Subtitles By TVB USA
[Can't Buy Me Love]
Episode 9
We're just in time to serve the peony radish to Madam Yuk.
She has been praising you lately.
I bet she'll make you the butler.
You'll stand to gain as well, if I become the butler.
When the water boils, pour it back into Granny Kam's pot.
I will.
What happened?
What's the matter?
I'm making stewed peony radish for Granny Kam
but half the pot is gone.
Let me see... you're right!
You didn't watch the fire.
No! I kept coming back to make sure.
Maybe too much firewood.
No! I always use the same amount.
You didn't add enough water.
No! I checked earlier, it was full.
I just turned my back and half is gone.
Either you're distracted, or you're too careless.
Only half a pot is left.
How can I explain this to Madam Yuk?
Should she dock your pay or fire you?
What do I do now?
Get out! I'll fix it for you.
You will?
I'm doing you a favor.
Don't ask and get out!
Hurry...
She's so stupid!
Not you though!
Her Highness, Princess Chiu Yeung.
Greetings, Princess.
At ease! Have a seat!
Please honor us and stay for dinner.
We're having hotpot tonight, with lamb and mushrooms.
She's a Princess.
She can't eat tough meat like civilians can.
I'm here for two things.
First, it's about Ngan Ping.
We heard what happened. She was framed.
I'm glad you understand.
Because someone is up to no good, we must be wary of what we say and do.
Don't give anyone any reason to start trouble.
I don't mean to brag but my grandsons are decent and obedient.
They have a good sense of decency.
The second matter...
Sz makes the best multi-grain congee I've ever tasted.
I want her to wait on me in my mansion. Any objections?
No problem!
I have a problem!
Sz, come here.
We hired Sz to work for us.
The Princess can't just take her away.
Sz is important to the Princess.
She's important to us too!
Whenever I pass out, she's the only one who can carry me.
She makes the best congee.
She's the fastest in breaking firewood.
She's the most capable person we have.
She's hard working like an ox.
Sz can do four people's work.
It would be stupid to let her go.
I'll pay for four servants in exchange for her.
Hey, we're loaded with gold. We can hire our own servants.
- We could afford forty. - We just won't let her go.
You want her to stay?
Did you even ask her?
Sz, tell me, how much would it take for you to work for me?
Is four times enough?
She's not worth it.
It's not a matter of money.
I know it's not a matter of money.
Everyone wants to move up.
You're nothing but a maid over here.
I can make you my butler and personal aide.
Sz, I'll make you our 'Number One Maid'.
Agreed!
Why argue over something so petty? We live right next door to each other.
Why must we make things so clear cut?
This is a matter of dignity!
Sz is not your slave. We should let her decide.
Tell us, Sz.
You want to stay or come over?
- Sz... - I...
What did you tell me?
You said you'd repay our kindness.
Remember we saved your life?
The Princess is nice to you and we're friends.
Need I remind you of the four virtues?
You're both so good to me.
Between gratitude and loyalty.
Going with one will offend the other. I can't decide!
I feel bad you're fighting over me.
Maybe I should leave.
No!
Even in war, the messenger is spared.
It's ridiculous to make Sz go away.
Even a maid is part of the family.
You bet!
It didn't have to be a big deal, but someone had to stir trouble.
Lowly subjects like us wouldn't dare!
If you know you're my lowly subjects, why can't I get the maid I want?
That's the biggest joke on earth.
What kind of man would I be if I didn't defend my own staff?
Stop arguing! Don't fret...
Before Heaven crashes in, there must be a way.
I think I have a win-win solution.
We could cut her in half!
The butler position here has been vacant for a while.
I'll make Sz our butler and Dor Luk's personal maid.
Dor Luk is the Prince, he's a member of the Princess' mansion.
From now on, Sz will work for the Princess as well as work for us.
What?
Good idea, I agree.
That works!
What do you think, Princess?
I don't care as long as Sz works for me.
I don't care as long as Sz works for us.
I grant you free access to both mansions.
I grant you free meals at both mansions.
You look so pretty in the butler uniform.
Please don't tease me.
You're not only our butler, you're also our goodwill ambassador.
Goodwill ambassador?
If the Princess is bored and needs someone to
play the Game of Leaves, come get me right away.
We need your intervention.
Princess.
Greetings, Princess.
At ease!
The Princess has been waiting for you.
Since the expansion, everyone has been busy.
I've been dying to play this game.
Gold leaf? So thin and smooth.
Sit down, Granny Kam. I'm not leaving until we play at least seven rounds.
Just the two of us? That's no fun.
There are four of us here, let's all play.
- Sz! - I'm a terrible player.
- Ngan Ping! - I can't part with my hard earned gold.
I'll pay if you lose, you can keep what you win.
Same for you, Sz.
I want to start at level three, that's more exciting.
I usually start at level seven
but we'll start at level three just for you.
The discarder pays for all.
Sz, I order you to sit down.
Let's make this clear, we're at war.
I always shut out my opponents and clean them out.
No need to give me any consideration. I play this game my way
and I always clean out my opponents too.
Talk is cheap, we'll find out soon enough.
Granny, you won't mind if I shut you out?
That's the fun part.
Then I won't spare you.
We'll see about that.
- There! - You don't scare me!
I don't need your help.
That's the second one.
That's the fun part.
I don't want it.
32 taels, thank you.
You don't have to pay, she discarded that card.
Granny Kam will pay for you.
That's great!
32 taels is nothing.
Pong!
I'll get it all back in one hand.
Here's my chance... pay up!
I intercept.
Intercept my game?
- Granny... - Granny...
Granny...
- Send for the doctor! - Yes, Princess.
Can a pinwheel make a shrew go away?
Maybe I should try to exorcise her.
What a loser!
Miss Chor Kiu, fancy meeting you here.
Are you sick?
I feel dizzy and short of breath, so I came to see the doctor.
Shall I call you a sedan chair?
No, thank you! It's only a short walk.
Really? Let me escort you.
- Thank you. - Come on.
Thank goodness Master Kam took you home.
I'll prepare your medication.
Thanks, Auntie Mei.
Chor Kiu, don't worry so much.
You'll find a solution.
Thank you, Master Kam.
Is something wrong, Miss Chor Kiu?
It's a long story.
You've prayed for Granny Kam feeling better?
I hope she'll get well soon.
Shall we go around?
No, Wing Ho is not a beast.
I thought there would be a good show, but she ran off so suddenly.
Something is fishy.
- Princess? - Arrest him!
What for?
How dare you go to Yee Hung Lau in broad daylight?
I didn't! I wouldn't dare!
No? Eunuch Ngai saw you.
I didn't go to Yee Hung Lau, I went to Shing Tai Jeweler.
I picked out this jade comb for you.
I didn't want you to get the wrong idea, so I didn't go directly.
I took the back alley and routed to Shing Tai Jeweler.
I went through the back alley again after I bought this
just to make sure I avoided Yee Hung Lau.
- Really? - You can check with Shing Tai Jeweler!
Fine! You're off the hook this time.
Nothing but a lover's quarrel. What a disappointment.
What a coincidence, Chiu Yeung! I saw you at the temple
and now here again. Don't tell me you're following me.
That is a weird coincidence!
Yee Hung Lau is on fire! Look!
- Yes... - There's a lot of smoke...
A fire? How did that happen?
- Let go... - Give that to me...
Fire... run...
Master Kam, go out the back door
I'll pack my things.
No, your life is more important. Are you alright?
My leg...
Let's go!
No! My leg hurts... go on without me.
Don't be silly! I may be weak but I can carry you outside.
Move away...
- Are you all right? - I'm scared...
- Run... - We'll be all right...
Let go of my underwear!
Have you no shame?
What a scene!
Those people are naked!
They have no shame!
I can't bear to watch this.
Princess, let's go, it's not safe here.
Prince Dor Luk?
Everything is fine now...
My Prince didn't go whoring, Prince Dor Luk did.
Everything is all right now.
Adulterers!
You... Why did you hit us?
I should have you killed!
Prince Dor Luk, how could you?
You're not even properly dressed. It's obvious what you were doing.
You think I was whoring? Of course not!
I met Miss Chor Kiu on the street. She was ill.
I sent her back here. Then there was a fire and I carried her out.
If you don't believe me, ask Miss Chor Kiu...
Are you all right?
Are you alright, Chor Kiu?
The fire is out...
Help her inside.
Be careful! Give her some medicated wine.
Kam Dor Luk, come with me.
This way, Prince.
Hurry up!
Let go! I can walk myself!
- Prince Weng. - Yes, Princess?
Good job!
Greetings, Eunuch Ngai.
- Here you go. - Thank you.
It was just a small fire. Such easy money.
I give you many thanks.
You're working for me now. You know what will happen if you have loose lips?
Of course!
What's going on here? She slapped me in broad daylight.
What's the meaning of that?
And you! You hit me on the neck. Was that really necessary?
Because you deserved it! Whoring is a heinous crime.
I told you I saved her.
I didn't go whoring. She fainted, I tried to help her.
What's wrong with that? If you were dying, should I not save you?
Leave you on the street to die? Am I right?
Miss Chor Kiu hurt her leg...
Chor Kiu? How well do you know her? You seem to know her pretty well.
Start talking, so the Princess can clean up your mess.
There's nothing! Don't be obscene.
No more obscene than you going whoring!
Ng Sz Tak is here, with the Kam family.
Because they came with Miss Sz Tak, I dare not...
- Where's Dor Luk? - Dor Luk!
- Grandma!
- Dor Luk! - Mom Loi Hei.
Are you all right?
Look at you... we know about Yee Hung Lau.
We also know someone slapped you.
Oh my goodness!
I'm fine, Grandma.
Princess, they're worried about Master Luk.
That's why I brought them over. I hope you won't mind.
I can tell what's right and wrong.
Unlike some people, who are senseless.
Dor Luk may not be well educated, but we have taught him a sense of propriety.
Justice, honor, and shame.
He would never go whoring.
A woman's reputation is as important as a man's honor.
You slapped him out in public. How can he ever show his face again?
And how can the Princess show her face?
Everyone on that street saw him come out of Yee Hung Lau
with a woman in his arms, half naked.
I told you, Miss Chor Kiu injured her leg...
And there happens to a be fire. And the Princess happens to pass by.
With all these coincidences, we'll have snow in June!
I gave you fair warning, you must be careful with what you say and do.
Bad news travels fast and far.
When word reaches the palace, imagine the Princess' humiliation.
What about Dor Luk's humiliation?
Dor Luk didn't go whoring. You made this up, you framed him.
He was trying to help someone.
To watch someone die is not the act of a gentleman.
I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding.
I saved a life, and you accuse me of whoring.
You might as well say I killed someone!
Look at that bruise on your neck!
I never once laid my hand on you.
Princess, Dor Luk is someone's son.
You're a Princess and we don't want trouble.
We prefer not to argue with you
but you repeatedly pick on us.
What's the point?
We used to be happy!
Now we're worried and distressed.
We have no peace, only anxiety.
You think I've caused all of your troubles?
I turned you into thieves? I made you a liar?
I saw you coming out of a brothel with a prostitute in your arms.
Did I set you up?
Did I make that up? I'm the troublemaker?
Yes, you're the troublemaker.
You're being unreasonable.
We respect you and have given in to your desires.
We put up with you! I don't mind if you say I've failed to run this household
but I won't let you frame Dor Luk!
A bad wife is like a shoe that is too small.
I should have conked you on the head harder!
Shut up!
Stop!
You hate me. I think you're unreasonable, vulgar and ignorant.
We need not continue with this act, I can't stand it anymore.
Kam Dor Luk, I want a divorce.
What?
Are you serious?
I am so serious.
Dor Luk!
You must teach those rascals a lesson.
They were stunned when you suggested a divorce.
Of course! They need my connections.
They let Kam Dor Luk become a Prince because they're after fame and fortune.
Without you behind them, they'd never be the 'Number One Gold'.
Who'll kiss up to them?
Marrying him saved me from Tibet, but life with them is even worse.
I have to scream at the top of my lungs everyday, like a bitch.
That's so unbecoming of a Princess.
Now I finally have an excuse to divorce that rascal.
Now that I'm done using him, it's time I send him on his way.
You must seek the Dowager's consent for your divorce.
As long as I have a reason, I'll get my wish.
Ching Wan has been divorced twice.
Dowager will give her consent if I cry.
Why would you be crying, Princess?
Liu Shun?
Greetings, Princess.
You had such a speedy recovery.
I'm here to report to duty.
Ngan Ping, give him a full account.
Yes, Princess.
Let me tell you...
Hey...
Please spare me, Miss Ngan Ping.
Princess, please spare me, or my bones won't last much longer.
If your bones are weak, you must take care of yourself and be very careful.
Thank you for your good intentions.
In order to stay alive, I'm here to tender my resignation.
I wish to retire and stay clear of other people's business.
Why didn't you say so earlier?
Very well, I will grant your request.
Since I'm through with the Prince, I no longer need you. You may retire.
Thank you, Princess
I paid a visit to the Directorate.
Minister Law assured me that we signed a 10-year contract
with an option for 10 more years.
Unless the Tang dynasty is overthrown, we're okay.
His Majesty would never go back on his word.
I was so worried our contract would be revoked along with Dor Luk's title.
Does that mean even if I'm divorced, the family won't be in any trouble?
Dor Luk, I have it all figured out.
There are eights disadvantages to you getting divorced.
First, you lose your title. No salary, no special privileges.
No access to the Palace, no more royal status.
No one to kiss up to us and no more bullying others.
But, there are four advantages.
You can hold your head up high again.
You have dignity.
You take no orders from anyone, and...
Let me count my blessings...
I can tell people's fortune at the temple.
No one will beat me up.
I can eat anything on the street.
I'll get stronger because I'll sleep better.
I can finally stop passing out all the time.
The advantages are as numerous as the stars in the sky.
Yes...
It's tough being royalty.
I always had to dress up when I went out.
We have to eat well.
I can't shop for bargains.
I won't be in constant fear.
Nothing is more important than the happiness of my grandsons.
We can live and eat in peace from now on.
That alone overrides the other advantages.
I'd rather be poor but happy than rich but sad.
It was the Princess' idea
so even if His Majesty questions us, it's not our fault.
Yes...
We'll support Dor Luk's divorce.
That's right!
The spirit of the Kams...
unite and be happy.
We'll make a clean break with the bitchy Princess.
Clean break!
Don't let her know we're excited.
Don't tell Sz either. She's tight with the Princess, and will spill the beans.
I'm so happy, I'll cook dinner.
I'll cook up a storm tonight...
This butterfly looks so real.
The peacock is exquisitely made.
Father gave me this...
Everyone is betting Chiu Yeung will get a divorce.
If we bet the same, we won't win much money.
We'll just have to place a huge bet.
Though we still have taxes from the fief
it's not fair our salary is docked for a year.
- Eunuch Ngai. - Yes?
Sell these for a good price, and bet the money on Chiu Yeung getting a divorce.
Yes, Princess.
Her divorce will bring us some easy money.
All because you orchestrated the fire at Yee Hung Lau.
Chiu Yeung is sure to ask for a divorce. It has become the talk of the town
and everyone is placing their bets.
We'd like to see Master Ting about a divorce.
Do we need to take a number?
They're gone.
- What? - When will you give out more?
- Early next month. - What?
We give out numbers at the beginning of each month.
400 for weddings, 200 for divorces. They're usually taken within the day.
Come again next month.
We're related to Master Ting.
We have the same great grandfather. His great granduncle is my great granduncle.
- His great grandaunt - is my great grandaunt.
We're cousins, why can't we see him?
Of course you can.
- Master Ting. - Hello!
Have some tea...
- Let's... - Please...
Go ahead...
I'm surprised you're refined and polite, instead of snobbish and arrogant.
We're cousins, we should see more of each other.
You know what happened between our families?
My parents told me.
They acted upon an anonymous letter that led to a huge misunderstanding.
You believe them?
Why wouldn't I?
He seized my grandpa's assets. Don't tell me he had no choice!
They went by the rule of the village.
Did the rule tell him to banish them from home for good?
They almost died on the streets!
Maybe I'll host a dinner some day and we can sit down and discuss this.
We are family, after all.
Sit down with your parents? That would kill my mom on the spot!
Some family! We better not meet again.
Forget it!
Let's put that aside for now and get back to the matter at hand.
We're here to ask about the divorce.
If you're here for a social visit, I'd be happy to oblige.
If you need a number, you can come back next month.
What?
No special favors for cousins?
I'm going by the book.
You need rules to set a standard and the law to govern the state.
You can travel around the world if reason is on your side.
If not, you can barely take one step.
If everyone would abide by the rules, we could get more things done.
What a wind bag!
If there is a rule, we should abide by it.
Even the law makes room for exceptions
I'm only asking for a number for divorce.
You can't bargain with me.
Her Highness, Princess Chiu Yeung.
- Greetings, Princess. - At ease.
Greetings, Princess.
Good! You're all here.
I'm here about my divorce.
You don't have a number? If you don't, no dice.
Master Ting goes by the book.
You need a law to rule the state, right?
This month's quota ran out already.
Try again next month.
He must go by the book.
Very well!
I spoke with Minister Man. This is an order from him.
Will you handle this by the book?
I will, now that I have an order. I'll do it right now, please wait.
You're kidding!
You're still a Prince. Get someone to do the dirty work.
Show it off while you still have the title.
You'll lose the privilege after the divorce.
By law, there are three types divorce.
A peaceful separation, quick sentence or sever all ties.
Peaceful separation is when you mutually agree to go separate ways.
- Quick sentence is... - Enough! We want a peaceful separation.
Please be patient, Princess.
It's my duty to handle your divorce and explain the
conditions in detail, to avoid future arguments.
Make it quick.
Then stop interrupting me.
Where was I?
'By law...'
Under Chapter 14, article 109, regarding marriages
if husband and wife fail to get along
do not love each other, and want to be apart
that constitutes a peaceful separation.
By virtue of the Tang code...
All right... we know all of that, please go on.
Get to the point, skip the formalities.
How long does it take?
Because the Prince has third-rate status and the Princess is the Emperor's daugther
the divorce paper must be submitted to court for approval.
You may remarry only after you have written approval.
It can be as fast as two weeks or as long as three months.
That's... so quick.
Once you're divorced, if the Prince should die first
the Princess is not required to observe mourning.
If, however, the Princess should die first
the Prince should be in mourning for three years.
She talks like a bell ringing.
She'll live a long life even in severe winter conditions.
The Princess is blessed...
with a long, healthy, life.
On what grounds do you seek a divorce?
We don't get along, isn't that enough?
I have guidelines to follow. I must write down the reason in detail.
That's why...
Fine! He lacks virtues and constantly makes mistakes.
He knows nothing about the arts.
He's lazy and doesn't work and eats several bowls of rice at every meal.
I told you... why must you eat so much rice?
He's a slacker who's only interested in divination
and stares at me when I scold him.
Why? You should have closed your eyes!
There's more! He's a complete dog. He waits to be dressed and fed.
He hardly moves and is ignorant. He acts stupid, and faints all the time.
The Princess is so very kind.
It takes forever to count my shortcomings.
I don't have literary flair or a glib tongue.
My body aches all over. I like to gamble, smoke, drink and go whoring.
I hang out with fair-weather friends.
And I don't know how to please the Princess.
Well said! I like your honesty.
You're the scum of the earth, an insult to the family.
I'm also lecherous and despicable!
It's an insult to be with him.
It's not fair to the Princess.
We need a divorce!
Sounds like your marriage is intolerable.
This divorce demands immediate attention.
The procedure is rather simple.
The Prince will write a release paper.
Then what?
Come before me at the court house so I can be your witness.
I'll submit it to the Imperial court, pending their approval.
- What? - That's it?
Shall I explain it to you again?
No need!
Hurry up and write the release paper.
The scum hears you.
Hurry!
What? The Princess is divorcing Kam Dor Luk?
Yes! I heard she slapped him outside Yee Hung Lau.
She did?
Yes! I heard they went to see Master Wai.
Looks like they're serious.
I heard they're now the talk of the town.
You heard?
If you don't believe me, ask Master Wai.
Trust me! I've been in this business for over 20 years.
I can help Ting Fung Gold bring in more business.
You should hire me.
You should know we are related to the Kam's.
You were fired from Kam's Gold. If we hire you, we'll offend them.
Offending them is like offending the Princess.
Honey... things are different now.
That's right!
You worked for Kam's Gold for 20 years?
Yes!
- You know about their products? - Yes!
- You know their crafts and prices? - Yes!
I'll hire you.
Thank you, Master Ting.
Feel free to browse... Ladies, looking for accessories?
See anything you like, I'll ask my brother to personally follow up for you.
You look so sprightly today.
Madam Ma! Did you see anything you like?
You, of course!
Naughty!
You've gained weight and look so handsome.
What have you been eating?
- I have a better appetite. - Why?
Because I can see the sun amid the clouds.
I see smoke coming out of the rice pot.
I see happiness ahead of me. Very soon...
I'll be free as a bird.
- Really? - Yes!
- Really? - What is it?
Are you serious? That's great!
Really? That's great!
Ting Fung Gold is having a sale!
No charge for silver consumption or commission!
I'm sorry, Master Shau.
Why did the customers leave, one by one?
Exactly!
Oh my God...
Mother... Ting Fung Gold is having a sale.
They're charging less for the design and waive silver consumption and commission.
- What? - I know!
Did you know they hired Uncle Wing?
No wonder! He knows all about our prices and designs.
They can price us off the market.
They're selling below cost to hurt us. What should we do?
Help me move the pots over here.
Do it like this... don't bend over or you'll hurt your back.
What does that mean? I don't get it.
Right? Don't do this and don't do that...I don't understand.
Let me show you. Crouch down like this. Pick up the pot, stand up.
Don't bend over or you'll hurt your back.
Will I hurt my hand?
Of course not!
Are you sure? Show us again.
Watch me! See? You won't get hurt.
Now I get it.
Give me a hand.
Why? You're done.
Sz Tak did all the work.
You have nothing else to do?
Master Shau!
I'll give Granny Kam a massage. She likes my technique.
I'll be in the kitchen. Madam Yuk likes my tonic.
You're such a pushover, they're taking advantage of you.
I don't mind the work.
Why can't you say no?
You're doing all of their work.
A butler should behave like a butler.
Or they'll bully you.
You should tie up your purse.
The knot came loose.
You should get rid of it.
Everything in this shop costs five coppers.
If you buy two items and add one copper, they give you this purse.
Ladies and gentlemen, you can buy gold anywhere.
Only here can you find three different gift boxes at a discount price.
This splendid box set contains earrings, and an arm bracelet of the latest design
plus our best selling design worth 12 taels, for a special price of 10 taels.
Only 10 taels?
The fortune box set contains a hairpin, a bracelet
and an exquisitely made bell that are worth 22 taels.
You can have it for 15 taels.
You can save seven taels!
Last, but not least, the fortune box set contains
a hairpin, barrette, pendant, and earrings.
It's value for your money!
It's gorgeous.
Cheaper than Ting Fung Gold.
More exquisite craftsmanship too.
I want all of them...
We've sold over 200 sets today.
Smaller markup for greater volume can still yield profits.
At first we thought we wouldn't make any money
but there's a profit of 1 tael for each set.
We re-packaged some older styles at a lower price.
The customers think they've paid less so of course they'll come back.
We meant to melt the gold to make new pieces anyway.
Now we saved the work and silver consumption.
It's a win-win for us. We can clear the stock and get the business back.
Dor Shau, you should get all the credit.
When brothers unite... we're invincible!
That heartless couple will be so pissed!
Subtitles By TVB USA