Flourished Peony (2025) s01e15 Episode Script

That's enough, quit while you're ahead.
Don't scare the young lady.
Old man, I'm not the one who started the scare.
Back then, I could berate people to death. Now, I can terrify them to death.
You two, who are as good as dead, are quite a pair.
Upon hearing someone coming, you both rush into the cabinet, like monkeys.
Call me master.
You're not a ghost.
You aren't dead!
Your master-disciple relationship was severed long ago, wasn't it? Didn't you treat each other as enemies?
What's going on?
Indeed. If our relationship hadn't been severed and given we're like oil and water,
could he have lived until today?
I see now.
The man you killed that day wasn't Master Xu.
My teacher is dedicated to public service and struck Prince Ning's sore spot.
I went to my teacher's house that night to discuss the matter.
However, he hadn't returned for a long time. I was afraid something had happened, so I went out.
I didn't expect Prince Ning was so impatient.
Fortunately, it was raining heavily, the river was swollen.
So I used a corpse with a physique and age similar to my teacher's, in a bait-and-switch.
That night, Prince Ning didn't get the assassin's reply.
He also asked people to search. But his men found nothing.
They only saw the rolling river over the bank.
Not until the next day, were the bodies fished out from the water.
They were unrecognizable. Therefore, the coroner could only identify them
by their clothing, accessories, body shape, and teeth.
Prince Ning was satisfied and didn't look into it further.
He believed my fake and that the assassin and guards were both supposedly killed.
The incident happened all of a sudden. Had it not been for your timely arrival and meticulous response,
I truly fear I would have perished.
You've won the hearts of the people and are highly respected by the virtuous students.
Prince Ning won't allow you to live. I can save you for a while, but not forever.
And so I had to take advantage of the situation.
These are confidential matters.
Why did you divulge everything to me?
I was just testing you.
Seeing that you're righteous and honest, I decide to give you a way out.
My teacher, posing as a servant, is recuperating at Jiang Residence out of sheer necessity.
However, whether it's Jiang Residence or Huanyun Tower, there are too many high-ranking officials.
If this continues for long, trouble is bound to arise sooner or later.
I see.
Master Xu, if you don't mind, you can move into my store.
The West Market is a place for the common people, not the rich and famous.
I can arrange for you to live in a private room, hidden away from the city.
As long as you're a bit careful, you won't be discovered.
That would naturally be good.
Having to share a roof with this little rascal, I'll either be killed or die from rage eventually.
Of course, I won't live off you without contributing.
I'm good at calculations.
How about I serve as an accountant for you?
I wouldn't dare!
Y-You're the Master of the Imperial Academy. How can you be an accountant for me?
If I miscalculate, you can ask him for money.
Without you, she hasn't stopped asking me for money.
And now with you included, she could bleed the Jiang Residence dry.
If that's the case, Master Xu, please come with me.
Hold on.
Chuan Yu!
In here, is powder for his foot bath and massage,
plus the tea he needs to drink every day right after rising.
Come back for more after you've used it up.
So attentive.
The old man is still of use.
Your life is on credit with me.
Take good care of him. If you let him get injured or sick,
I'll claim your life back with interest.
Young Master Jiang, you can rest assured.
I'm a person who values life the most.
Oh right, Master Xu, Li Xing is my cousin. He's also your student.
He grieved day and night after your death. Now that you're well.
Can you tell him?
You can't tell him.
Although Li Xing is sincere, he's too simple to be deceitful.
If he slips up after knowing, I'll have to kill another innocent man.
Stop scaring her.
If you keep scaring her, I'll kill you, too.
Some matters are fraught with danger.
For Li Xing's safety, it's better not to tell him.
I understand.
Give me the dry grass.
Be careful!
No problem!
Come on. Have some water.
Thank you, Sheng Yi.
A few days ago, you were talking about how troublesome it is to live at other's mercy.
In the blink of an eye, a pavilion has been erected.
Aren't we moving out?
I think moving is just too much of a hassle.
It would be better to make this place more comfortable and cozy and treat it like home.
With this pavilion, we can use it for relaxing and taking breaks.
Mu Dan, why did you suddenly bring back an accountant and place him in the shop.
You won't let anyone bother him either.
Are you mad at me because I made a few miscalculations earlier?
Not at all.
I see you're really too busy on a daily basis, so found someone to help you.
Mister Xu is skilled at the abacus.
I spend a lot of money to poach him from another shop.
I usually keep him hidden, fearing the original owner might find out and come here to cause a scene.
Once he takes over the accounts and secures the rear, we can then withdraw.
But when it comes to dealing with people and managing the flower business, I still have to rely on you.
Okay.
This time, with the help of the imperial tutor's last wish and support of the Ministry of Rites, the imperial examination has been revitalized.
Although impossible to achieve purely merit-based appointments, at least the number of commoners entering officialdom is now three to seven.
These students from humble backgrounds now have hopes of rising up.
Previously, when I went to Luoyang, I sponsored many students from humble backgrounds.
Now they're studying hard in peace at the Fuyun Temple.
Upon learning of this news, all of them are filled with lofty ambitions.
How about the Integrity Society that assassinates corrupt officials?
They've already been subdued and educated by me.
In the future, we'll leave it to them to rescue the students of private schools who are bullied by the nobles.
Master Xu feigned death to escape. It was truly an act of helplessness.
Though the civil officials have lost their backing, they can use the reform as an opportunity to restructure the forces in the court.
When the time is ripe in the future, Master Xu will reappear.
He can prove Prince Ning killed the loyalists.
You've been scheming and maneuvering, trying to turn the tables in a losing situation.
Unfortunately, when you deal with tigers, you're also regarded as a wolf.
You've been wronged.
Who could wrong me?
Whether it's the curses of the students at the Imperial Academy, or the satirical poems of Li Xing.
In my opinion, I think it's interesting.
Being a greedy official with a notorious name
is more pleasant and relaxed than suffering miserably and enduring hardships for the sake of revenge, right?
Besides, Prince Ning's associates blatantly commit corruption and bribery without any secrecy around me.
In the future, when we have to deal with them, we'll avoid a lot of the hassle of gathering proof of their misdeeds.
You're so open-minded.
You're willing to risk your reputation to uphold justice. Such a broad-minded attitude is beyond our reach.
Re-examining the officials responsible for the selections can remove some corrupt bureaucrats,
but with regard to Prince Ning, it fails to harm his foundation.
That impeached Minister Cui, was actually planted in the Ministry of Personnel by Prince Ning
to help him manipulate the appointing and dismissal of officials.
He still has countless connections with various noble families,
but he just refuses to reveal who's behind all this.
Although he has been sentenced to exile now, it hasn't caused any stir.
It's just been glossed over like that. What a pity.
It won't be a pity.
The Ministry of Justice acts in accordance with the law. Prince Ning has sent his men to monitor and naturally won't find anything.
But when it comes to the Jiang Residence, it's a different story.
Hurry up! Keep up!
Everyone behind, keep up!
Move! Keep up!
Hurry up!
Hurry up!
What are you doing?
Sir.
I'm suddenly in excruciating abdominal pain.
Considering the post station is still far away,
could you allow me to relieve myself?
- You go with him. No tricks.
- Don't try anything. Move.
- The rest of you get down!
- Get down!
Hurry up!
Right here.
Don't try anything. Hurry up!
Are you done there?
Hurry up! We have to go.
Keep running if death doesn't scare you.
Let's see if you can run faster, or if my knife is faster.
My hero. I don't know if you're friend or foe.
I have a fortune. As long as you are willing to save me, I can offer it all.
Well, coincidentally, the last thing I need is money!
[Floral Haven]
The customers who make a credit purchase at Floral Haven are really quite a few.
To prevent customers from not paying and not being able to find them, it's better to stipulate
that regular customers who spend over a hundred strings must leave their household register.
Only after verifying and signing they can buy on credit and need to settle at the end of the month.
Master Xu is right.
However, Master Xu. You're the Master of the Imperial Academy.
You are also Young Master Jiang's and my cousin's respected teacher.
Your visit here is merely to avoid disaster. There's no need for you to personally toil over this.
A small clue reveals the general trend. You think I'm just looking at the accounts of a small flower shop.
Not at all.
Only when people live and work in peace and contentment, will the citizens be willing to spend money on buying a flower and a whiff of fragrance.
What I'm concerned with are taxes and people's livelihoods.
I've taken the lesson.
The house is a bit small and the orientation isn't great.
The arrangement is passable, at best.
It's really an inconvenience to you.
Since the shop opened, it's the first time Young Master Jiang has come here to inspect in person.
Are you afraid that I'll neglect Master Xu or here to find faults on purpose?
The investor not visiting the store is because I trust you.
If you don't appreciate it, I suppose you won't want the celebratory present I've prepared for you today.
Chuan Yu, let's go.
You're as noble as an orchid with a broad-minded spirit.
How could I not welcome you?
You're here.
Why did you spend so much money?
Such an exquisite scroll.
Which master's work is it?
Peony
(also her name)
is useless?
[Peony is useless]
These four characters are written as smoothly as flowing clouds and running water, all in one go.
They really have a touch of the great calligrapher Zhang Zhi's style.
Thanks for your compliment.
[Peony is Useless]
The peonies have long been off the market.
Young Master Jiang, this gift is a bit late, isn't it?
Isn't there a Mu Dan standing before me?
Why don't you hang it in a prominent place in your store?
It's a good reminder for you to always look at yourself and remember the kindness of your investor.
Are you insulting me, Young Master Jiang? Or here to make trouble?
This is a truly genuine product. When you snatched it just now, weren't you overjoyed?
My lord excels in calligraphy.
Normally, literati and connoisseurs will break the door down and spend a fortune to get one.
It's a unique, priceless treasure. You should take good care of it.
If you don't like it that much, forget it and give it back to me.
No. Since you gave it to me, I'll pawn or sell it, but won't give it back to you.
Since you've accepted it, you must appreciate it.
I wish you good luck with your business, pay on time, and more so, take care of my teacher.
I'm leaving now.
Master Xu, look at him, look.
Every time I think he still has a conscience,
he has to do something that makes me want to fight him with a knife.
This student of yours changes faces like an actor in a Sichuan opera.
His face is changeable.
Is he virtuous or vicious? Honest or sly?
A spawn of a monster or a heart of cold stone?
A man who happily accepts a bad name for himself,
not seeing it as a hardship but finding joy in it instead.
What kind of person would you say he is?
An idiot.
- Have a nice day and come back soon.
- Okay.
Come in and take a look.
- This is what you bought from our store last time, right?
- Yes.
- I come to discover something new.
-Come in.
She completely resolved the issue with the fertilizer ban, even hiring landless farmers for the fertilizer work.
The flower fertilizer in her hands isn't only sufficient for self-sufficiency,
but also for sale at prices lower than elsewhere.
Our flower guild's fertilizer business has suddenly dropped by nearly twenty percent.
Seems she's determined to go against the flower guild.
Alright.
Since she doesn't appreciate kindness, then don't blame me for being rude.
Come here.
This is a good idea.
But should we report it to Guild Master Lu?
Such a trivial matter isn't worth bothering the guild master. Just do as I say.
Yes, Sir.
There are no festivals lately.
Why is the Jiang Residence so lively?
In the backyard, they're putting on a grand opera performance.
Hope it doesn't ruin our flowers. I'll go take a look.
I have long admired your poetic and artistic talents, Miss.
Although we've met only thrice, I know in my heart
that the beauty isn't here, and I'm not sure who I'd rather be with.
I boldly seek to marry you.
If I could engage you as my wife to forever share our common interests,
I'm ready to dismiss all my housemaids.
I will never take a concubine, nor will I have any lovers.
I will only be with you, facing each other day and night, until our hair turns white.
Young Master Jiang comes from a prestigious family.
Without multiple wives and concubines,
people might criticize him for having too few descendants.
Though there are countless beauties in the world, my heart is set on only one.
If you're not by my side in this life.
Chuan Yu, who is Jiang Yuan Tang?
He is young master's father.
Madam's death anniversary is approaching.
The person has eagerly come to curry favors.
I didn't realize his father was so devoted.
In an ordinary wealthy family, there would also be many concubines and pretty maids.
However, for the Jiang family, who've been officials for generations, to favor his wife without concubines isn't easy.
Having Feng Ruo Xin as a wife, their marital bond was profound and lasting.
While she was alive, the Jiang Residence had no beautiful concubines.
Even after her death, Jiang Yuan Tang remained a widower.
This tale of devotion has spread far and wide, earning the envy of all!
Hurry up.
Young Master Jiang. Madam Feng's 50th death anniversary is approaching.
I know that in her lifetime, she loved watching puppet plays.
I specially wrote down the cherished tale of how your revered parents fell in love
and hired a troupe to perform it. Merely desiring to slightly mitigate your pining for your mother.
A good story and fine skills.
Reward them.
Grant each musician and performer 50 strings.
Thank you, Young Master Jiang.
You've presented such a fine play.
How should I thank you?
I only wish to serve as an official in Chang'an and assist you in any way possible.
I want to serve you faithfully by your side.
Th-This…
Chuan Yu, draft a document for me and send it to the Ministry of Personnel.
He corrupts his role and bribes others for an official position.
- Demote him to the northwest to feed horses.
- Yes, Sir.
Young Master Jiang, please tell me what I've done to offend you!
Young Master Jiang, I have nothing but loyalty!
Please show leniency, Young Master Jiang!
My lord has already shown exceptional clemency.
If you dare continue to fuss, he'll make it so you can't show your face again.
Move!
Young Master Jiang!
This puppet is indeed made with care.
It really does resemble my mother to some extent.
If you were here today, you'd likely be furious to the point of vomiting blood.
It doesn't matter.
At least I'm still here.
I'll always miss you.
If you miss me as well,
please appear more in my dreams.
Come visit me.
[Memorial Tablet]
What is that smell?
Come on.
I was wondering.
The Jiang Residence has always only smelled of money and incense.
Since when did it smell like barbecue from the stall?
I think your residence lacks a touch of the common life's aroma.
Originally, I wanted to call you when it was done.
I didn't anticipate that your nose was so keen, to come after just smelling it.
Sit down and have some.
If it's grilled well, I won't ask for any rewards.
If it's not grilled well, just don't throw me to the northwest to feed horses.
I'm afraid you'd sell off those horses.
This chair is too hard.
Chuan Yu, go fetch a soft cushion.
Yes, Sir.
Sit down.
Here.
Is it because your mother's death anniversary is approaching
and you miss her too much that you're feeling upset?
People say my parents were in love for a lifetime, that they were destined for each other.
But I'm the only one who knows that the so-called happy story was just a joke.
It was that persistent affection and absolute faithfulness
that caused my mother's lifelong suffering.
It seems the brown-nosing attempts of that petty official went awry.
So the story that your father never had a second thought is false.
Perhaps it was true in the beginning.
When I was little, my mother played the zither and wrote poetry.
My father played the flute and painted. How loving they were.
But later on,
our entire family moved to Chang'an.
Amidst the myriad distractions,
he fell in love with someone else.
But everyone knows that your father never took a concubine, didn't he?
Naturally, he was too embarrassed to break his promise.
So he put her in a second villa and never returned home again.
Once my mother died, he was so eager to marry that woman.
I had to resort to threatening suicide to help him maintain his image of being faithful.
Now, all has returned to dust,
yet they still want to write plays to spread the story.
Isn't that funny?
So when you swore to Prince Ning that you'd never marry in this life, it was true?
Love is as fleeting as clouds, men are fickle by nature.
But for a woman, it can ruin her life.
Why cause harm to both others and oneself?
My initial assistance in your divorce was also with my mother in mind.
I wished so much that she could release her fixation and walk away with poise, just as you did.
That way, she wouldn't have met the fate of passing away from sorrow.
Maybe I'm a person who can't love others more than myself.
Instead of being confined to the inner chambers for my whole life,
trying to win my husband's heart against my will,
vying for his affection with concubines, and being controlled by my parents-in-law,
I prefer to never marry and take care of myself instead.
Even if you're divorced, you're still young.
It's hard for a woman to live alone.
As time goes by, you'll forget that old pain.
You'll regret what you say today and wish for a home to rely on.
A place that brings peace of mind is truly home.
Now I already have this comforting little home.
I'm very happy now.
That's not right. You're only slightly older than me.
Why are your commitments binding, yet mine are filled with remorse?
There are beauties by your side all day long. I'm afraid your vows are more easily broken.
Care to wager with me?
Fine then.
But the stakes must be so enormous that they bankrupt you, only then is the bet worth it.
Then let's bet 100,000 strings.
Let's see whether your treasury will be emptied or my Floral Haven will go out of business.
Set it down in words as a pact. No shirking the deal.
This is the first time I see someone so eager to give away money.
I shall oblige you.
- Wait. I'll fetch the ink and brush.
- No need.
I want to see how you sign your name.
Just like that.
The fire's gone out. It's all burnt.
[Who marries first is a dog. Sui Zhi.]
You're a big man. Are you actually afraid of fire?
How dare you make fun of women for being alone?
Today, I shall perform a fire-breathing stunt for you.
Let's test your true bravery, Young Master Jiang.
Jiang Xiao Hua, don't be a bully!
You've been bullying me all day,
so I can't bully…?
Thank goodness you didn't crush my flowers.
Really?
Where is your fire tong?
Oh no! Don't let my Fire Gold Peony really catch fire.
Where are the fire tongs?
Where is it?
This Fire Gold Peony truly lives up to its reputation.
It's like a fierce blaze, yet it possesses a delicate and entrancing beauty.
Didn't you say before that the peony is useless?
This isn't a peony. It's an herbaceous peony.
It's the herbaceous peony chosen by Third Young Master too.
You know quite a lot.
For the sake of the blossoming of Fire Gold Peony,
let's have another drink.
Here.
It's a cool night, cover up.
What is this ugly thing? I don't want it.
It's embroidered in gold thread. Your favorite gold nuggets.
Gold nuggets.
Like-minded. Like-minded.
Who are you?
Auntie?
Why don't you tie up him?
- Yes.
- Yes.
[Memorial Tablet]
Kneel down.
I didn't expect that my beautiful dream would come true.
How dare you move?
Ruo Xin would be furious if she knew that you were lying drunk with a lady in a flower bush in broad daylight.
I should slap you.
Auntie, I've told you a million times.
We just got drunk while enjoying the flowers and fell asleep yesterday.
Nothing happened.
She's the floriculturist who takes care of the flowers in my mansion.
The herbaceous peony in the mansion is very beautiful this year. Your work isn't bad.
Thank you for your appreciation, Madam Feng.
I'll want both the flowers and my niece-in-law.
How old are you?
If you don't take a wife this year, I'll beat you on behalf of your mother.
No matter what. The lady's reputation and innocence have been ruined by you.
You must give her an explanation. The betrothal gifts and proposal will be made today.
The wedding will take place on the eighth day of next month. It's a highly favorable day.
You've misunderstood. I have no private relationship with your nephew.
We're simply in a monetary relationship.
Rest assured. A bride price of a thousand gold and over a hundred plots of land and shops.
I'll ensure he doesn't treat you unfairly in terms of money.
That's not what I meant.
Auntie understands me best.
Indeed, I've admired Mu Dan for a long time I will marry no one but her.
Wait, hey! Where are you putting your hand?
He's just my creditor.
If you think the money is too much, you can give me a smaller share.
I can be your fair-weather friend. But only a fair-weather friend.
Don't even think about marrying me.
You see, it's not that I don't want to marry. I have the idea, but she won't agree.
My heartfelt love and desire, converted into a flood of fortune, yet I've never manage to touch Mu Dan's heart.
You usually don't…
Mu Dan, I'm willing to lower the share and give you more benefits.
Can you give me a chance?
Alright, alright.
You filthy lecher. Don't even think about taking advantage of me!
Listen up, if you keep bothering me,
I'll I'll hang myself on the Jiang Residence's gate!
Mu Dan!
If I can't be with the one I love, I would rather remain unmarried for life!
It seems that I'm doomed to be lonely for life.
She comes from a merchant family, but she doesn't sell her heart for money.
- A good lady.
- What?
All these years, I finally found someone who dares to hit you.
Don't worry. I'm determined to have this girl
- as your wife.
- No, wait. Auntie.
My lord has said that the contract can be changed to a thirty-seventy split.
However, Madam Feng isn't easy to fool. Since you've agreed to put on an act, you must refuse to the end.
You mustn't give her any chance to take the advantage.
Madam Feng, no matter how much jewelry you give me, I absolutely won't agree to this marriage.
Just give up on this idea.
You're misunderstanding. These gifts are my way of apologizing for my nephew's reckless and impertinent behavior.
Whether you like him or not. You should accept them.
If other ladies were to see me sleeping with Jiang Chang Yang amidst the flowers,
they'd surely scold me for acting indecently and being frivolous.
Moreover, in front of you, I slapped him.
Don't you think I'm greedy and cruel?
In the case of a man and a woman staying together, if such behavior is deemed frivolous and senseless, the man deserves the blame.
What's the achievement in castigating the woman?
My nephew has always been reckless.
You hit him and scold him. Well done!
As for being greedy. You're a businesswoman. Seeking profit is your instinct.
How can I criticize you?
I didn't expect Jiang Chang Yang to have such a considerate and reasonable aunt.
I was only 18 when my husband died.
Since then, I never remarried.
Over the years, I've maintained a fleet, doing trade all over the place.
I've been to foreign places and heard plenty of idle talk.
If it weren't for a pair of eyes that can distinguish truth from fallacy and not fear unconventional judgment,
I wouldn't have survived to this day.
In this world, a woman's life is truly not easy.
We should help and understand each other.
'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 ♫