Subtitles by DramaFever
[Sound of the Desert]
Episode 4
My sister, we should leave this place. Let's go now.
Leave? Where to?
We finally managed to settle down.
We should have never been here in the first place.
Since the beginning, Madam Yue has picked on you.
She deliberately humiliated you in front of everyone
so that you would give up and back off.
We must not leave.
Why not?
I've never met anyone who is so meticulous and skillful in her tactics.
Simply judging by the fact that she wrote 'Moon and Blossoms'
you could tell that she is quite ambitious.
She is the person I am looking for.
The effort we've made to get in here will be well worth it in the end.
She is the only one who could help me fulfill my wish.
Do you really think that she could help you?
This House Mistress of Fair Maiden's House is not only smart
but also bold and charismatic.
She is very observant and good at minding details.
These are all strengths.
I believe that as long as she is willing
she can resolve any issues.
Xin Yue is indeed a bit cautious of us.
But you don't have to take it to heart, my brothers.
In no time, she shall be on our side.
Are you really going to do so?
You'd sacrifice everything to make it to the top through connections just like her?
Don't bother persuading me anymore.
I have already made up my mind.
'Moon and Blossoms' is indeed fantastic.
I believe the audience would be even more spectacular then the show itself.
Now that everything is in order
we just need to wait in patience.
All right, the show is about to begin. Please wait patiently.
Ding Ling! Ding Ling, look!
These are the tips that they gave to you.
They said that they loved your performance.
And there's a young master who would like to meet you.
I won't meet him.
I'll just sing my songs well and perform my dances perfectly.
I won't be seeing anyone.
You're famous now.
You're even more glorious than Shuang Shuang used to be.
If you won't meet him, then don't bother.
If they wish to see Ding Ling, they have to watch our daily performance.
Good news!
- House Mistress! - All the tickets are sold out today!
Even tickets for tomorrow and the day after tomorrow are sold out as well.
I've mentioned before that besides your own tips from the audience
everyone gets paid according to the importance of your role.
- That's great! - Thank you!
This is the result of everyone's hard work.
Keep working hard!
Great!
House Mistress! House Mistress!
House Mistress! There is an important guest!
An important guest?
Master Wei, welcome to Fair Maiden's House.
Allow me to introduce you to our leading lady first, all right?
- This way... - Where is your House Mistress?
She is coming over.
Master Wei, we've arranged for you to watch the show in the wing upstairs.
This way, please.
Master Wei has humbled himself by visiting Fair Maiden's House.
We are truly honored and flattered by your gracious presence.
You've finally abandoned your wolf pack and come over here to Jian-An City?
Why didn't you look for me when you got to Jian-An City?
How is Master Wei's spice business?
Did you miss me?
Master Wei, please enjoy the show in the wing.
- Sure. - House Mistress! Ms. Hong!
Xin Yan, you have to mind your manners even in an emergency.
What is it?
Master Wu is here! Behind him is a refined and handsome man.
Master Wu addresses him as the Ninth Lord.
They are both here?
I have something urgent to attend to.
Master Wei, please forgive me.
Ms. Hong, show Master Wei to his seat.
Yes.
Master Wei, this way, please.
My Lord, why didn't you send someone over to notify me in advance?
I could have made arrangements for you.
I suddenly thought of coming to see what you've been busy with.
Last night, you stayed out all night again.
Mister Shi and Xiao Feng please go up this flight of stairs.
Go ahead.
- Yes. - Yes.
This is...
This is built especially for the Ninth Lord.
For safety reasons, I didn't dare making it too big.
What smell is this?
It's the smell of medicinal herbs.
This is...
Licorice!
He smells of medicinal herbs.
We've arrived.
My Lord, I wrote this play based on a love story.
Sorry to intrude, My Lord.
Madam Yue, come with me.
Madam Yue, please go and help Ms. Hong out.
You left the difficult guest to her and then walked away.
That is not appropriate.
Xin Yue.
If you're busy, go and handle the matters first.
Yes.
Xiao Feng.
What's the matter?
Look after the Ninth Lord for me.
Don't worry, Xin Yue.
I'll be here.
Please!
I really couldn't stand that Master Wei's cold and rigid face.
The moment he entered the house, I seemed to be in dragged back to winter
but unfortunately, I'm dressed in spring clothing.
Ms. Hong could still make jokes
so the situation is quite all right.
All right? It wouldn't be all right soon.
Wonderful!
This way, please.
What could go wrong when I am here?
Such rare guests! Even you are here to watch the performance?
Ms. Hong, this must be your new House Mistress, Yue the lass?
Thank you for coming over.
Thank you for supporting Fair Maiden's House.
I would definitely come over here if there are good shows.
Although I left Fair Maiden's House
I would still like to see how well you are doing and developing.
Thank you.
We've been sold out for days, and it has been full house for nights.
'Moon and Blossoms' has been doing amazingly well.
Shuang Shuang, you were too short-sighted and left us too early.
Our Shuang Shuang doesn't care about that.
She could be as glorious as she wants to be at mine.
Besides, good things don't last.
If this success could continue
then it is a true success.
Just you wait and see.
Sure. Shuang Shuang, let's go and watch the show.
Walk and watch carefully.
That feels great!
Be prepared for danger in times of peace.
'Moon and Blossoms' attracts attention
but also draws in enemies for us.
I know that.
Go and take a look at your expressionless tyrant.
Some friend you are!
Since you got here, you took our house back to the winter times.
If Great General Wan is the same as how he is portrayed in the play
then he would have been killed by the Jie tribe, rather than killing them.
In this performance, the dancer playing the Senior Princess dances quite well.
As for the others, it's fine even if I don't watch them perform.
It so happens that I have questions for you.
Master Wei, ask away.
Do you blame me?
I couldn't reveal my true identity in the desert.
But you may still call me Xiao Wei.
Do you believe that I am from Nan Dynasty now?
I don't know.
You showed up in a bizarre manner
and you were strangely familiar with the landscape of the desert.
You claimed to be of Nan Dynasty descent
and yet you knew nothing about our world.
Wouldn't I be too weird not to have been slightly doubtful?
While I traveled with you, I realized that you truly had no evil intentions.
But I had an important mission at hand
and I couldn't tell you about my true identity.
Xin Yue, can you understand my reason?
I'm familiar with the desert because I grew up in a wolf pack.
We had the natural instinct of finding our way around the desert.
As a descendant from Nan Dynasty
you've never lived in the Central Plains.
That is why I find everything here strange.
But perhaps, I couldn't say where I am truly from.
I belong to the wolf pack
and that is all I could say.
Could you believe what I just said?
I believe you.
As for whatever that you are reluctant to share with me now
I believe that one day, you would hold my hand and tell me about it.
You are extremely confident and arrogant.
This isn't arrogance.
I have an ability.
As long as I look straight into someone's eyes
I can read their mind.
You've been in Jian-An City for almost six months.
You made a living out of dance performances.
Since you already know about my identity why didn't you come looking for me?
What if I didn't come over to see you?
When I had wanted to look for you I didn't where to find you.
When I knew where you are, I didn't think it's necessary to meet up anymore.
Then what is your intention in choreographing this performance?
You wish to enter the palace?
Or do you think that you are some genius from the desert
or are you hoping to make it to the very top?
Why would I want to get into that sort of hideous place for nothing?
Are you doing this for her?
She is very pure-minded.
She just hopes to move on to a good place with this opportunity.
Or to lead a good life from now on.
What I would not do myself
I wouldn't do unto others.
Besides, I don't think that she is the sort who could survive in there.
Then what are you doing this for?
I'm doing this... for her.
The Senior Princess?
You said that you were brought up by wolves.
I say that you were brought up by foxes instead.
Get me more tea.
Why should I?
Because the Senior Princess would soon ask me
'Wu Ji, have you watched this show at Fair Maiden's House?'
'It's called 'Moon and Blossoms.'
Then I really wouldn't know what to tell her.
What else would Master Wei like? I'll prepare it for you.
This play is written with great caution.
Every line is written with a great sense of propriety.
But you left me downstairs all on my own
to welcome your Boat Lord
weren't you afraid that I would be furious?
He is my boss.
Which employee wouldn't welcome the boss inside?
Is that so?
Am I inferior to your boss?
Young Master, Ms. Hong asks to see you.
Excuse me, Master Wei.
Don't beat about the bush.
Yue Er, the Ninth Lord is furious.
He is reprimanding Master Wu.
I understand. I'll be with you very shortly.
Yes.
I have to take my leave now.
You don't seem to be petty-minded.
Will you stop being hard on me?
I have to go and plead for forgiveness now.
Am I not miserable enough?
You are quite a daring employee.
You've choreographed a show about the imperial family's personal life
without your employer's permission.
Would you like me to accompany you?
Don't be too harsh on yourself.
If Shi's Shipping won't keep you
I'll take you in my manor.
What has happened?
I don't know either.
Shi Feng sent me over to pass the message to you.
He told me to come and get you right away.
He said that Master Wu is answering questions on his knees now.
It is about the performance.
Don't worry, I'll handle it.
You don't know about the regulations at Shi's Shipping.
Someone once became a beggar from a millionaire overnight.
He starved to death on the streets.
There are a lot of other punishments that I don't know about.
The more I think about it, the more frightened I am.
Should anyone be punished, it would be me.
None of you have anything to do with this.
We had better get in there now.
You're not allowed in there.
The performance is almost over.
Go and keep an eye on it.
Make sure that nothing goes wrong especially at this crucial moment.
That would only add to Master Wu's trouble.
- Thank you. - You had better start thinking
about how you should explain this matter to the Ninth Lord.
Master Wu, leave the room first.
Jin Yan would inform you how we would deal with you.
I am an orphan.
If Shi's Shipping hadn't taken me in
I'd have been eaten by stray dogs long ago.
This time, I haven't been entirely honest with you about the dance house.
No matter how you've decided to punish me
I have no complaints.
However, I feel wronged.
Compared to other business owners, we treated our servants generously.
We've dealt with our customers fair and just.
But why has Shi's Shipping been impoverished to this state?
Has all the wealth that the late Boat Lords left behind been used up?
My Lord! How would you face your father when you pass away?
That's enough!
Have you become more and more muddleheaded?
Who taught you to speak to the Ninth Lord in such a manner?
I wouldn't dare.
I wouldn't dare!
I just feel wronged, that's all.
I feel wronged!
Xin Yue, you've really taken me by surprise.
With your wisdom, this tiny dance house couldn't have been good enough for you.
Instead of running the business as it is
you chose to play up to people of great power.
Why have you gone to all this trouble?
Madam Yue is still young.
She just hopes to make our house famous.
She shouldn't be blamed for doing so.
If anyone is in the wrong
it should be me.
I should have reminded her constantly
instead of allowing her to act on her own will.
My Lord, if you have to punish someone
just punish me.
Wu! I have already watched the show.
It is very unique.
If this is written for fame
she would never come up with such a story.
If she wants to make Fair Maiden's House famous in Jian-An City
any ordinary story line would have sufficed.
Why would she take the risk to hint at the imperial family's affair?
Great risks lead to great ambitions.
I did do this on purpose.
My intention is to attract the intention of Senior Princess Zhaoyang
in order to befriend her.
You have a great ambition.
But have you ever considered if
you could bear the consequences of this matter?
Consequences?
I don't know what the Ninth Lord is afraid of.
Shi's Shipping is in such a state...
Is it because there are no capable staff who could manage the business?
But I know that isn't true.
The reason Shi's Shipping is impoverished is because
the former imperial relatives, the Bi family, were on the decline
and the Wans rose to power.
Therefore, wealth and power are tied together.
Since ancient times, if one wishes to prosper one's business
one has to socialize with the government.
Moreover, there are hundreds of officials here in Jian-An City
where all sorts of people with powers gather together.
Although I've never met the late Old Master
I could still imagine how glorious he must had been then.
Therefore, I think that your father was on good terms with the Bi family.
Therefore, you wish to use 'Moon and Blossoms'
to befriend the Senior Princess?
Miss Xin Yue.
Shi's Shipping has thousands of employees to feed.
Not all of them has your wisdom
nor a great ambition like yours.
They also wouldn't join this game of yours
without thinking for their families.
From this day forth, Fair Maiden's House would be sold to you.
This place would no longer be related to Shi's Shipping at all.
However you would like to run this place would be your own business.
Jin Yan, we'll head back to the manor.
Yes.
You can make it go down now!
Master Wu, how is it?
Is there any chance to turn this situation around?
What chance could there possibly be?
Shi's Shipping has already given the official notice
that they no longer take charge of Fair Maiden's House.
Madam Yue, seriously.
You made this risky decision without authorization and now it has backfired.
We've lost the support from Shi's Shipping now.
Things would only get worse for us.
Master Wu, you can't blame this all on Yue Er.
She truly has the best interests of Fair Maiden's House at heart.
We could all see how well she has done.
The Ninth Lord is the timid one who is afraid to offend Senior Princess.
He's frightened of improbable, obscure consequences
so he left Fair Maiden's House to fend for its own, in order to protect himself.
You couldn't blame this on the Ninth Lord.
You have only yourselves to blame for making this into such a huge matter.
This is even better.
We could now do whatever we want without Shi's Shipping's involvement.
Yue Er, am I right?
I asked you if what I said is right.
What did you just say?
It's fine.
- Who are you? - Get lost!
It's so noisy outside. What's happened?
- You're not allowed in here! - Get out of my way!
Anyone?
Tear all this old furnishing down!
Particularly the plaque of Fair Maiden's House!
- Tear it down! - What?
Take it apart!
What are you taking apart?
Who allowed you to take it apart?
Ms. Hong!
Carry that in!
Open it up.
Ms. Hong, I'm here to play the Samaritan today!
I know that Fair maiden's House is up for sale. I'm going to buy the house.
This is the deposit.
Who told you that we are up for sale?
Take all this money back with you.
The house is not for sale?
But I've heard that Shi's Shipping is going to give your house up.
Without their support
could you possibly survive?
If you're not for sale, then are you waiting around to shut down eventually?
Dance houses under Shi's Shipping were either crushed or taken over by you.
Fair Maiden's House is the only one left.
Although the Ninth Lord is no longer in charge of us
we have always been a part of Shi's Shipping.
Can't you let us off in respect of Shi's Shipping's previous masters?
All in all, as long as I am still here in this house
you are not to take it away.
Send the guest out!
No, I mean send the plague out!
Get out now! Move it!
- Get out now! - Let go of me!
Who are you to touch me?
Go and have a look outside. Let's see what else we could tear down.
- Tear it down. - Yes!
All of you should listen up.
Everything has changed now.
Shi's Shipping is no longer as glorious as it used to be.
Even if Shi's Shipping support you
you are still no match for me!
Miss Feng, you had better be more respectful.
Do not criticize Shi's Shipping at will.
You're blaming me for not respecting Shi's Shipping?
You should blame its Boat Lord for being too weak and useless
to remedy the current decline.
Isn't decades of family business
now ruined in the hands of Mo Xun?
You can't tear this down! Our House Mistress built this for the Ninth Lord!
You must not damage it!
You're not allowed to take this apart!
You must not damage it!
- You're not allowed to take this apart! - Why not?
- You're not allowed to take this apart! - Keep tearing it apart!
Don't take it apart!
- You're not allowed to take this apart! - Who dares to take it apart?
I'll have your hand all broken for a month!
Stop!
Should anyone disrespect the Ninth Lord
and Shi's Shipping
don't blame me for being harsh on you!
I just want to buy Fair Maiden's House, that's all.
Get in the line.
Because I am buying Fair Maiden's House.
I'm not just going to buy Fair Maiden's House.
Each and every dance house that once belonged to Shi's Shipping.
I'll get them all back, one by one.
You should leave now.
Stop embarrassing yourself.
Go away.
I'll see how long you could last!
Go! Take away our money!
Yes, ma'am!
I asked everyone over today
to discuss buying Fair Maiden's House.
I am definitely all for it.
I agree to buy Fair Maiden's House.
We will be our own boss.
They have the money ready.
But how could we afford it?
Master Wu, 'Moon and Blossoms' is now extremely popular.
Since its debut, it has made us quite a huge profit.
If we continue to perform the show, we're sure to make enough money.
It won't do. It is because of 'Moon and Blossoms'
that the Ninth Lord gave us up.
The Ninth Lord is right.
'Moon and Blossoms' is a show that could bring us great danger.
If we keep showing it, it might truly get us into huge trouble.
Master Wu, do you mean that we should stop showing 'Moon and Blossoms'?
No! If we don't show 'Moon and Blossoms'
how could we get back at Beauties' House?
Even the cocky Beauties' House
wouldn't dare to put on a show like 'Moon and Blossoms.'
Madam Yue, this is what the sisters have saved from our earnings.
It might not be a lot, but please accept it.
We hope that House Mistress will not abandon us no matter what happens.
You must run Fair Maiden's House.
- Yes! Here's mine! - And mine!
All of you...
But this is your hard-earned savings.
You were the one who made Fair Maiden's House stood out.
That's why we managed to make all this money.
I never thought that I could be so greatly admired on stage for my talent.
You gave this all to us.
This is just our way of repaying your kindness.
Then how could you miss out on me?
All these years that I've been out making a living
I have saved quite a lot as well
and now I can finally do something meaningful with it.
Since we all agree to Xin Yue's decision
then let us all work together
to make Fair Maiden's House famous and spectacular.
Yes!
Master Wu.
Everyone contributed to the success of 'Moon and Blossoms.'
I believe that the show will bring us good fortune.
Therefore, until we reach our goal
we will keep showing 'Moon and Blossoms.'
- Yes! Exactly! - We must keep showing it!
- Yes! That's right! - We must keep showing it!
It went exactly as you predicted.
I'm also very moved to see everyone so united.
Xin Yue isn't just sharp
so we'll have to be even more cautious in our words and actions.
I understand.
I almost forgot. I have some things to buy.
Why don't you go in first?
All right, I'll get going.
Qin Xiang?
You're such a vixen!
How dare you even show yourself?
Aren't you afraid that I would sort you out?
If I had offended Miss Feng in any way
I would definitely apologize to you.
But I really don't understand what Miss Feng is angry about?
Are you still trying to act ignorant?
You deliberately sent Qin Yuan Chao to leak information to me
saying that Shi's Shipping is giving up on Fair Maiden's House
so that I could go and buy it.
I thought that you had betrayed Fair Maiden's House!
Then I have helped you.
Miss Feng should thank me instead.
Damn you! Look what happened?
My hand was almost broken by your dear House Mistress!
That girl is quite something.
Now that I've offended her
I've really gotten myself in trouble.
You're not helping me at all!
You've gotten me into trouble! Do you know that?
I'm also disappoint for Miss Feng that your attempt had failed.
It's just that now everyone in our house is all united.
the House Mistress refused to accept your authority over her.
Little had I expected that.
You didn't expect that to happen?
Why do I always think that everything went according to your plans?
At the inn, you deliberately provoked me
and had me argue with Ms. Hong.
Then you acted pitifully so that Ms. Hong would stand up for you.
'When the snipe and the clam grapple it is the fisherman who profits.'
Once I go up against Fair Maiden's House you reap to benefit from it, right?
This is just your speculation.
I would like to explain but I couldn't find the words.
But Miss Feng is right about something.
I have indeed come to Jian-An with a motive.
I will achieve it step by step.
As for other matters, or others' gains and losses
it has nothing to do with me.
Hold it!
You're just using me?
I'll reveal the true looks of this treacherous beauty!
If you reach your hand out just a little bit more
the leaf would have slit your wrist.
I've been out making a living for so many years now
and yet I am fooled by the two of you.
I...
You knew that I was following you.
I just didn't expect you to help me.
I could tell that you have no regards for Miss Feng.
Otherwise, you wouldn't have used her again and again.
You're absolutely right.
She isn't worth mentioning at all.
I just wanted to give you a hand.
You incited Miss Feng to make a grab for Fair Maiden's House
in order to make everyone united.
That did benefit me
so I should thank you for it.
But of course, this matter benefits you as well.
As long as Fair Maiden's House is in my hands
I will keep showing 'Moon and Blossoms.'
Since the first day you showed up
and tried every means to stay in Fair Maiden's House
I knew that you had your designs on using 'Moon and Blossoms.'
You wrote this show in order to cozy up to Senior Princess Zhaoyang.
You intend to use her power to gain a footing in Jian-An.
You're absolutely spot on.
At least, you're the only one who saw through my true intentions.
Then I'll be honest with you.
I have the same intention as you do.
It's fine that we share the same idea.
But I would not allow anything to get in my way.
I also understand that.
Here! Drink up!
Bottoms up!
Speaking of 'Moon and Blossoms' you really have to watch it.
I'm already sick and tired of those romantic dance performances.
Think about it.
That romantic couple in the show is
the current Senior Princess and Great General.
One is the gem of all women
and the other was born a slave.
The princess is even much older than the general.
The entire story line has its twists and romantic elements.
We've only so much heard of it, but now it is shown in a performance!
Give this some thought.
If we want to sneak a peek into the imperial family's affair
we could only do that through watching 'Moon and Blossoms.'
Don't you know that Fair Maiden's House has been packed since
the showing of this performance?
Their tickets are like gold dust.
- Exactly! - Of course! Don't worry.
With your support, the show would definitely become even more popular.
It would be known throughout the entire Jian-An City.
- Here, drink up! - Drink up! Come on!
Why are you kneeling? Drink up!
Here, drink up!
- Greetings to the Senior Princess! - Drink up!
Qin Yuan Chao greets the Senior Princess.
I heard you saying in the hall just now
that 'Moon and Blossoms' is a great show.
But I didn't hear clearly what is so great about it.
Tell me about it again.
What is so wonderful about 'Moon and Blossoms'?
What imperial secret does it reveal?
Your Highness, the story is about...
I don't dare to say it.
I don't really know about it.
I... I didn't know that Your Highness is here.
Moon and.... I was just blabbering nonsense.
Please forgive me for offending Your Highness!
Please forgive me, Your Highness!
Since you know that you've done wrong, you should watch your words and actions.
If it isn't the truth, you shouldn't exaggerate and brag so much about it.
I know that I've done wrong.
You are dismissed.
- Yes, yes! - Let's leave quickly!
There's actually someone who is bold and daring enough
to write a play like 'Moon and Blossoms' under my nose.
That's just a way for people to make a living.
Since it causes no harm, why would you take it to heart?
How could imperial affairs be treated as a child's play?
Especially... Especially when this is written about us.
It mustn't be publicized and gossiped by all.
Time flies.
Whenever I think about all the memories between us
I feel very comforted.
Since there is 'Moon and Blossoms' now
to commemorate our love
it is also quite a lovely matter.
I suddenly remember that I haven't see Wu Ji for a long time.
I wonder how he is recently.
Wu Ji, I haven't seen you here in my manor for months.
Where have you been traveling again?
I've been having too much fun lately and forgot to visit Auntie more often.
Please forgive me.
Young men do not yet carry the heavy responsibility of the nation.
It's normal that you like going out to have fun.
But I've heard that you've been visiting a dance house called Fair Maiden's House.
That has made me a bit worried.
It is just an ordinary dance house. so why would Auntie be worried?
Because they are showing a play called 'Moon and Blossoms.'
It has caused quite a commotion here in Jian-An City.
You should have seen it already?
- I have. - Whose story does it tell?
I know about it.
I'm worried that this story itself might be portrayed inaccurately.
I'm worried that the playwright intended to mock the imperial court
and has no sense of propriety.
That would make me a laughingstock.
I see.
Then Auntie has nothing to worry about.
The play itself is detailed but unconventional.
You could tell that the playwright is faithful to the true story.
After watching it, I was very touched by your romance with my uncle.
I respect you both more than ever.
- But the only fault is... - What is it?
No matter how well the leading lady performs, she could not display
even a fraction of Auntie's charm.
All right, since it is a good play
I would have to see it.
Then I could judge it for myself.
Yue Er!
Yue Er.
Look! it's a full house again tonight.
Then tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and the entire month is fully booked!
Since Fair Maiden's House first opened
we've never been so popular before!
It's all thanks to you that we have such good business.
I can't take all the credit for it.
You have been taking care of everything so well.
You have worked hard as well.
That is all right.
As long as our house continues to make a lot of money
our business prospers, and we all get to lead a good life
I could work my fingers to the bone for it!
I'll head out to entertain the guests.
What is it that...
she truly seeks?
Subtitles by DramaFever