Flourished Peony (2025) s01e19 Episode Script

I've never seen flowers used to show
Zhu Rong striking a rock to make fire.
Lady Mudan, you have a wonderful thought.
I'm flattered.
The one in the center
must be the Fire Gold Peony.
It does look as fierce as fire,
brilliantly captivating.
Fire Gold Peony is extremely delicate.
I've written all tips about nurturing it.
She's reminding you to pay up.
- No.
- I almost forgot.
I will take it.
Chuanyu.
Thanks.
My lady's birthday is coming up.
This flower is the perfect gift for her.
All women love flowers.
Shopkeeper, I want one, too. I'll get that scarlet one.
I'll present it to the top courtesan
at Huanyun Tower. I bet it'll bring a smile to her face.
I need two, so the two at home
won't get jealous.
This is really unfortunate. The last batch has been bought by Mr. Jiang.
Lady Mudan, you're quite partial.
Such a sought-after flower. How did you let him choose first.
Mr. Jiang often patronizes my store. Naturally, I prioritize our regular customer.
If you have time in the future, feel free to visit Huamanzhu more often.
There are many treasures. Whether it's for a mother or a concubine, they'll be satisfied.
Will these varieties still be available?
She means that if you often visit
and become regular customers, you will have everything.
I've already divided
and replanted the Fire Gold Peony. It'll bloom by next spring.
If you need. Please make a reservation.
Okay. I'll make a reservation tomorrow.
No problem.
You've been seeing her frequently for flowers.
You know exactly what she's talking about.
The businessman's desire to make money will never change.
I saw it just now.
The show didn't really catch fire.
Why did you hide?
The fragrance of your flower is so strong that if I get close,
I won't be able to smell the wine.
That's why you're urging me to invite a troupe and host a banquet. So you're selling flowers.
You can't say that.
No matter how many are sold,
you can get a share. This is a win-win situation.
While you silently placed so many flowers in my garden.
How can you buy and sell like that?
You said before that Huamanzhu would provide
all the flowers in Jiang Mansion.
You just waved your hands
and threw money around like it was nothing,
looking so rakish and debonair.
It's truly unforgettable.
There's no need. I can't drink with my hand injured.
[Huamanzhu]
- Take a look!
- Give me two pots of this.
- It smells good. Give me a bottle.
- I want a bottle, too.
- Come here to see flowers.
- Are these all incense powders?
- I'll take ten sets of this one.
-Alright.
Chun, I misunderstood you before.
I'm sorry. Please forgive me.
It was really done by someone
from the flower guild. Fu, I don't blame you.
You must feel aggrieved. You can hit me.
- No need, Fu.
- It's okay. Just vent it out. Come on.
No need, Fu.
Or you can stab me.
I'd better hit you.
Okay.
I forgive you.
That's it?
Fine, you're a forthright person. From now on, we're family.
If anyone tries to bully you, they'll have to
go through my powerful fists.
It's a good thing
she said to let you punch her.
Or I was afraid
she would punish herself with three cuts.
I won't say it.
Mudan, when it comes to knife wounds, I have a patient who cut his leg.
I've tried several different medicines, but his wound keeps festering and doesn't heal.
I've written down all of his symptoms.
Mudan, can you deliver it to Master Doctor Fu?
[Master Doctor Fu Personally Initiates]
No problem.
Take care.
- Shopkeeper, how much for this pot of flowers?
- Chun.
Wait a moment.
This is the incense powder
I've specially formulated for you.
Its fragrance is elegant and refined,
very suited for you.
I hope you can forgive what I said to you.
It's okay. It's all in the past.
Besides, I don't use incense powder.
The aroma could interfere with my diagnosis.
So I'll decline this for now.
I have two patients waiting for me.
I must take my leave.
Why did you refuse my kindness?
She's so ungrateful.
Don't fuss over it with her.
This is the hand cream from Youshi Hall.
You manage the store, and tend to flowers and plants every day.
It must be quite tiring.
It can moisturize your hands.
Showing up with no apparent reason.
What's the occasion for your visit?
After you scolded me last time, I reflected deeply for a long time.
I was indeed not good to you at that time.
Now, I've given up drinking. I'm not as much of a bad guy as I used to be.
I come to ask you.
Do you have someone in mind now?
It's none of your business.
Do you remember the blind old woman
who lived behind the tavern?
- When she was young…
-Excuse me.
She also did business.
She was always in the public eye
and shunned by others.
She never tied the knot, had no kids, and lived a solitary life.
She died last month without a soul to mourn her passing.
Why are you talking about her?
Because seeing her, I think of you.
I don't want you
to end up in the same situation.
Can you give me another chance?
- We've had good days together.
-You're the one who started the trouble
that almost destroyed our business.
I've been running the store well. I'm truly living a good life. Yet you come here and spout this.
- Do you think I would believe you?
-It was Mudan who snatched you away from me.
Therefore, I did that out of a moment of anger.
I'm sorry for being so abrupt today.
I've been thinking of you since you left.
Wuniang, in all these days, have you not thought of me once?
Not one moment of loneliness?
- This is Lily Dew. 240 wen.
- It has a rich fragrance.
Come on. It's done.
Alright.
Where's Shengyi?
She's gone out.
Take care.
Seeing that you're doing well,
I can rest assured.
Living with me, you would indeed
have to endure hardship again.
- Are you in gambling debt again?
-No, I've paid off all my previous debts.
I'm not here for money. I just miss you.
From now on, I will treat you well.
So he is Shengyi's ex-husband.
From now on, don't waste your money.
- As for other matters…
- You faithless man. How dare you ask her for money!
Fu, he doesn't come for money.
He comes to give me something.
How much is this thing worth?
You're the second owner of Huamanzhu. If you want something, you can buy it yourself.
He buys you it just to lure you in with these little favors.
- I sincerely wish to rekindle our relationship with Wuniang.
- You're lying.
As the legend goes, a heartless man's words
are as deceitful as a ghost's.
Today, I'll become Master Zhu and beat you. A wicked spirit.
If it can prove my sincerity, you can hit me.
Take a look. He'll definitely dodge.
Are you injured?
I'm fine if I'm hurt.
I'm fine if you're fine.
Good.
Good.
I just do not understand. What did he give Shengyi
to cast a spell on her?
A guy like Wang Qing deserves a good beating.
No need for any nonsense.
Did you hit Wang Qing
because he offended you before?
I'm not acquainted with him. I was afraid that Shengyi
would fall for his trick.
So you fought Wang Qing for Shengyi's sake.
And you accidentally hurt Shengyi, right?
So what should you say to Shengyi?
Shengyi, I was impulsive today. I'm sorry.
Besides saying sorry, what else should you say?
You should say that next time you see Wang Qing,
you'll teach him another lesson.
- With a guy like him, you should give him a beating every time you meet.
- That's true. I think so.
I know you're worried about me.
However, Fu, you don't understand matters
between men and women.
This time, Wang Qing didn't do anything bad.
He just came to show his concern for me.
Maybe he really knows he's wrong.
Wang Qing has done so many bad things.
Can that kind of person reform?
I know Wang Qing is not a good man.
But we have always been in the limelight.
There's no decent man would want to marry us.
Now we are still young and have choices.
However, when we're old and gray and the business is no longer viable,
we'll end up alone, won't we?
How could we end up alone?
We are all here.
Yes. My mother also raised me by herself.
Without a man, we're still alive and well.
But without a man, where did you come from?
If your mother was alone all her life, how could she have given birth to you?
Is it enough for you to have no husband, no children, just a living and money?
Shengyi, people can change their minds.
If someone can give you happiness, he can also take it back.
The only thing that lasts is what you earn.
Good.
Some people like to drink mutton soup plain.
But for me, without sesame cakes,
I feel unsatisfied.
Maybe I'm too greedy.
I want both a prosperous life and a husband by my side, with a house
full of children and grandchildren.
You are not greedy.
There's nothing wrong.
It's all right.
I'm not stopping you from getting married. But this person can't be Wang Qing.
Have you forgotten how he treated you before?
You've just escaped from this pit of fire. Shengyi, don't be confused.
Now, you're the second owner of Huamanzhu.
You are beautiful and wealthy.
Why can't you find the right man?
Compared to the marriage itself, finding someone who understands you is more important.
Two sesame cakes, shopkeeper.
I'll serve you right away.
Thank you.
Enjoy your meal.
Good.
[Liu Mansion]
I have heard that you are coming. These pastries are made by myself
with the finest ingredients.
County Princess, please have a taste.
I have also prepared a gift for today's visit.
This is the Zisun tea
from Guzhu Mountain in Huzhou, renowned as the Nectar of the Imperial Garden.
As the County Princess
is about to marry My lord, you are bound to receive esteemed visitors.
Serving this tea is the only way
to match the Liu family's prestige.
Thank you, My Highness.
Drinking Zisun tea requires the right moment.
It's ideal to taste it
in the initial two months after picking. It can leave a lasting fragrance in mouth.
If you wait too long,
it won't be as delightful.
You are so right.
How can such fine tea be kept for long?
My husband and I have had the dates checked.
The sixth day of next month
is an exceptionally propitious day, just right for your marriage ceremony.
Mother, there's been a lot of leave of absence
from the Ministry of Revenue.
I've been busy. Let's wait a bit longer.
Official duties are
not as important as our marriage.
The marriage is important
and requires careful preparation. Don't rush it excessively.
I've been working
at the Ministry of Revenue for days and have finally secured some important work.
Can we put this matter on hold for now?
We can discuss the wedding arrangements later.
The flowers in the garden bloom so beautifully.
Zishu, you can take
Your Highness out for a look.
Alright, don't be angry. It's up to you.
Let's get married
after you're done with this busy period.
Thank you.
Besides that, there's one more thing
you have to thank me for.
Do you know why the officials
from the Ministry of Revenue took leave?
They showed disrespect to you. So I sent someone to teach them a lesson.
After this incident,
they will surely reflect on their actions.
They won't disrespect you any more.
Why did you take actions without even asking me?
You told me you had nothing to do.
I just wanted to give you a surprise.
Now they're gone. Isn't that just what you want?
I did it for your own good.
Why don't you appreciate it
but get angry at me?
Qiushi.
Your Highness, this dog is a gift
from Prince Ning.
My lord is grateful for Prince Ning's favor and dotes on it extremely.
That's why he runs around the mansion and startles you.
I beg your forgiveness.
So it is a present from my father.
Bring it here. Let me take a look.
Come on.
Truly a dog that's bold
because of its owner's influence.
A dog sent by Prince Ning can bump into you
without any trouble.
If it were a dog given by someone else, wouldn't it have been beaten to death directly?
What's wrong with you today?
Why do you insist
on having a disagreement with me?
I just think I'm like this dog.
My value depends on who owns me.
Your words are both
a display of self-deprecation
and a disregard for my father's efforts
in nurturing you.
I know. You are displeased
because I urge the wedding date.
But how long do I have to wait?
I have done so much. I don't ask for your pity or to be moved.
But you shouldn't have said what you just did.
Do you still love Madam He?
Impossible. She's just an ordinary woman.
Nothing to keep you.
Moreover, she's already dead.
Do you think I really don't know how she died?
Didn't she die from falling off a cliff?
If you marry me, she has to die.
Although you didn't do it personally, she died because of your desires.
Her misstep led to the fall, not my concern.
Zishu, you're angry with me
because of a stranger.
You consented to our marital agreement. And now you are blaming me.
I'm not blaming you. I'm blaming me.
I blame my own incompetence. I can't grasp anything.
All my emotions are all influenced by you.
You're the only one in this world
who can grasp me.
Why do you keep pushing me again and again?
Youzhen, why don't you understand?
I know you treat me well.
However, your actions make me feel suffocated.
Your kindness makes everyone fear
and distance themselves from me.
You've left me with no colleagues or friends.
You don't need anyone else. I'm the only one you need.
Zishu, you still don't understand. Without me, you couldn't access the Ministry of Revenue.
All you need to do is to cherish and love me. My father will give you
all the positions you want.
So my career is entirely based on a woman's
boudoir and soft couch, right?
Why do you speak so unpleasantly?
Being my husband, you can avoid the dangers of factional strife and political contention. What's bad about that?
Winning my favor is much easier
than toiling over paperwork.
It's a privilege others would kill for.
Why do you shun it like a venomous snake?
So my dreams and aspirations are so lowly and insignificant in your eyes.
A privilege?
Do I have to kneel
and thank you for this privilege?
Mudan had never treated me
like this when she was my wife.
Yet I didn't know to cherish it.
You really do still love He Weifang.
Do you think she's better than me? She is just a lowly woman.
How innocent she is!
You shouldn't treat her with such disdain.
Innocent?
At the Water Jade Pavilion in Luoyang, it was her who took the initiative
to come to me and stage that play,
so that we could conveniently
set our engagement.
He Weifang couldn't wait to divorce you as soon as possible and didn't hesitate to scheme against you.
Do you still think she's innocent?
Impossible. She is not that kind of person.
You are both women.
How could she sacrifice your reputation to scheme all this?
Yes, we are all women.
I'm willing to forsake my reputation to be with you.
But when you know it, all you think is that He Weifang is not like that.
What about me?
If I didn't do that, how would my father agree to our affair?
Zishu,
to be with you, I collaborated with that base person, including calculating against my father.
Can't you understand my painstaking efforts
and the affection I have for you?
You must be mad.
You deceived me, kept things from me,
and made me look like a complete fool,
losing all my dignity.
You let me bear the shame of adultery and the guilt towards you.
You forced the Liu family,
because of the scandal, to not dare and not be able to
call off the engagement.
Now do you want me to pretend I know nothing
and continue to marry you?
What do you mean?
Liu Zishu, I've been wronged for you
to this extent.
Are you pushing me away?
I am the County Princess. I'm willing to lower myself
to coax you and hold you up.
Do you really think I have no temper?
I'm out of reach.
County princess, there are
thousands of mispaired couples in the world.
There's no need to add one more.
[]
Nice.
Yunniang really knows how to do business.
The competition for the top courtesan is quite a bustling affair!
- Was it worth coming?
-Absolutely worth it!
Today, Huanyun Tower is
only open to distinguished guests.
I'm grateful that you could bring me in.
No need for thanks.
I'm willing to bring you here because you said
you wanted to learn business tricks.
As long as you apply what you've learned and earn more money for me, that's enough to make me feel valued.
Rest assured, Mr. Jiang.
I've kept these methods
for attracting wealth in mind.
I'm sure to use them in my store later on.
Today, Huanyun Tower kicks off with a large-scale tune
and hands out a bunch of
fascinating masks to guests.
It's truly full of charm.
My lord, this is not our wine.
- Get a new set of cups.
-Yes.
-What's wrong?
-I'm afraid the servant brought the wrong order.
Or maybe someone with an ulterior motive
placed them on our table amidst the chaos.
But there's no need
to pour it out. What a pity.
We should always be cautious of others.
Lady He, you don't know.
My lord has been poisoned more than once while drinking outside.
A few years ago, he accidentally got poisoned and vomited several mouthfuls of blood.
It's so serious.
After all, I have a bad reputation. I have to be cautious and careful.
When you encountered bandits
attempting to murder you in Luoyang before,
you seemed just as indifferent
as you are at this moment.
It seems that you're already comfortable
with constantly being in peril.
After experiencing the same scenario
over and over, a dozen or more times,
anyone would become habituated to it.
It seems not easy being a corrupt official.
Don't worry about me.
Nice.
Today's grand occasion is a rare sight. Why not take the opportunity to enjoy yourself?
Nice.
Alright.
Zishu, you still don't understand.
Without me, you couldn't access
the Ministry of Revenue.
All you need to do is cherish me and love me. My father will give you
all the positions you want.
Winning my favor is much easier
than toiling over paperwork.
It's a privilege others would kill for.
Why do you shun it like a venomous snake?
Slanderers are rampant,
while the virtuous remain obscure.
Alas, in silence, who knows my integrity and loyalty?
Liu Zishu, just look at yourself.
Alone and isolated,
with only my shadow for company.
Drinking under the moon. How utterly tragic!
How utterly tragic!
My lord, are you alright?
I will pick it up for you.
Thank you.
Addressing water disasters
starts with people's livelihoods,
[Cultivating barren land harms fertile fields.]
prioritizing the homes and fields of folks.
There are ideas include encircling water
to craft fields and using water against sand.
In this way, long-term prevention
of water disasters can be achieved.
Such an outstanding water management strategy must have taken a great deal of effort.
Every day, officials bring flattering articles and poems.
Your Highness ordered that they should be burned regularly
to save space.
My lord, it's your policy discussion.
Thank you.
Amidst the high mountains
and flowing waters, a soulmate is elusive.
Are you okay?
Mudan!
Mudan. Mudan.
Liu Chang.
You're the wife I truly want, the one I wish to honor
and love with all my heart.
What are you talking about?
Mudan, I've already known about the play you and the County Princess put on together.
So what?
In the past, it was I
and the Liu family who failed you.
I don't blame you.
Can you give me another chance now?
If we can return to
our old relationship, I will…
I didn't know it was you under the mask.
Secondly, we've never had any relationship.
Okay. Let's not mention the past.
Let's pretend that
we're just now getting acquainted.
We get to know each other again.
I've already proposed to
the County Princess to dissolve the engagement.
I'd give up my present position and reputation for you. Would that be okay?
Liu Chang, before it's too late, I advise you to seek a doctor to properly treat your mind.
So, just like them,
you look down on me as well, right?
Yes.
I'm just a dog wagging my tail
and begging for mercy by the Prince Ning and the County Princess.
Who would respect a dog?
But even a dog can bark and show its teeth. Why should I have to put up with everything?
When have you ever held back in front of me?
Isn't all of this a consequence
of your own volition?
You've been pestering me over and over.
Not out of deep affection.
But because you're trying to find some pathetic sense of self-worth from me, so you don't feel so terrible.
You hope your family can achieve great honor, yet you can't let go of your aloofness.
You constantly wallow in self-pity and lamely shift all the pain
onto your parents' oppression
and others' lack of recognition. But what about you?
You've never made any changes.
You always feel like
the whole world despises you.
In my view, the one
who despises you the most is yourself.
You have no idea what do you really want?
No, it's not like that at all.
Even if it's what my heart desires.
The honor and disgrace of the Liu family
are all on my shoulders.
How can I abandon all of it?
With a heart set on aloofness,
you must embrace a life of simplicity.
If you choose to submit, and then you must bear
the shame of bowing down.
Yet you strive for both.
In the end, you'll only find yourself torn apart and shattered.
Liu Chang,
you should become a person first, and then memorize your so-called family name.
Become a person first.
Become a person first.
Is it fun to eavesdrop?
Even when I'm wearing a big coat and a mask, you can still recognize me.
You're easily recognized standing here.
Besides, even through the mask, I can see the deep cunning in your eyes.
Have you forgotten
who brought you into the building?
I'm wrong. Even through the mask, I can see you are knowledgeable and talented.
Doctor of philosophy. Frivolous games. Zero match. Ch…
It seems that in this lifetime, I'll never hear a good word from you.
The night is cool. Don't be preoccupied
with catching up with Mr. Liu.
You came out to eavesdrop
just to deliver a piece of clothing?
The Hai hour has passed, and we can't leave there.
I'm afraid you'll have to stay
at Huanyun Tower for the night.
It's after nine now.
There's only one room left.
We're choosing the top courtesan today,
and there are so many guests. We really can't spare any extra rooms.
This room is used for My lord's naps.
Your lord has great powers. No need to be bound by the curfew restrictions.
Even if he strides out of here
and back to his mansion, the military governor
and the ward chief won't block him.
Might as well give this room to me.
If today I insist on following the rules.
What would you do?
In that case, there is only one solution.
No wonder Huanyun Tower
does such great business.
The beds here are so nice.
In fact, tonight
I've been hoping to find a chance to have a real conversation with you.
'Fragrance Recital' - Zhang Zining
♫ In endless Chang'an,
the zither's melody distant ♫
♫ Plum and willow trees bask in the sunshine,
as splendor returns with the year ♫
♫ Copper palace battlements,
songs and dances, glass goblets ♫
♫ Idle clouds and duckweed,
a thousand flowers burst forth ♫
♫ Time passes gracefully,
affairs settle like fading smoke ♫
♫ Let the years go by,
carried by the wind to early desires ♫
♫ If the heart is like water,
the bloom is ever-present ♫
♫ Still cherish the moon of my hometown,
to meet for long ♫
♫ The distant night sky strewn with stars,
reflecting the lovely moon ♫
♫ The peony's magnificent beauty
fills the Fragrance Garden ♫
♫ With a heart as my lantern,
I don't mind the distant mountain paths ♫
♫ The flute's sound,
a fleeting life's wishes fulfilled ♫
♫ Time passes gracefully,
affairs settle like fading smoke ♫
♫ Let the years go by,
carried by the wind to early desires ♫
♫ If the heart is like water,
the bloom is ever-present ♫
♫ Still cherish the moon of my hometown,
to meet for long ♫