Flourished Peony (2025) s01e13 Episode Script

Please show your pass.
Next.
Wait another half hour. I should get home before curfew.
After two more blocks and we'll be there. Curfew time is approaching!
No need to see me out. Please go back!
You rarely come to the Commandant Residence.
The Commandant told me to get you home safely.
Master Xu, the rain is heavy. Be careful. The roads are wet and slippery.
No need to accompany me further. You may go back.
Protect…
Master Xu, go.
Some things, once seen,
you can't live anymore.
No.
Don't. Don't.
You had a nightmare again?
No, I just dreamed that we lost money in our business again.
Sheng Yi, I feel better now.
I can work with you today.
We can't do business today. You get some rest.
Why?
Master Xu died unexpectedly. It's his burial today.
All the businesses in the city are closed. The people are gathering for his funeral.
When did Master Xu die?
What happened to him?
Some bandits infiltrated the city.
Three days ago, the night you brought back flowers, Master Xu was kidnapped by them.
I hear the bandits are extremely vicious. They killed Master Xu and all his guards.
Their bodies were swept away by the swollen river and found the next day.
Da Fu went to take a look out of curiosity.
She said that the dead were unrecognizable. Their death was tragic.
- It was on the same day?
- Indeed.
Fortunately, you didn't run into those bandits. Even thinking of it now scares me.
They say Master Xu was a great scholar of our time. He was deeply respected.
He often spoke out for us common folks.
Sadly, no good deed goes unpunished.
Sheng Yi, my cousin works at the Imperial Academy.
This must have hit him hard. I'll go see him.
Then take your medicine first.
Okay.
Okay.
Master Xu, I failed to protect you.
Rest in peace, Master Xu.
I will forever remember you.
I will remember you. We will always remember your teachings.
Rest in peace. Your virtues will be forever remembered.
We shall continue the ambition and move forward.
Rest in peace. I will forever remember you.
[Imperial Academy]
Rest in peace.
Excuse me, please call Li Xing for me.
Please wait a moment.
[Imperial Academy]
Cousin.
Mu Dan.
Cousin, I've heard about Master Xu's death.
Considering he was your teacher, I came to see you.
I'm so sorry.
Thank you for your condolences.
There's just a lot to do today, so I can't talk for too long.
I have things to take care of.
Cousin.
May I ask if Master Xu was grey-haired?
There was a mole here.
You knew him?
It really was him.
I met Master Xu once.
I once received kindness from him.
Could you take me inside?
I'd like to pay my respects to him.
So I can feel at ease.
This is an unexpected fate.
Come with me.
Additional Secretary of Ministry of Works has arrived.
[Imperial Academy]
For a nation, the people are the foundation. That foundation leads to peace.
Value talent over social status. Think of the country and the people.
For a nation, the people are the foundation. That foundation leads to peace.
Value talent over social status. Think of the country and the people.
I thought most of the officials were as irresponsible as the County Magistrate of Luoyang.
To my surprise, Master Xu was a good official adored by the masses.
Master Xu was dedicated to his official duties.
He devoted himself to his work. He dedicated all he had to the nation and its people.
[Funeral]
He had no children.
Yet, he had millions of students.
All of whom were his children.
Has the murderer who killed Master Xu been captured?
Those bandits resisted desperately.
[May Ancestors Find Peace]
In the end, they were all slain by the Marquis.
But what's the point?
Master Xu is dead.
That foundation leads to peace.
Cousin.
Actually, Master Xu--
Deputy Minister of Office of Imperial Ceremonies is here to pay his respects.
Why did he come?
For a nation, the people are the foundation. That foundation leads to peace.
His Majesty sent me to pay respects!
Master!
His Majesty sent me to pay respects!
Master!
Master!
His Majesty sent me to pour libations.
Upon learning of your demise, His Majesty fainted out of grief.
He regrets not seeing you one last time.
His Majesty has promised he will surely follow your last wishes.
I'm also so deep in grief.
Over these years, I've always angered you.
I haven't made it right yet.
How could you suddenly leave us?
You were a great scholar and a tutor of two emperors.
Your contributions to the nation are huge.
[Funeral]
I've already ordered people to erect a monument and write about you.
Your name shall forever remain in academia,
left in posterity, and remembered by the public.
Master!
[Funeral]
Master
Cousin, was the Floral Envoy also a student of Master Xu?
Ever since he became a jester, Master Xu has never acknowledged him as his student.
He's He's crying so sadly.
Was he really close to Master Xu before?
In the court, he shields his faction and excludes the dissidents, always going against Master Xu.
He even turned His Majesty and Master Xu against each other.
No matter how hard he's crying, it's all an act.
He's so shameless.
So, no one in the court can deal with him?
Even if he commits a felony, will he be pardoned?
His Majesty is deceived by him. He's long been deaf to the advice of others.
No, I can't watch him make a scene.
I could get a divorce before because Jiang Chang Yang was my backer.
If I tell on him, the truth about Master Xu's death might not be revealed.
I'm afraid I might be silenced by him.
Master Xu, I'm sorry.
Please take the Floral Envoy away. Please let Master Xu rest in peace.
[Funeral]
Master! Master!
Find out He Wei Fang is here.
Yes.
[Imperial Academy]
- Thank you.
- You're welcome. Take care.
[Property for Sale]
Sheng Yi, what do you think?
This shop is quite good. Let's settle on this one.
So, we can—
Are you okay? What's wrong?
- Mu Dan?
- I'm fine.
Why have you been out of sorts lately?
Even the slightest movements scare you.
Due to the recent insurrection of the bandits, I always feel a bit uneasy.
The bandits have already been killed by the authorities. I watched them being executed.
They're totally dead. No need to worry.
Yes, they all died.
I-I have nothing to worry about anymore.
I-I want to discuss something with you guys.
We can't always live in the Jiang residence.
[Property for Sale]
When our business gets better, let's move out.
Then Madam Sun can live with us, the more people, the merrier.
Okay. For you.
- Let's go.
- Alright.
Let's go.
Miss He seems to be avoiding you.
Every time she comes to take care of the Jade Terrace, you're always not home.
And she comes and goes in a hurry. She no longer likes chatting and joking with others like before.
Miss He has relatives in Chang'an.
Li Xing, Master Xu's beloved disciple, is her cousin.
Young Master Jiang, it's the middle of the night, why are you sitting on the wall?
Can't you knock on the door? Why are you climbing over the wall?
You this will scare people to death.
I was just enjoying the night views on the walls of my own house.
I didn't mean to scare you.
Could it be
that you're afraid of something?
What are you talking about?
Alright, I can't lie to you.
Here's the thing. I've selected a shop in the West Market.
I've been troubling you all this time.
So after my shop opens, I'll pay you back.
I'm easygoing. So, you're becoming more presumptuous.
I invested money in you for profit.
Yet when you've become capable, you want to leave.
You wish.
Yes, yes, so I'm asking you about it.
If you don't agree, then forget about it.
You're incredibly obedient and not even talking back to me.
I'm really too tired. I've used all my energy on them.
Young Master Jiang, have some water.
Those herbaceous peonies were bought five days ago?
I don't quite remember. What about it?
Five days ago, Master Xu of Imperial Academy was robbed and killed on his way home.
You don't remember this either?
Of course, I know about this. It caused an uproar throughout the city.
Now that you've reminded me, I remember.
Indeed, the flowers were bought that day. Is there something wrong?
I have most of the money you earned through hard work.
So you're like one of my people.
None of my followers are dressed as plainly as you.
Isn't the money you've earned enough to buy a few new dresses?
You're acting very strange.
You're asking me when I bought these flowers
and then finding my clothes odd.
What's wrong with you?
One night, when I was walking at night, I saw a flower from a distance.
I wondered why there was an herbaceous peony in a quiet, secluded alley.
I went to see the flower.
And to my surprise, I found this.
You always haggle over every ounce,
Since I tore your dress, naturally, I have to compensate you.
What do you say?
This is just a very ordinary piece of cloth.
I'm not the only person in Chang'an wearing this.
Young Master Jiang, did you find this piece of rag just to make fun of me?
It seems I misunderstood you.
That's because you aren't sincere and hiding something from me.
You keep saying things to me like they're supposed to mean something.
What exactly is wrong with me?
When you came to Chang'an, you said you had no relatives.
What about Li Xing?
He's your cousin.
I don't know what I did wrong to make you investigate me.
Li Xing is my cousin.
But when my mother was still alive, she cut ties with my aunt.
We aren't close to begin with.
Otherwise, why didn't I ask him for help when I was in trouble?
And instead borrow money from you?
After Master Xu passed away, Li Xing led others to curse me by writing poems and essays.
This has nothing to do with you?
That's why you're questioning me?
Young Master Jiang, I swear I have nothing to do with this.
I have what I have today thanks to your help.
How could I possibly join others in gossiping about you?
Previously in Luoyang, you defended justice and helped me get a divorce.
Not long ago, I witnessed you adopting orphans with my own eyes.
I don't care how foolish others are.
In my eyes, you're a person of benevolence and virtue.
How could I possibly be so ungrateful and look for trouble?
You're just timid.
If you have an opportunity, I fear you would be the first to scold me.
You're open-minded. What else do I have to complain about?
Normally, I just like joking around with you.
I promise. My lips are sealed.
Jiang Chang Yang.
I'm just an ordinary citizen.
I just want to make a little money to make a living.
I hope you remain a wise person all your life.
Even if you can fly high, don't forget
who pulls the strings.
Understood. I'll do whatever you say.
A flower shop is opening. Let's go look, maybe they're doing discounts.
Floral Haven is open for business!
[Floral Haven]
- They've actually opened a shop.
- Everyone,
Floral Haven opens today. To celebrate the opening,
within three days, a purchase of one item gets a discount of five wen.
For two items, twelve wen, with no upper limit.
Everyone is welcome to take a look, please.
- Please come in.
- Let's go in.
- Please come in.
- Come this way.
[Opening]
You look exceedingly beautiful today.
- Mu Dan.
- Please come in!
- Mudan.
- Congratulations.
Fresh flowers, fragrant powder.
You actually redeemed it back.
To open the shop, you've invested all your money.
But I know you've always had this on your mind.
Good things come in pairs.
Thank you, Sheng Yi.
- Let's go.
- Let's go.
Madam, this kind of fragrant powder is made from this flower.
It smells so good.
This one has a sweeter taste.
Stir it a bit.
Put it through a sieve.
- Please enjoy.
- Thank you.
Please.
Thank you, come again.
We have two ways of selling herbaceous peonies.
First, you can pre-order the seedlings according to color.
We'll plant them for you in the autumn.
When the flowers bloom next year, you make the payment.
Second is to buy and take away immediately.
So you mean all the herbaceous peonies here are available to sell?
Yes, but the flowers have their own habits.
The flowers in season have a slightly shorter blooming period.
However, the good thing is that you can enjoy the blooming flowers in time without waiting a whole year.
Of course, your choice depends on your preferences.
It's better to enjoy it at a good time!
Who knows what will happen next year?
Shopkeeper, I'll buy two purple peonies to enjoy their stunning beauty.
Alright, please go to the main hall and pick the flowers you like.
- We'll have someone deliver them to your residence later.
- Thank you, Shopkeeper.
I would like to buy two peonies. Can you transplant them in my courtyard today?
The flowers cannot be transplanted when they're in bloom. Otherwise, it'll damage their roots and stems.
If you want, wait until autumn, which is a suitable transplant season.
I can transplant them for you then.
- Alright then! I'll order two plants.
- Okay, this way, please.
Okay.
[Jingsheng Hall]
Your Highness, the Yellow River dyke in Xiangzhou has been breached.
The people from the Ministry of Revenue will be sent to provide disaster relief. Please allow me to go there.
Disaster relief is a huge issue.
You're new here. It's not appropriate for you to intervene.
Besides, You Zhen can't bear to let you suffer.
Good!
Although I don't have much experience, I'm not afraid of hardship.
If you do this job, have you ever thought about what you'll benefit from it?
Your Highness, I'm an official.
It's my duty to devote myself to the nation. I never expect to benefit from it.
Zi Shu, you should take a more long-term view.
Do you know who the master of this world is?
There are many officials in charge of disaster relief. It's not easy for you to stand out among them.
It's of no benefit to your official career.
I've already arranged another task for you.
It is simple and will allow you to make connections with important officials.
When a higher position becomes available, you can be promoted.
Great!
I'll take my leave then.
That Liu Zi Shu acts noble and virtuous.
He still doesn't know what he should do as my son-in-law.
Your Highness, Young Master Liu is still young. He just needs more guidance.
Your Highness is ambitious. He'll have the chance to show his abilities.
Good!
Young Master.
Weren't they originally in His Highness's study? Where are they to be taken now?
Young Master, every day, officials send articles and poems of flattery here.
His Highness has ordered me to regularly burn them. So they don't take up space.
Burn them?
Young Master.
No wonder Prince Ning rejected my proposal.
It turns out he never even read my policies.
In his eyes, I'm just an incompetent person, there to please a woman.
I'm no different from music and dance performers.
I've already asked for leave on your behalf.
Let's stay at Mount Li for a while tomorrow.
The scenery of Mount Li is beautiful, but the food there isn't very good.
How about we bring the chef from Fuguilou along?
I can't always ask for leave.
Otherwise, what's the point of the Ministry of Revenue hiring me?
If it's all about eating, drinking, and relaxing, why did I come to Chang'an?
Did the Ministry of Revenue upset you?
No.
Since we're leaving the city tomorrow, I must return to finish my work right now.
I'm afraid I can't have dinner
with you tonight.
Young Master, please stop drinking. You need to get up early tomorrow.
If the Princess smells the scent of alcohol on you, she might guess you didn't go back to work.
I didn't spoil her mood.
I'm just drinking in secret to drown my sorrows.
Why does everything I do need her permission?
You may go. Leave me alone.
- Young Master.
- Get out of here.
Take care. Come again.
Okay.
- How much is this?
-This is for decoration. It's not for sale.
- Please come in.
- If you like it, it's yours for free.
If you buy five plants, we'll give you one for free.
Take care.
I came all this way for nothing.
Tomorrow, you must personally deliver the incense powder to me and have tea with me.
The day before yesterday, your wife bought peony incense powder from my shop.
Has she used it all up so soon?
Well then, I'll visit your wife tomorrow and thank her for her patronage.
I'm not buying it for her.
Miss, please don't cause me trouble.
I'm not good at telling lies.
Tomorrow, l'll send the cleverest clerk to deliver the goods to your residence.
- Miss.
- Young Master
You drunken man, didn't you see me?
Do you know each other?
No, we don't.
Shouldn't you apologize before you leave?
You harassed a woman on the street and then bumped into me.
You're just a minor official.
Instead of working, as soon as it's dark, you're drunk and spouting nonsense.
I can tell you're a good-for-nothing bum.
You have good looks, but you only dare to act recklessly here, right?
Do you know who I am?
Keep staring and try me.
I don't care who you are.
Who is this man?
Beat him hard!
Beat him to death!
It hurts so much.
Beat him!
Beat him hard!
This is a token
[County Princess Ji'an]
Stop!
Young Master, you work for Prince Ning?
Why didn't you tell me just now?
I-I made a stupid mistake.
I'm such a fool. I deserve to die!
Keep hitting me. Why have you stopped?
I deserve to die, I deserve to die.
Get out of here.
Well… This
I said get lost.
Yes.
Let's go. Go!
The shopkeeper asks you to leave.
Please don't affect our business.
She gave this medicine to me?
Yes, please leave right now.
Thank you.
When I had no official post, you were distant and cold to me.
Now that I'm an official,
you still won't look up to me.
Others respect this token.
Yet in your eyes,
I have always only been Liu Zi Shu.
I didn't expect that you had been married before
and had experienced such terrible things.
I didn't intentionally hide it.
I just felt that speaking of it would only cause unnecessary trouble.
You two won't blame me, will you?
How could we?
You dared to curse the County Magistrate to defend yourself and obtain a divorce.
You're truly a heroine.
I think that Liu Chang is different from his parents.
He knows to apologize and reflect himself, wealth doesn't blind him.
He's much better than Wang Qing.
His sincerity towards you is genuine.
To have such a gentleman think about you, it makes me envious.
Silly Sheng Yi, truly caring for someone isn't like this.
He doesn't care what I think and pesters me.
This is not sincerity, but selfishness.
You don't need to envy me.
'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 ♫