go hunting with His Highness today?
If you don't go, we can't go either.
It's a pity we won't see the spring colors of Mountain Qingliang.
I think you two aren't regretting missing the spring scenery.
You're regretting not seeing the talented scholars from the aristocracy at the hunting ground.
We're humble people.
His Highness himself will choose a son-in-law for you. You can choose from a wide range of men.
It's heard that the Liu family from Luoyang has eagerly sent betrothal and auspicious gifts.
It's truly enviable.
Princess, if there's a wedding approaching, why do you have a worried expression?
Does His Highness not approve of this marriage?
Does he still like Jiang Chang Yang?
My father knows that Jiang Chang Yang is a vagabond with no great aspirations.
What he values is only that he's the confidant of the Emperor.
However, my heart isn't a stone, it can't be so easily swayed.
This time no matter how my father threatens me, I will not compromise.
I just saw Jiang Chang Yang's carriage heading to Mountain Qingliang.
I'm afraid His Highness will take advantage of this hunting day to propose to you—
Bi Yu!
I'll ready the carriage now.
By the time the carriage slowly arrives at Qingliang Mountain, he'll have settled it already.
Bring me the fastest horse in the residence.
Yes.
Your Highness intends to bestow a marriage, which is a great joy.
Nonetheless, I'm deeply engrossed in pleasure and my mind is unsettled.
If I were to truly marry, it wouldn't only restrict myself,
but also wrong Princess Ji'an and fail to honor Your Highness's kindness.
Without a wife or children, you are like rootless duckweed.
While it may seem free, it's actually lonely and without support.
Your Highness is absolutely right.
All that I've achieved today is thanks to your nurturing and care.
Prince Ning's residence is my root. How could I forget?
Your confidant, Magistrate Chen, has always entrusted you to find his son, Chen Zhang, an official position in Chang'an.
However, Chen Zhang failed the imperial examinations and behaves absurdly.
Your Highness intends to promote him, but must also take into account your reputation.
Sui Zhi, are you going to help me?
Of course.
On that day, I seized the moment when the Emperor was in great spirits playing ball and mentioned it casually.
The Emperor has consented, appointing Chen Zhang as a warehouse keeper in Luoyang.
By staying away from Chang'an, it effectively mutes the officials
and also satisfies your desire to cherish talent.
That Chen guy…
is quite clever. He entrusted it to the right person.
The warehouse keeper isn't a high-ranking position,
but it can govern taxes and tributes, granaries and land.
Sui Zhi, you've been diligent.
Yet I've been shallow.
I almost sympathized with a greedy official who trades in official positions.
Sui Zhi, today's hunt wasn't that enjoyable.
You didn't get the doe, but I got a leopard.
I can't let you have come for nothing.
I give it to you as a gift.
Your Highness, the Princess has arrived.
The Princess?
Today, I caught a beauty and received a reward from Your Highness.
Indeed, the harvest is plentiful.
The injured beauty can't leave me.
I won't disturb your conversation with the Princess.
Jiang Chang Yang is truly clever and insightful.
What a pity about You Zhen. She's so disappointing.
Stop pretending.
You were eavesdropping, weren't you?
It seems you're concerned about the Princess's marriage.
Why not catch up with her?
Lower your voice!
She hasn't even come up the mountain yet. Yet you're this scared?
You used me as an excuse to get away today.
You don't thank me, but you're being sarcastic instead.
There's a hunt in Mountain Qingliang today. Why didn't you tell me?
I told you not to come, yet you insisted on coming.
Why should I bother to embarrass myself?
If I made it up here, you could use me as an excuse to leave.
If I couldn't, then you can push off the deal.
Your mental abacus is so noisy. Even the owner of Zhang's noodle shop in Luoyang can hear it.
Thank goodness you didn't meet any dangerous beasts, or I'd be the one held responsible.
You guys have already shot all the beasts. There's nothing left for me to do.
In the past, there was Tao Qian who wouldn't bow for five specks of rice.
Today, there's the Floral Envoy who pledges allegiance for a leopard.
It seems the Floral Envoy not only enjoys appreciating flowers, but also likes taming beasts.
Superficial.
'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 ♫